I "avoided" the multiple sewing machine "problem" by buying a 1915 hand-crank Singer 99K. And then finding All of the attachments. Fun fact - automatic zigzag and buttonhole feet do not need electricity to work... hello knitwear... This does in no way prevent me from seriously pausing over any vintage treadle I stumble across. But so far none have followed me home. Your pod of machines are lovely. Thank you for sharing them. The Featherweight Shop on the west coast sells LED replacement lights for the older ladies. Because we older ladies need the light (I'm looking straight at you, 1915). Glad you had yourselves much fun in your travels. Breaks are a good thing. So are paying contracts... Take care, - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I love the quotes in your first sentence 🤣🤣🤣 though I’m not sure how a hand crank gets you past wanting more sewing options in your life! I just saw your replies on our community tab, I’m gonna check that shop out. I was so excited to use the FW for videos but realized the light wouldn’t work for videos. And I’d hate to use sticky strip lighting! And yes….when breaks and paying contracts and fun converge, that’s the trifecta right there 😁💗
@@handmadeharriells Mmm, the pod of sewing machines "issue". I will admit I would trip over toddlers to get a Singer 201... in the meantime I self-sooth by telling myself I have all the little shiny feet implements that will make my hand crank do everything it can... like those old commercials for the army... be all that you can be; sew all that you can sew... Perfection on breaks, and contracts and time the heck off of it all converging. Something for you triple-threat humans to aim for. Well done, Kiddos, well done.
Wow! I just have my workhorse Singer, but she’s perfect for the sewing I do! I learned on an old treadle machine, our family’s only sewing machine, until Mama got a new Singer ( with cams for fancy stitches!) Can’t wait for the next video!!❤️
Thank you for sharing your collection. My primary sewing machine is a Singer 15-1, treadle from 1886. Sews the loveliest straight stitches. If you ever want to try a simple vintage machine that won't let you down, a 66 red eye (actually any 66, into the 1950's, where they have back stitch as well) . Easy machine, rarely needs adjustments. Doesn't have automatic anything, but sews beautifully. Thank you again Marcy, You always make me smile. Can hardly wait for your next vid when Rob joins you, you are a lovely team.
thank you G! He’ll be joining me in today’s video (we will be acting up as usual 😅) I’ve eyed a red eye a few times, this is dangerous advice for the next time I see one…..I may have to blame you if one follows me home 😉
@@handmadeharriells 💖they are lovely machines. I have more than one (I did not say that) and they have never let me down. And don't let a bad motor stop you, you can get replacement motors 😀ALmost all the parts are findable. Sorry for being an enabler
Hey, lovely to see you back! I too give my machines names as I spend a lot of time talking to them, Judi Juki, (all bells and whistles) and Sally singer (112 years old and can so anything as long as it’s in a straight line and slowly!) Glad you are back. X
I started sewing after I retired. Said I would never end up with a bunch of machines like SOME people. Yeah. I now have four. And I love all of them. Think about selling one or two of them but then I can't decide which one to part with. Again, I love them all. I have a Bernina, Janome, Juki, and a vintage Kenmore.
I learned to see on a singer treadle machine. My mom sewed so many of our clothes on it. She still has it and it still works great. ( She said it was old when she learned to see on it, my mom is 82 )
Hi Marcy, so glad to see you back! I have 9 in my herd, including a 1912 hand crank. I agree that a new Brother is very intuitive, but my Rocketeer 500 is a lot more fun (& breaks down much less). Hooray for vintage machines!
Lovely! I have an old Bernina Record (vintage, inherited from my grandmother) and a Singer Heavy Duty. I concur about how EASY to maintain and QUIET the Bernina (vintage) is. I got the Singer after my vintage Kenmore (a find my husband scored for me) died in a horrible accident. I have to say, I still miss my Kenmore and although I like some of the things the Singer does (I can s sew button holes and have even more decorative stitches to cover my clothing with!) It still doesn't beat the Kenmore or the Bernina for sewing knits! Also, even though it is easier to maintain than some other new machines, it isn't as easy to maintain and is much noisier than the Bernina. If anyone wondered why we have more than one sewing machine, it's because different machines handle fabrics differently. You can sew anything on any machine of you're determined, but sometimes it is so much easier not to feel like you have to fight the machine that is supposed to make this easier!
