Comments for The Singer

Comment on What is the value of these items: Large Church bell, Chopper axe, and Singer sewing machine? by pissy_old_lady

pissy_old_lady — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:15:59 +0000

Your local value of these items might be different than the value of these in my location. Any items such as those you have listed depend on availability and desire. The church bell I don't want to even guess on a value..not sure, but the 2 is the size of the bell. The axe might fetch you $20 around here because everyone has these laying around or being used in our area and usually the handle is worth more than the head of it. The sewing machine will sell in my area from $25-50 depending on the shape it is in (I am guessing it is the electric one with a rounded wooden case). These too are very plentiful in my area, keeping the value down.
References :

Comment on Why is my Singer 4210 sewing machine not pulling the fabric? by Margie C

Margie C — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:04:59 +0000

The instruction manual says the following things that may fabric from feeding through properly:

Is presser foot correctly attached to machine?
Is presser foot lowered?
Is stitch length correctly set?

I didn’t see in the instructions where this machine has a lever for dropping the feed dogs…if it has one…check that it is in properly.
Also, I noticed that if you take the bobbin case (thing bobbin goes into) out to clean & oil your machine, it goes back in under the feed dogs…is that in wrong?
Hope this helps.
Marge
References :
http://www.singerco.com/pdf/4205_4210.pdf
link to the manual.

Comment on Which sewing machine should I buy? by pattiann42

pattiann42 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:46:59 +0000

Visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can.

Tell them what you want to do and how much you can afford.

They will show you machines within your budget, and let you try out the machine. They may also offer lessons.

Take notes and then you select the machine and dealer you like best.

All the brands make excellent machines and will have a model that fits your need.

Making darts and puffed sleeves does not take any special machine as these techniques can also be done by hand sewing as well.
References :

Comment on Why is my Singer 4210 sewing machine not pulling the fabric? by Jim's Lady

Jim's Lady — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:40:59 +0000

take a look at the pressure adjustment

If the fabric is heavier you need to increase the pressure to make the stitching sandwich thinner.

this site will help you see if all the mechanical parts are in the correct configuration.

References :
http://homepage.mac.com/mbgoodman/clean/

Comment on Which sewing machine should I buy? by Shelfie58

Shelfie58 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:27:59 +0000

A mechanical (not computerized) machine won’t let you down. You can always upgrade as your skills increase. Do NOT buy an odd brand nobody has ever heard of, like dressmaker or anything you can buy at Walmart. Find a sewing machine dealer and see if they have any trade in models you can try out. Also, look for one with a "free arm" which is a lifesaver when it comes to sleeves and cuffs. Really old machines don’t generally have one.

Welcome to sewing. I absolutely LOVE the creativity I can express with it.

BTW, I have a Bernina 165 which I absolutely adore. But it was VERY expensive and I traded up probably three times before I got it.
References :

Comment on Which sewing machine should I buy? by janice

janice — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:22:59 +0000

The only Singer I would get would be a vintage one. The ones made today for home sewing are not the quality they once were. I was a Singer sewer for over 35 years. When it came time to buy a new machine, I went with the Kenmore 18221. I got it at Sears for about $150.00 on sale. It has everything I want and will sew everything I throw at it. I make all my clothes, bedroom outfit(Curtains, bedspread, shams, dust ruffle). Also pumped out 17 Fleece Snuggles for Christmas. It doesn’t miss a beat. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good machine. As great as some Vintage machines can be, they are better if you have some knowledge of sewing. I would opted for an inexpensive(dependable)new machine at this point. You will get warranties and an instruction book. I’ve always felt that 50% of sewing is knowing your machine.
References :
36 years of sewing.

Comment on looking to price an antique singer sewing machine, Dated 1906 model/serial # d740999? by kay

kay — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:06:59 +0000

Singer’s web page suggests your machine is one of a lot of 20,000 Model 66 machines commissioned on December 18, 1908, at their factory in Elizabeth, NJ.
http://www.singerco.com/pdf/SINGER_D_nos.pdf

If this is an electric or electrified machine, in average but working condition, it would go for about $0-50 in my area (PNW US)… more if it’s a handcrank or treadle, more if it’s in pristine condition, with original manuals and accessories. But nothing astronomical. 66s are good machines that can still be sewing in the next century if they’re kept oiled and dry.
References :
50 years of sewing; amateur sewing machine mender

Comment on Why is my Singer 4210 sewing machine not pulling the fabric? by drip

drip — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:03:59 +0000

I would check the presser foot then. It the screw on tight, Put the foot down without fabric, does it look right. Take it back to the sewing machine store you bought it at. Mine is always ready to help.
References :

Comment on What is the fastest way to become a better singer? by Kab

Kab — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:59 +0000

No it is not true. The effective way is to study singing. Preferably with an instructor. Even the top singers use vocal coaches.
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Comment on Which sewing machine should I buy? by Emily T

Emily T — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:58:59 +0000

The old vintage sewing machines are better quality than anything made today. All you need for sewing is straight stitch, reverse, and zigzag. Any Singer up to the early 400 models have all metal innards — something that only "industrial strength" machines have now. If you take care of a vintage Singer or Singer clone, it will outlive you.

The best were made in Italy, in the mid-1900’s. The second best machines were made in Japan, after World War II (circa 1950 and later.) If you look in your newspaper or on your local CraigsList, you should be able to pick up a good used machine for around $25. If you ask on FreeCycle, many people have old machines they would like to see go to a good home, where they will be used and appreciated. Another place to look is your local vac & sew store. Many people "trade up" their sewing machines, and good basic models are plentiful and inexpensive.

I would look for something like a Singer FashionMate model 237, a Necchi BU, or a Kenmore zigzag model 158 series. I’ve used all of those, and any of them will do everything you need for clothing construction. They are all high quality machines, with better construction than anything you can buy new today.
References :
30 years of Personal experience in sewing, alterations and quilting, Yahoo discussion group vintagesingers@yahoogroups.com