Carmen both of my Singer seniors came from my mom,you can't beat the 221 for denim,canvas etc. and the 337 does a beautiful zig zag stitch. Plus, they're almost indestructable! :D

Turn the garment around and make two stitches forward to lock in a seam.

Ya'll hang on to the 221 Singers. They are like gold to people that collect old machines or do alot of quilting.

My PFAFF has a button to lock in a seam instead of backstitching. Ive been sewing so long that it is just old habit to use the backstitch button.
You could learn to do "free hand" embroidery on the sewing machine. That is something that I have done and it is fun. My mother used to embroider flowers (very detailed) on towels,garments and linens with this method.

I wouldn't trade my seniors for anything, LOL, when we left because of hurricane Ike I packed up the pictures,the important papers,the Singers & Janomes and the furkids. My hubby asked if I was sure I didn't want him to load all my patterns & fabric too?:p I thought about it!

Yep,the older machines would make any trip that we had to make,and there are a few. Singer 201, 2-301s,401A and a tiny lil 99. I love my older machines,they can make the most perfect buttonholes time,after,time,after,time. I have all of the attachments and cams for all of my machines so I can pick one up and run out the door with it. The PFAFF stays in a cabinet.

A newer model machine is ALL plastic and nylon and therefore doesnt weigh much. Most pre-1975 machines have cogs that are made of metal and therefore are going to weigh more. The trade there is that you cannt overheat and melt or wear down the metal cogs. I sew alot (couple of hours most days) and I have worn out a couple of machines that would of cost more to repair than I paid for them. Because my PFAFF (1995) machine is much younger than the others and computerized it goes in for PM EVER year when I am on vaca. It costs me $100 to $120 just to get it cleaned and adjustments made and it can only be touched by a certified PFAFF tech,because if something is broken on it they are the only ones that can purchase parts. My PFAFF was a gift to me when my last child was born. I personally would not purchase a machine from Walmart or Costco or Sam's. I have taught sewing and so far the cheaper machines have only caused frustration to my students. If you purchase a new machine from a Sewing Machine Dealer you usually get lessons on how to run the thing along with it. I believe that you are in Dallas,there is a very nice dealer that carries several makers of machines located in the mid-cities Richland Sewing Center. They also give classes. If this is to far,you might look up a quilting shop close to you and ask if they know of a dealer in your area that carries several types of machines.

Yes, I'm getting the hang of it, lol.

I just bought a Featherweight 221 last month... I'm still cleaning and oiling it so I haven't actually sewn with it yet... keeping my fingers crossed. They command quite a price on Ebay!

Great idea! I'm torn between learning to do freehand machine embroidery or getting one of those fancy machines, lol. I have plenty of time to decide though.

I tell people that sew is like painting,only with fabric. I have watched the embroidery machines demo and they dont seem to need your hand involved,you purchase software or program them to make what you want. I like to be involved in the creativity.
A couple of Christmas's ago I made linen shawls for EVERY girl in the family. I did free hand celtic knots on each of them. Some were big in the middle,some small and on the ends,some smaller and in each corner. To me it was alot of fun and I spent time thinking about each person that I was making something for. Even my 16yr old daughter loves hers.

I dont know alot about embroidery machines,but I do know that I used to watch my mother blend colors just like when she painted and she made some beautiful things.

I just bought a Featherweight 221 last month... I'm still cleaning and oiling it so I haven't actually sewn with it yet... keeping my fingers crossed. They command quite a price on Ebay![/QUOTE]


The nice thing is you can open it up and SEE inside to clean and oil and adjust. The newer machines are sealed and take a special tool to open (that I dont own). In the older handbooks it actually TELLS you how to trouble shoot and sometimes fix your machine.

I collect older machines and people tend to drop their unwanted older machines off at my house,think of it as a sewing machine rescue.

I have a great machine tech that specializes in vintage machines. Not sure what I will do if he ever retires.

I'd agree with other members buy an inexpensive beginners machine.

I'm no help, mine is an Elna made back in the mid '60, it's built like a tank.

I don't know the weight of any newer machines but my Featherweight comes in at 11 lbs.

The 337 weighs 23 lbs.

Not meaning to hijack this thread but here's a link for Singer service manuals:
April 1930's - A Sewing Shoppe...Parts, Manuals & Supplies