My Sewing Machine - Inaugural post

Since I started sewing more than 20 years ago, I've used a range of different sewing equipment, from mere hand-sewing needles, to a hand held mini chain-stitch machine, and to the venerable sewing machine. The first thing I've ever sewn on a sewing machine was a white apron for home-ec classes and the machine in question was my mother's old Singer treadle, set in its own cabinet, which required one's feet to be in sync with the rhythm of the treadle or else! At 13 years-old, rhythm was not something that came naturally to me and that apron, although wearable (used it for 2 years), was a sampler of wonky stitches and crooked lines. When my father finally fitted a motor to it, I was thrilled of course, but then had to overcome yet another obstacle - the speed! 

Since then, I've gotten much better and have moved on to newer models (always Singer), with even greater speeds. Ironically, nowadays, I'm quite nostalgic for that old treadle and often roam Ebay to feed that nostalgia. Sadly, exchange rates and postal charges bar me from actually purchasing one (with cabinet and all!). My machine of choice now is naturally also very retrospective. The Singer 328K ('K' to denote that it was made in Great Britain) is a cool, mocha coloured sprinter from the 1960's. Its art deco design and brass fittings are so demonstrative of the era of its conception. This is an all-metal geared super machine that runs like it knows no boundaries. I've pushed 4 layers of canvas through it, force-fed it plastic sheets and it never complained. Best of all, I can set it to sew backwards - indefinitely! No more holding down levers with one hand while trying to align fabric with the other. I've never enjoyed sewing more since getting this little gem. Some might say talent has nothing to do with how good your gear is...but great is your motivation when you've got just the right tools!

My Singer 328K

These machines are often available on Ebay, along with attachments and replacement parts. They've become quite sought after since I acquired mine and can fetch up to USD200 if the condition is good.

I will add that I have 3 other machines; a Singer 9805C from the 90s - which has yellowed but still runs great, a newer Brother GS2700 - a good starter machine so I reserve it for my students to use, and an industrial lockstitch - can't beat it for speed. Whatever your choice of machines, take care of them with regular cleaning and basic maintenance. There's no reason why even a modern model will not last a long long time. I'm sure my own Madam Mocha was taken good care of because it was in great condition when I got it!