J. Conlon and Sons

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sewing Machine Meme

Sew, Mama, Sew is sponsoring Sewing Machine Month. There are prizes to be won!

And they've posted a meme so everyone can join in the fun...

What brand and model do you have?
Singer Stylist, Zig-Zag Model 476 (You know it's a fancy machine when the feature they call out is the zig-zag stitch.)

How long have you had it?
I have had it for about 15 years. But it was my mom's before that. The machine is over 40 years old.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I really have no idea. I did a search on ebay and got one result where it was being sold for $50.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
All of the above! Seriously, I sew patchwork and I quilt on it, make clothes and curtains, even some softies.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
It really depends but not more then 6-10 hours a week, I would say. There are weeks I sew a lot and weeks I don't sew at all.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
Oh, I should name her! I like my machine because it is very solid and consistent. I wish I could do more with it though. It's a very basic model.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Zig-zag stitch! It sews. That's about it.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
No, the stuff that drives me nuts is totally user error.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I didn't realize how often you were supposed to change the needle. So for the first 5+ years of owning the machine I never changed the needle never mind getting it tuned up. It ran fine. Although all I was really sewing back then were curtains for my apartment.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would recommend you get a newer machine with more features. If you get one free, then by all means use it though.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I was looking at new machines about a year ago but all the ones in my price range weren't much better then the one I have. They may have had more stitches and other features but they were mostly plastic. I would love to get something that was as solid but also had some bells and whistles.

Do you have a dream machine?
One that would sew, quilt, embroider, and vacuum.


4 comments:

Alissa said...

Hi there,

I haven't posted on anyone else's Meme (and I've looked at a ton!), but I must say - this is one of the prettiest sewing machines I've ever seen! :) If I had a machine like this I would never trade it in on a newer one!

Take care & have a nice day,
Alissa

Tom said...

My wife still owns the Singer Zig-Zag sewing machine (Model 476). It was her mother's. She would like to donate it or reach a collector who may be interested. She hates EBay and related sites and refuses to use them. Any suggestions out there. She does not want to dispose of it or throw it away if there is someone or someplace where it may still be utilized (even if only for the parts). Many thanks for your help.

Tom

sewandsox said...

Tom, I would contact a Singer dealer or sewing machine repair shop in your area and see if they know anyone who might be interested.

Jen

Viagra Online said...

Very interesting if you ask me, I use to sew and I had a very old machine those ones that weight like hell haha