That last sentence is SO TRUE. And the machine has to fit the sewist, like I would rather have a classic ford pickup truck than a bmw! One of my first machine was an all metal gimbals branded Kenmore. LOVED that guy.
Hi Marcy, I have a collection of machines too, including vintage singer and love each one for a different reason :) I enjoyed your video (as I do all your videos) and seeing all these machines. Have a lovely day and happy sewing1
Oh how I missed you, Marcy! I clicked so fast when I saw the new vid. Hearing you talk about the pros and cons of each machine reminds me so much of helping customers at Madame Joann's pick a good machine for them. You taught me some things I didn't know! As a garment sewer, I use a brother for stitching most things, and a serger for knits and for finishing raw edges on woven materials. I like how Brother machines are intuitive... they work the way you think they should.
🥰thank you, Brittany! I’ve only marginally stitched on a Brother, but oh, how I ogle the machines every time I’m at Madam Joann’s. As if I need another 🤣
Hi Marcy! So glad to see you're back! I have 3 sewing machines. My first is my Elna with cams I bought in 1980 when I married, she, too is very tempermental! Then a Singer and another Singer that I was given by a neighbor. The last one is a good work horse but she comes unthreaded alot . Ugh!
Nice to see you! I have a singer 2333 and it sucked all knit fabric into the thoat plate so I just couldn't anymore! Even with a walking foot it was hard but now in on to my next and I love singer 9960. Can't wait to see what you have for us in your next video!
Hello Marcy. Greetings from Australia! I LOVE sewing machines too, I have four vintage Singers (including the same Featherweight as you have...), four Berninas, and a Necchi machine. I have recently gotten out my old Bernina 830 to sew on as it had been to the technician to have a gear replaced and I had a sew on it and oh my, I forgot how beautiful she was to sew on. I am hoping to add a Bernina 930 and a 'Sport' to my 'collection very soon as I just LOVE them. Lucky I am not alone in my passion, as I have met many new friends on Facebook that also have a big collection of machines. Thank you for the tip about the Pfaff 'Tiptronic' I will keep my eye out for one of those too and I am also after a Pfaff 1222E, as well as adding to my Necchi collection..... I look forward to seeing all of your other machines sometime, do you have an Industrial?
I am so grateful to you for this video! I have been sewing for about 6 years and I have only owned 2 entry-level machines + a serger (the Singer 4432 and Janome JW8100). I now use a Janome 780DC, which is wonderful for the garment sewing that I love. I understand why you love "Ms. (Ber)Nina Simone" ;) as well as Ricky, Lucy, and George! Thanks for the true words regarding the ambassador programs and I respect not trying to influence us to potentially buy something that might not be the best fit. You are awesome! 🌟
@@handmadeharriells oh yes, I use (and love) my serger (a Janome 8002D)! I am learning about different finishing techniques, but still use it for most garment sewing finishing. :)
Good morning Marcy & Robb! Marcy I would really appreciate it if you would be so kind to do a tutorial on shirring with elastic. I LOVE your tutorials. Hope all is well! THANK YOU!
You need to add to your some day list Hayes Sewing Machine in Delaware. You need to meet Mr and Mrs Hayes they have been in the biz for a little under a million years. Look them up. You will love them.
What a great array of cool machines. Thanks for describing them with the pros and cons. It helps when I'm looking at machines... but I'm good, for now, after my daughter bought me a new, used Pfaff. It has taken some getting used to after sewing on my old Bernina 117. Conceived in 1938 and born in 39, (I was born in '38) I got it in about '57. Sewed a lot of clothes on it while the kids were growing up, but being all metal, It's too heavy for me now. My son has asked for it, so time to let it go. *snif.* Good to see you. Hi to Rob.
@@handmadeharriells ... Somehow he has ended up with a little display of old machines from the family. They are on display in his office. Pretty cool, huh?
