Sewing machine question...

[OccamsTazer]

I need help from the sewing-wise! I have a very nice old sewing desk/machine that is of absolutely no use to me, and I'm thinking of selling it, but I don't know what it's worth. It belonged to my great-aunt Mary, it's a Singer, and it was made in the 60's. It is in perfect condition. It runs, although it is a little slow. I think it just needs a good internal cleaning. I had vague notions about cleaning it and getting it really going, then learning to use it, but I doubt I will.
So, opinions please
Should I sell it? How can I know what it's worth, if anything? Or should I take on the task of disassembling it, getting it running all pretty, and learn to sew?
You guys will have to be coaching me on that second option bigtime

 

[Mourningdove]

I had a 60s model singer much like yours that I had purchased directly from a Singer Store, the machine was in perfect working order and the Singer store charged me $60 for the purchase, this was in the early 90s. If you don't plan on using it I would suggest taking it to a Singer Store who will clean it and tune it up for you and they can suggest the value price and go from there. Who knows they maybe interested in purchasing it? Couldn't hurt to check? Good luck!

 

[therealsilkiechick]

i agree with above said. also if u want to learn how to sew it would be a wonderful beginner machine. in my opinion singers r the best machines to use and easiest to get parts and repair but others may think differently. there is plenty of us here who sew that would help ya so no worries there if u decide to keep it. not sure how u feel about a family antique but my mom has a antique singer that was my grandmas she is giveing me. i don't really need another singer but i also don't want to sell it. to me it is priceless since it was my grams. so i will be useing it some and keeping it in shape to pass onto my daughter. maybe that is something u might consider to hang onto to pass on as well, not sure if u have a little one like i do.

as for value it would depend on make, model, year and condition and such. u could also skim ebay to see if any r similar to get a rough idea some r worth a few hundred while others r less. i'd check at antique stores to maybe they could help with value some also, lots of times they buy them as well. singer is one of the top name brands so if u do decide to sell it u should have no problems doing so.
best of luck,
silkie

 

[Mourningdove]

Quote:
Hey speaking of singers thats passed down, my mom rescently gave me 1 of her singers...this singer is a 1905 model that's an old treadle machine

you know this one works well and hey if the electricity goes out not a problem there!

 

[verthandi]

Your are asking people that sew what they would do with the sewing machine?

There is no such thing as owning too many sewing machines, if you sew. If you think you will ever sew in the future, in my humble opinion...you will never beat one of the older metal machines. Singer still has all the parts available for them and even the instruction books.

 

[country lady]

I once had a treadle sewing machine and I loved it. The only thing wrong was that mice had gotten into the drawers and the smell was so bad. I sold it at auction about 25 years ago. I paid $15 and got $5. I wish I had it now. It amazes me that the sewing machine came into production in the late 1850s, so long ago.

 

[Scoop]

I like the idea of getting it tuned and cleaned and keeping it. When I got my first machine, a treadle machine, I didn't use it for years. Then I decided to get serious about teaching myself to sew. I've made so many clothes, curtains, tablecloths, kids clothes, etc., that I can't believe I didn't start sooner! The teachers in school made it seem so difficult and it really isn't. So I say keep it. Anyone can learn to sew!

 

[valentinebaby]

I've gone to a lot of auctions and sewing machines, particularly those in the mid-century (1940's-1980's) don't bring as much as what you'd think. I paid $25 for one that had a beautiful mahogany cabinet and bought it for what was in the drawers - tons of pinking shears, regular good metal scissors and notions - worth more than what the machine would have been. So, I suggest you keep the machine, if for no other reason than for sentimental reasons and the fact you can pass it on someday with a story. In the meantime, try your hand at sewing, but start off simple! You might even be able to check your local fabric stores to see if they have lessons.

If it doesn't have a manual, you can usually find them online (especially Singer) and print the manual out. Sewing isn't that difficult to learn, but the machine definitely has to be threaded correctly or you'll drive yourself crazy! Good luck!

Gail

 

[twister]

Or should I take on the task of disassembling it, getting it running all pretty, and learn to sew?

that is what I would do.... oh the things you could make! ;-) Sewing is therapy...and once ya get started you will never wanna quit!​

 

[Scoop]

I have to agree with Valentinebaby that auctions won't get you big money. There doesn't seem to be an interest in them anymore. I've been to auctions where they don't even sell for $2.00 even with a cabinet!!!!