To sell or not to sell....

[Sarayu]

Hello lovely Mnetters,
I'm new to sewing and havey acquired a beautiful vintage Singer 222k, I am undecided ifI should keep it or not. I am totally new to sewing and wonder if a more modern machine would be simpler for me to use. Suggestions and thoughts are much appreciated. If I were to sell, where is the best place (other than ebay)?
TIA x

Personally I'd keep it, but then I LOVE vintage machines.

But I know that to be a real old electric model, but not sure I remember the stitches it will do - am I right in thinking its flat stitch only ??

If it is only a flat stitch, then it really depends on what you would use it for, its fine if you're only interested in quilting for example, but if you want to do more, clothing etc, then you really need to upgrade to something a bit more versatile.

I'd still stick with an older model though, they are good solid old work horses & IMHO FAR better than most modern machines - but find something a little bit younger than this, such as an old singer, pfaff, frister or jones that will also do zig zag & maybe button hole.

You could try a local small ad paper to sell your singer, people do collect them & if its in good working order it shouldn't be too hard to sell - its a great machine for anyone who uses more than one at a time & would want a machine set up just for flat stitch- a seamstress, sewing class etc etc

the old ones are the best- chunkier, less prone to going wrong and heavier, so feel like they're doing something without flying away!

you can do plenty of clothing with just a flat stitch!

you don't need to finish seams, but you can get an overlocker for that (or use bias seam binding)

zig-zags are overrated ime

I'm keeping it! Currently having a quick MN break from cutting out my first pattern. This sewing business is addictive

zig-zags are overrated ime

That really depends on what you sew nickel we use a lot of jersey around here & thats where zig zag can come into its own - - finishing jersey necks, tight fit hems etc & still keeping the stretch for example

If you only sew wovens, then yes you are right, you can pretty much get away without - pinking shears will sort the need to finish hems with an overlock etc - but i do love my overlocker

I suppose I also like to do machine freestyle embroidery, applique etc, so would be lost without my zig zag though, so like I said, I do think it depends on what you want to do with it :)

Saray glad you are keeping it - I'm still [green] they are lovely I would have a house full of vintage machines if i had room - I just acquired an old hand crank Federation one, [love] on the pretence that DD can use id

• good luck with your sewing - yes its addictive :)

rockin - i wouldn't use a lockstitch at all for jersey - overlocker every time for that kind of fabric.

if i'd read the rest of that sentence
i see what you mean, for finishing - obviously you can't overlock the underside of hems, or necklines (well, you could, but it wouldn't be as neat)

that's when I miss all of the fancy machines from the college - the twin needle lockstitch was wonderful for collars on teeshirts etc.

that's when I miss all of the fancy machines from the college - the twin needle lockstitch was wonderful for collars on teeshirts etc

Oh gawd I can relate to that - I had the use of all types of industrials via work & factories that would do it all for me too - I REALLY miss those machines :( - sadly zig zag is the best alternative I've got, just not worth my buying a twin needle as most of my work stuff is in wovens.

I did see a domestic overlocker with a twin needle function once, it was on display in John Lewis, but didn't buy at the time as I just didn't need it, kick myself now though as when I bought a new one a few years later, could I hell find one anywhere

even more sorely missed is the machine that sews in elastic - I can't make my own swimwear (well, i can, but it's not the same), and now I'm making nappies for DD, I really, really could do with one of those!

Stop it, you're making me all nostalic for "proper" machinery

My overlocker will sew in elastic at hems, but needs turning afterwards, I use zig zag for that & it works pretty well, --if a lot more faff- but you can get away with flat stitch depending on how much stretch you need - not the same though, you are right - think I miss a proper button hole machine most of all :(