A+ Marcie you love your machines as much as I love mine. I have a machine at my sisters' house and I miss her as much as you miss your Featherlight. Good luck to anyone just starting, watch Marcie because you will learn without struggling. Birdy
I switched to a Bernina sewing machine recently. I agree with everything you said about your machine, including Bernina Jeff. I love my Bernina for sure. I use the straight stitch plate a tremendous amount. Good to see you back. Take care.
I love my Pfaffs, could never get a balanced stitch with a Bernina - but the dealer couldn’t either, so I didn’t take it personally - and covet a Juki. So many machines, so little time and $$$.
Hahahaha! When the dealer can’t do it, that’s telling! Was it a machine with a wide swing? My Bernina does get a nice straight stitch without that needle swing.
@@handmadeharriells It was every single machine in her shop. She said she didn't have time to balance each machine. Um duh, way to lose a sale. She has since retired.
Ok. So I found some vintage sewing machine parts in nyc. You could probably find the parts you need. It’s on Facebook market near midtown. I taught myself to repair mine myself.
BTW, I know for the Berninas, you can purchase a single hole throat plate. This is great for getting that perfect straight stitch. It's greatfor doing top stitching on denim and is recommended for doing the machine embroidery (not decorative stitches). Maybe the Pfaff have something like that for Gorgeous George?
Yes, I’ve got SS plates for both! That’s a “new” machine perk that I love. The stitch on those machines with a wider swing still go a little askew, though. Could you really do anything but straight stitches with it though?
@@handmadeharriells Other than loving all the fancy-dancy stitches on new machines....let's face it you really only need a good straight stitch right? Welll....maybe.....a buttonhole feature LOL. I do have several "decorative stitch" attachments for my old Featherweight though. They are sooo fun to watch as they move the fabric to achieve decorative stitches.
Good to see you back, and thanks for sharing your tips and tricks on your sewing machines. My first sewing machine was the old Singer foot treadle machine. All manual. Her name was Myrtle. I've had Singer's since then, and I've been looking for another brand. Thanks 😊
LOVED THIS VIDEO! I'm currently down to 5 machines. Oldest to youngest... #1 - 1962 Singer 401A, was my mother's so her name is "Sylvia", #2- 1963 to 1965 Kenmore "Kent", #3 - late 1990s Kenmore "Kendra", #4 - 1999 Gammill Classic (long-arm quilting machine with NO bells or whistles) purchased brand new, "Millie" and #5 - last (but not least) is my early 2000s little Janome Gem Gold Plus named after her previous owner "Peggy Lynn". The only one that is not operational (and also, not repairable) is "Sylvia". I love each one for different reasons and have no plans to part with any of them. 🙂
OMG I can't believe you're back!!!! So glad you're here!!!! I have 9 (I think) machines. Most are antiques for display...but with a cleaning and oiling I could probably use them too. I have 4 that I sew on. Mostly, when at home, with my Bernina 570. If I'm doing really heavy duty stuff I use either my Pfaff Tiptronic 6270 or my mil's Husquavarna. I take those to Quilt Guild too. And then if I feel like getting really nostalgic and entertain the other Guild members, I take my 1948 Featherweight - so dang CUTE and quiet!
I enjoyed meeting your menagerie. I have 2 Berninas, one is 49 and the other one 26 years old. Last year I bought myself a Brother Innovis F420. I am in love! I still use the other 2 when sewing jeans. Then I have 2 overlockers, Bernette and Elna. What can I say, I love them all. Thanks for sharing
Welcome back..from Australia. Had to watch this twice because I missed you so much. I've got 3 machines all for the reasons you have described. BIG BETTY..little Dot and Middy..
So great to see 1/2 of you two back here. Glad also to hear that you share same passion of sewing machine collections. Lol Also agree that each does their own thing so well and have their own gifts & fails. But I have a bit of both older mechanical and newbies computerized ones.
Hey, I have 3 sewing machines and 2 sergers. My first ( the first is always special, sigh) was an Elna SU electronic. Like your Ricci it has the discs, weighs a ton and is on it's second motor. 41 years old. #2 was a cheap Brother from Walmart. It's a beast though. The "newest" is a Husqvarna. Works great but fussy. I learned to sew 45 years ago on my Mom's built in Pfaff treadle machine that she had a motor added to. I made my entire wardrobe on that one. Happy sewing, I love your videos.
