by Karencilla, who has such a fun blog at Little Sweet Hearts -- her mix of sewing projects, photography, and pop culture criticism is really unique.
Love it, hate it, or something in between? It's my first love and always will be. It is my first sewing machine, and without a doubt my favorite. I kind of rescued it from obscurity and weather inclemency. Sometimes she (I like to think it is a she) is little bit stubborn but most of the time, sweetness.
When did you buy this sewing machine? Actually, it belongs to my mom. She doesn't use it as much as I do; usually, she uses it for repairs and fitting. She lent it to my sister and me when we began sewing classes. My sister stopped sewing, so now I'm almost the only one using it.
When was it manufactured? Sometime between 1974 to 1980.
Where did you buy it? I asked her and she can't remember -- oh, well.
How much did you pay for it? She paid around $100 in 1979. Now, if you are lucky you can buy one for $50.
How many projects have you done on this machine? A LOT! All my creations were made with this beauty. The only things I haven't sewn are jeans, coats, and knit sweaters. Originally, this machine series was not made to sew stretchy or thick fabrics. It was made to sew lighter fabrics.
Describe the kind of work you've done with it. I have made dresses, blouses, skirts, home décor accessories, bags, and done repairs.
What do you like and what do you hate about it? I like how easy it is to use -- no complications. I love that it has a dial that adjusts the pressure of the presser foot, and I like the configuration of the thread tension dial because it uses numbers (better than + and - symbols). The best thing about this machine is the durability; the metal body makes it almost indestructible. I couldn't believe it when my mom told me that she bought it in 1979-1980 -- it's 28 years old, and still working wonderfully. I just need to oil it once in a while. The few things that bother me are not having a zipper foot, which makes it almost impossible to sew a zipper; and the weight.
What a snazzy little machine! If you;re wanting a zipper foot, I'm thinking you should be able to get a generic one to fit and then you could be zippering away!!! :o)
Posted by: EmilyKate | November 18, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Thank you EmilyKate. I tried to find one, but here I couldn't find, maybe i should try online.
Posted by: Karencilla | November 19, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I just inherited my Aunties Singer 247. Hoping to have many great times teaching myself to sew on it!
Posted by: Tamara Ackerman | January 23, 2012 at 02:22 AM