New to Me - Singer 201

I've been searching for the "ideal" sewing machine for

machine quilting. I'm not sure this is it...but I'm willing

to give it a try.

Over the holidays I test drove this model...a Bernina 830.

It has all the bells and whistles and a 12 inch throat space.

 It also has the ability to be mounted on a frame for machine

quiliting. Sweet! This machine has it all!

The only draw-back is the price...$12,000!

Yes, you are reading it right. Twelve grand for a sewing machine?

Are you serious? Several reviews I researched stated that

it takes a certified technician to repair it.

 So keep that in mind if you buy one.

 

Another machine I looked at was the Juki 98Q. It has

alot of nice features including the needle up/down button

and a knee lift to control the presser foot. It also has the

ablility to be mounted and used with a quilting frame.

It only features a straight stitch but for the price of

 about $1,000 it definitely was a contender

in my list of options.

The throat space on this machine measures 9" x 6".

While gathering information online, I ran across the Singer 201.

This gear driven machine was first made in the 1930's and

was the top of the line model during that time period.

The production line ran for about twenty years,

and was marketed as an "industrial" strength

machine for the home. It has a  throat space

measuring 8 1/4" x 5 3/4".

 It only offers a straight stitch like other

Singers made during that time period, but attachments

can be added to enable button holes and zig-zag stitches.

It has low shank attachments

 that are compatible with the Singer 221.

I actually watched quite a few

machines sell on ebay, but the thing that bothered me about an

online purchase was that I could not see and hear

the machine run. So imagine my delight to find this beauty

for sale on craigslist!

The lady posting the ad was very knowledgeable about

the machine itself and was able to answer all my questions.

 In fact, she has her own little online store specializing in

vintage sewing machines.

(If you are in the market for a vintage machine,

I can highly recommend doing business with Julia!)

The Queen Anne's cabinet features a knee controller

that actually controls the foot pedal.

(I had to stand on my head to get this photo..so look closely! )

It took me awhile to get the hang of it, but I think

I'm going to like using this feature.

When fully opened, this cabinet makes a sizeable workspace.

Although it needs some TLC, this cabinet is a keeper.

 I'm hoping to refinish the top sometime soon to restore it

to it's former glory.

This particular machine was made in 1939 and features

 scroll work on the face plate. The face plate was changed

to a simpler design during WWII. So if you see a model 

with the scroll work,

you will know it was made before the war began.

The paint is in great condition for it's age...other than a few

chips here and there and some wear along the front edge.

The motor sounds great...and actually hums!

The feed dogs drop for free motion quilting.

It came with all these wonderful accessories!

The best part however, is that it makes a beautiful stitch!

Look closely...do you think this stitch looks any

different from the stitch of the $12,000 machine?