A Look Back (and Forward)

It's been quite awhile since my last post. I've been concentrating more on buying and selling, so things have been busy in that vein, but not so busy in terms of collecting or using new machines.

One of my more interesting acquisitions has been that of a Consew 206RG-3 industrial, walking-foot sewing machine. Mary was given a good amount of leather, and while the Singer 316 (with walking-foot attachment) has been doing a good job of handling that, I thought a more robust machine was in order. I've made a couple of leather bags and have enjoyed the process, though I find I don't have time to delve too deeply into sewing. It is nice, however, to know that should any tough job come along, Mary has the power to get through anything. The servo motor I added sure made the learning curve less steep. Great machine.

Pictures in the blog will attest to other projects in the works, or completed. There's the Singer 'Red Eye" in the Parlor cabinet. It's surprising how nice a treadle machine will sew!

You'll note, too, the Singer 306 and Singer 319; such tough-seeming machines with a remarkable level of engineering and quality. They sure don't make them like this anymore!

And there is my latest: a Pfaff 230 Automatic – very impressive machine!

 A few others have spent time on my bench: a Bernina 1230, a couple of Bernina 830s, another Bernina 730, and a number of cabinets as well. All 're-homed' for others to enjoy for years to come.

Prices have taking a hit this last year in the SF Bay Area. Many machines can be found for much less than would have been their asking price a year ago. Consequently, I'm focusing on higher-end machines with a loyal following; Berninas are always in demand, and rightly so. Those machines that are new to me, but are known to others as time-tested favorites, like the 306 and 319, are a pleasure to work on despite any difficulty in convincing others that mid-century, vintage machines are the way to go. It's plain that such quality will never be marketed again. In this throw-away world, the tried and true of yesteryear wins out in my book.

I'm looking forward to sharing with others the fruits of my labors –my latest finds – this Holiday Season, and hope for some success in getting into the hands of new owners some of the many interesting machines that spend time on my bench.