I love how much you love your machines. I attempt to use my mom's very basic Brother sewing machine, but when things go wrong I don't understand how to fix it and then I get really frustrated. This happens to me with every sewing machine I've used, so I often just stick to hand sewing. But I would really love to understand machines like you do so I can both appreciate them more AND use them effectively. Hand sewing is fun but it takes so long and sometimes I want to make something faster.
Not to enable you, but it sounds like you need a new machine! The grey one I’m using in this video : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mxhAtl-zOlk.html is very user friendly, it’s the one I recommend to all levels 💗 There’s a link to it in the description box!
You don't say what exactly goes wrong, but I wonder if your problems are the all-machine go-to basics like "clean the bobbin compartment", "change the needle", "re-thread the machine", or "oil the machine"? Those are, indeed, the go-tos when things go wrong, and it's quite surprising how far you can get with a basic machine just with those...
I love @berninaJeff, but sadly I unsubscribed today since I don't have one and cannot afford one. Love You!!! I was wanting someone to do a sewing machine episode since I need a new one. My daughter's Prom dress killed my old Brother CS-100!! Thanks.
Death by prom dress, oh noooo! I think daughter might need to help you find a new one….or an old one? I’ve been eyeing the goodwill online auction section, they are a ton of vintage machines there that seem to go for a sensible price. (Though some aren’t checked, so you have to be careful!)
I am so glad you posted this. If or when I get another machine, I definitely want/need one with a built in walking foot....I use my walking foot allll the time, but taking it off and on sometimes.....whew!!! But, really this was good to see, so I know one of my must haves 😊
Glad to see u back , missed u guys. 🥳 Thanks for showing us ur stash of machines 🥳🤩😂 I think 🤔 a lot of sewers have a stash of pattens fabrics n machines I have 10 plus can’t leave those old machines at thrift shops especially when they are all under $ 50.00 now my daughter is thrifting n bringing me pretty old machines 🤣🥳🥳🤪🙄😬 Oh My it’s a sickness, a sweet Illness 👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
My early 60s era straight stitch only Husqvarna has THE nicest most balanced stitch. I will always use it if I do top stitching (and for heavy duty stuff)... Buuuuut I love so many of the features of my newer Pfaff (yes IDT!!!) that I usually sew on it and sacrifice a small amount of stitch quality. The needle swing on my Pfaff is not as big as on yours though so it still does a pretty decent job for most things! PS having multiple sewing machines isn't a "problem", it's a solution so you always have the right tool for the job!
I desperately want a husky vintage machine after seeing its curves on a new friend’s desk….honestly I’m surprised she didn’t escort me out of the room, the way I was eyeballing it 😅 Yes, it’s a SOLUTION. LOVE IT.
Hello Marcy. I love watching machine videos. I have five Brothers (three for sewing, a 1034D serger and PE770 embroidery) and I love them all. I also have the Janome Purple Thunder that I only use to sew scraps together. I did get rid of two machines this year. I would love to see follow-up videos. That Ricky machine is fire!
I love Ricarr machines, my Dad, who was a tailor, was so impressed with the metal gears. I had one that I sewed on for years until the motor died! I haven't found anything that can touch that one. The main problem is finding replacement parts.
Yes, disappearing parts is the main downfall of vintage machines. And disappearing mechanics for the more elaborate repairs…. I hear your Dad’s profession is also in need of people to take on the craft. Makes me love Ricky even more to hear a tailor was impressed with any cousin of his 😁
I'm so glad to see this video, because I thought I was crazy with my menagerie! I had to downsize a little because they were taking up too much space, good news is I was able to share them during the pandemic when machines were getting scarce! Also, for Miss Ball, I know an excellent machine repair shop in So Cal, in Lancaster CA called Al's Vac and Sew. He knows his machines inside and out! But if you go let me know cause I would get the biggest kick meeting you!
