In one of my previous J&O Fabric Store blogs I shared with you how my mothers black and grey metal Singer was both intimidating and yet compelling as well; drawing me to it as my mother showed me how to become not only more self-sufficient, but a good caretaker for the family I would one day create. With a thick rubber belt that now reminds me of the timing belt on my car, an adjustment knob that was about the size of a saucer, and weighing in at what seemed to be comparative to the weight of a small child, that old Singer was one sturdy machine. And though time would erase the exact date of her departure, my memories would create a blueprint for succeeding sewing machines to measure up to. They had to be dependable, strong, and low maintenance. But just like many other oldie but goodies that modern technology has replaced, the machines of my day would fall short of my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, I sure can appreciate the portability and extra tricks my plastic Kenmore can perform, but nothing beats my mama’s black and grey Singer. Even after all these years, I still keep an industrial Singer on hand just in case my 58-stitch-built-in-needle-threader-machine fails me. Funny thing though, is that it seems I’m not the only one. After my co-worker posed her own inquiry to our fabulous facebook fans asking the question, “What do you miss most about the older sewing machines?”, the overall response seemed to speak for itself. So in ode to the Old, take a moment to check out some of our people pole views.
“Nothing!…lol maybe less complicated to learn how to operate them…oh wait I still have an older machine…lol.” –Margie Bailey
“What’s to miss? I pretty much only use my Kenmore 52. I also have a mid-70s Singer. The only “new” machine I use is my Babylock Evolve serger.” –Tonya Coe Stephenson
” The heavier foot pedals. The food pedals are so light these days, they move all over the place.” -Lesley Asher Rackowski
“Metal, brute strength….anyone have a replacement belt for my circa 1958 Pfaff? I’m going to make jewelry with the broken one, it looks very steam-punk, black webbed belt with double row of brass teeth!” -Tracy Thomson
” Yes, metal! And they seem to have more room to maneuver the project on which you’re working.” – Laura Ondich
” That if there was a problem you didn’t need a technician to figure it out for you. All the wonderful new computerized parts just make it that much more aggravating when they go on the fritz.
But all in all I love my new Ellure plus.” -Nora Ockerlander Kelly
“ Not a thing as my favorite sewing machines are both Singers, one manufactured in 1947 and one in 1952.” -Susan M. Parker
” I’ve never used a newer machine. I’ve had a New Home flatbed for 45+ years and I have no desire to give it up! “ – Patsy Bolles Koffer
” How easy it was to thread! ” –Christina Sims Reeve
” Not a thing since I got my Bernina! I have a 60’s machine I have an old Phaff 40’s machine and I have a singer treadle!” –Pame Derr
“My first Singer was all metal and it NEVER “jumped” all over the table once I got over a certain “speed limit“. – Jennifer Bruton Suleiman
” I have a pre-WWll Pfaff and it is my machine of choice, built like a tank and performs fabulously!” –Teresa Hoke-House
” Not having to worry about over heating the Motherboards and just keep sewing. also you Don’t have to worry about how thick your seams are, they old 201’s and the Other older machines are/were made for taking the licks and keep on sewing. Like an old Tymex!” – JoAnn Paralusz
” Not a thing. I’m still using my first sewing machine, a circa 1969 Fleetwood. What a work horse!” –Deb Berthelot
” Not a thing. Mine’s computerized and still has metal. (euro-pro)” -Sheila Schaefer
” My Bernina is all them combined in one plus computerized!!! I love my baby!! And I’m 51 been sewing since age of 5, plus sewed in the manufacturing business for over 24 years. and no machine compares to my Bernina!!! “ – anonymous
I miss the knee pedal. It was always in one place and you never had to worry about it moving.