Chatterbox Quilts’ Blog
Helping Quilters Learn and Improve
Most people who are looking to buy a vintage sewing machine are doing it out of the love of these unique and attractive machines. Do a little homework, apply some elbow grease, and display your machine effectively and you will sell your machine for the best price.
"This is the last vintage sewing machine that I'm going to buy". I know I have said it before, but I always mean it... until I see that vintage sewing machine that I just have to have!
What did I add to my collection this time? A Singer 15-97 with RAF decals and a special badge.
Once I confirmed that the sewing machine was still available, I jumped in the car with my cash in hand. I have an evaluation kit that I take with me when I’m looking at purchasing a “new” vintage sewing machine. It helps me make sure that a "great deal" is also a working machine. I was in such a hurry, that I almost forgot to take it with me, but remembered and grabbed it just before I jumped in the car. I was so glad I did! I have a link in the blog to a free Evaluation Kit List so that you can put together your own kit for your next vintage sewing machine shopping excursion.
The best thing about owning a vintage sewing machine is… no, not stitching with it, which is pretty amazing, but repairing and maintaining it. Unlike modern machines, vintage sewing machines need a bit more TLC, but I love this part of working with my machines.
I feel a deep connection with my machine and love learning all its little quirks. This connection is deepened when I clean it, make simple repairs, and oil it. I get a real feeling for how to get the best from my vintage sewing machine and learn when it needs a little maintenance or oiling. (I’m thirsty, feed me).
One of the most important things I learned from my early experiences was that you need to be able to assess a machine knowledgeably when considering a purchase to ensure that you pay a fair price for it. The best deals are when someone is selling a machine privately and you usually do not have a lot of time to look the machine over. You really need to know about the model you are considering and ensure all the important parts are functional, and, if they aren’t, that you will be able to fix them. You don’t want to miss out on a good deal, but you also want to ensure that you are getting a functional machine.
