Life Beyond Singers- from the Sewing Machine "Yenta"
Sewing machines can be a bit like ice cream. Everyone has their own favorite flavor. So, I understand that some people are die-hard Singer (or Bernina, Pfaff, etc..) fans. There's nothing wrong with that, but there are still other fish in the sewing machine sea!
Recently, I received several inquiries about the Singer 401 I had for sale on my website. The price to purchase it directly from my website was $100 less than the final selling price on eBay. One of the people inquiring was very forthright and explained that it was simply beyond her budget. So, in true, sewing machine "yenta" form, I worked with the gal to determine her needs and wants in a classic sewing machine. Together, we settled on a machine, with a cabinet, delivered to her home, below her set budget amount. She spent less for the package than a new, made in China, plastic, discount store machine, table and accessories would have cost.
Here is some of what she had to say about her 'new' Sew-Classic machine:
"Hi Jenny,
I got the Kenmore today and it is lovely! It's set up in my bedroom and I've sewn some curtains on it already! .... Haven't tried any of the attachments! But it works so smoothly and quietly...
It got here in perfect condition too. No problems with the packaging.All in all I'm thrilled and wanted to say thank you again."
Working to match folks up with a machine that will suit their needs and wants, is part of what I really enjoy about providing machines directly through my website. I didn't get that opportunity with the 401 that ended up on eBay, but I did get significantly more money for it than what I was asking directly. That is pretty much the trend. Those machines, cabinets, and such that I don't sell through the website and then end up on eBay, always sell for more in the end. It has made me seriously consider just dropping the expense and trouble of the website (maybe the blog too) and just focus my efforts on eBay. From a business standpoint, it's tough to make the case otherwise. For now, I'm going to keep plugging at it for a while. I really hate to give up on being a sewing machine yenta just yet!
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Jenny,
I just say that I certainly understand what you're saying, but it would certainly be a loss for us if you quit the site/blog/selling direct. I would never bid on ebay, and I love seeing what you have, learning about your machines and experiences. But I do know in this economy, money is scarce for us all. If I buy more machines, will you consider keeping all avenues open to us? LOL, but a little serious.
Fondly,
Karen
Karen,
LOL!
I'm going to keep at the blog and website for a little while at least-- no worries for now.
So, along with that additional machine, I bet your going to order a few extra holes in your head, huh??
i would be sad and at a loss too, but i would understand. i love reading your stuff. it was you who inspired me to go classic and go back to my passion of sewing. thank you.
Whatever you do, don't lose the blog! I love reading your blog--it's really unique and I learn so much from you. I so much enjoy hearing about the ins and outs of machines, your life, and your passion for vintage sewing machines.
Oh,no! The thought of this happening makes me sad. Certainly from a business standpoint I understand. I have so enjoyed reading the ins and outs of the classic machines. Like you, I am somewhat of a gearhead and love learning what you obviously enjoy teaching. Thanks so much for being our yenta.
Martha W.
Florida
If I might interject a very pertinent thought about selling (based on being in business myself for 30 years.) When you ask the very first, and most critical, question about being a business, is the question; make yourself happy and quite possibly struggle, or make your customers happy and along the way have a great life. By fulfilling the first, you would do okay for a long time, but there is a certain hollowness when it comes to feeling successful. To fulfill the second, you will be filled with a kind of warmth, caring and great sense of satisfaction that only comes from the many people who spread your good name and good acts to so many others. This is how strong companies are always built. I should think that your pursuit of assisting here on your blog is doing the second -- how do you think I found you. Will the first - just be an auction seller - garner you the same feeling. Thoughts to ponder. I do hope you remain where that caring you demonstrate shines brightest - your blog.
I recently bought a 158.950 that looks very similar to this machine, and am impressed by all it can do (and by how heavy it is -- yikes!). Just curious -- as I'm learning about all the different feet -- what are the twisty-looking ones at the top right of your attachments photo for (they look similar, except have different widths)?
I love your blog and hope you will continue with it -- I've learned a lot from your posts already and really appreciate your sharing your knowledge.
Those are hemmers. I will post a new entry with information about these attachments.
ETA:
Here it is:
How to use Sewing Machine attachments
I have just found your blog, Please don't give it up!!
marky
Hi Jenny,
Not sure if you still read this, but here goes...reading your bio on this page makes me wonder if we were separated at birth...lol Been sewing for over 35 years, enjoy photography, and work in architecture by day. I stumble on this site looking for info on old machines as a very neglected 158.16520 Kenmore followed me home yesterday. I planned to use it to practice cleaning before I tackle my Mom's machine. Your photo of the same is inspiring, but not sure I get get mine to look like that. It runs fine, need a bobbin and LOTS of cleaning.
Thanks for an enjoyable, educational, and inspiring site whatever you plan to do in the future.
Donna
There are bobbins available for the 158.16520 here on the Sew-Classic parts & supplies on-line shop. - 10 pack for $2.49
Good to know. I have other old machines that are Necchi, White, and Singer. Do you happen to know if any of those would fit off the top of your head? I know my old Necchis are class 15. I plan to dig in on Friday morning.
I can say just by virtue of the brand name, what class bobbin a machine uses. It can vary by model. This Kenmore uses class 15 bobbins, I bet you have a few of those laying about.
Cams are available on the secondary market- NLA as new.
OOPS- Yes, I still read comments on y blog- thanks for the kind words!
Have fun with your "new" Kenmore!
Doh! I just saw my answer in your link. Thank you. I cringed when I saw your prices for triflo oil & grease. I don't want to tell you what I paid on Ebay. Ouch. I'll be putting in an order for sure. There is only one cam in the machine. Where would I find those? Ebay maybe? I checked on Sears Parts direct and thought it strange that they sell some cams but not others.
Sheesh.
so, I have a sears kenmore 158-504..I just measured it and it looks like it might fit in my treadle cabinet...I will be able to treadle ZZ....made in Japan and oscillating shuttle...must be a HA-1 ? going to try it out ..have to take out my old 15-88 first...anyone else ever try this? robin
Reply to Donna: This looks like my Kenmore 158.15030, which was given to me new as a graduation gift way back when. It takes the "e" cams, which have 2 patterns/disk. The one found in the machine is probably the zigzag/blind hem cam. My machine came with 7. They can sometimes be found on e-bay and other sites, although they aren't ascommon as some others. I got a few additional ones, including duplicates of the basic ones, other than the zigzag/blind-hem one, which even the instructions suggest leaving in the machine and therefore is frequently missing from sets.
No, please DON'T give up the blog! The wealth of info is incredible, your stories charming, and it's wonderful to read the enthusiasm others have for the Classic machines. I get such grief from fellow quilters over my vintage machines, that the words of the old Janis Joplin song "Lord, Won't you Buy Me a Mercedes Benz?" ring in my ears as "My friends all sew new Berninas, and I must make amends!" (Apologies to Ms. Joplin) So nice to know others love these beauties, too.