I love seeing some of your machines!!! I just have my one machine that my Soror GAVE me back in 2010. Her name is Sangah, because she is a Singer. 🤭 But, I am considering a Bernina similar to the one I used in a class.
I just stumbled onto your channel and you are adorable! Mixing it up with machines is so fun and they each have their own personalities. I have a Featherweight too and I love it, but I love my Singer 201 more. Also have a 30 yr old Viking, a 10yr Babylock Ellisimo (currently on a slow boat the China for repairs. Really!) and a recently purchased Babylock Vesta so I can introduce grandchildren to sewing via the embroidery side. Also 2 sergers and a long-arm quilting machine in the basement. Hmmm. I may have a problem.....
You're so right that we all need different things from our machines... I have a Singer Tradition, which is basically a more modern tabletop version of the vintage Lucznik I learned on. (Sadly not fully metallic innards, but close enough.) Have had it for over a decade now, and I still haven't been tempted to switch - even though I can also easily see how someone else might have been tempted away ages ago by things like embroidery stitches or more automated functions, or a greater workhorse of an industrial machine! But me, I just need a simple machine where I know exactly what I'm doing - fancier things are what handsewing is for. :D Also, neved occurred to me about the needle swing, but - that must be one of the reasons why the machine still satisfies. I'm also a garment sewer. Who occasionally ambles away to pillowcases and things like that. Sewing away at long straight seams without worry is kind of paramount. P.S. Speaking of naming machines, that one's name is Ema, because it's white with baby blue and red, and kinda round, a bit like a toy machine, and a bit of a starter machine to learn on, and Ema is a name from alphabet books, so it seemed to fit when I got it. The Lucznik is Lucznik. He refuses to be renamed.
The needle rod - whatever you call it - wobbles in a way that we can't just tighten a screw or something. So it would need servicing, but it's got its own little table/cupboard and its metallic innards, and we're a very public transport family (that's Europe for you), so we haven't gotten around to taking it to servicing yet...
No shade intended. Sweetheart... just because it is over twenty years old, doesn't mean it is a great machine. My 100-year-old machine, which only does a straight stitch, still sews in the fabulous way that it did in 1920. Everything else is simply gravy, very complicated, breakable, gravy. Now if you want to do all that extra stuff and you have a great sewing machine mechanic, then You Go Girl.
Guuurl, I have a problem. I have a 1902 Jones Queen Alexandra hand crank, 1907 Singer 27 treadle (frame off restoration, learned a BUNCH), 1927 Singer 66 (Baby Girl has this one now), 1973 Singer 237 (gifted!), 1962 Singer 500a Rocketeer (my daily driver, what a beast), 2000 Kenmore computerized (currently dead, looking for a motor). I really wish I’d not gotten rid of my Brother mechanical because hubby said I didn’t need two machines (what a putz). You left your baby Featherweight behind, but I guarantee she does a perfect stitch! That’s my dream machine! Also have a 25 year old Simplicity serger, still runs great. The vintage machines with metal parts are almost indestructible, but if you’re going that route, pick up Singers. You can find parts for those all day long on eBay.
Oh yes, I love that featherweight stitch! I used to bring her back and forth and then decided she needed to be a homebody when tsa lines went hardcore. Has hubby recovered from that misstep?
I have two Janome machines and a 1954 Singer. I have sewn on Pfaff, Singer and Janome machines my whole life. My newest, a Janome 6700P, has an 11" throat clearance. I got it just before the pandemic and still haven't named it. Maybe I should name it Linda Lovelace?
Glad you're back. Love the wide array of sewing machines. Between my sister and I we have six sewing machines and one serger. One question though...how old does a machine have to be to be considered vintage?
Thankya & good question! Google says 40 years old, which actually puts Lucy just shy of vintage…though you sure can’t tell from the lack of replacement parts 😅
Hey again should have wtiiten my book to you here but I didn’t it’s further down in your videos, Hubby making Bazooka Drink KWIM?? It’s there however did do the th👍 for you!!
You know you need to get a life when you find yourself standing the shower wondering what in the world happened to Marcy Harriell? LOL Nice to see you are okay.
