I need advice from someone who knows a lot about sewing machines

[AngeloMysterioso]

So if anybody here does or could
signpost me in the right direction that would be great!

My Mum died in February. She was overly sentimental and so am I, so that is how she ended up keeping my Grandma’s sewing machine when she died in 2016, and how I’ve ended up keeping both of them.

The only thing is- I don’t know how to use a sewing machine, I have no real need for a sewing machine, and now I’ve got two bloody great big ones taking up space in my bedroom.

My Mum’s sewing machine is a Jones M882, a rather attractive duck egg blue-green colour that comes in a rather nifty carry case. It weighs a ton. It’s in very good condition if in need of a bit of a clean, no cracks in the case or anything. I’ve not tried to use it but I’ve no reason to think it wouldn’t work.

My Grandma’s sewing machine is a Frister+Rossman Beaver 2. I’ve actually got it in the original shipping box it came in and I’ve not taken it out yet, but knowing my Grandma and the way she took care of her things I’d imagine it too is in pretty good nick.

So my question is- what do I do with them? Would they be worth anything if I tried to sell them? It feels wrong to just give them away- to be honest it feels wrong to sell them too but I’ve no use for them and they’re just gathering dust here and getting in our way which seems like such a waste.

If you look on eBay, there may be some on there, which will give you an idea of what to sell them for, if that's what you choose.

If you'd like to donate them, would there be a local school or centre that could use them? Or maybe a girl guiding group? Some community centres do adult learning classes for free, they may appreciate them.

I gave my old sewing machine (hand operated) away to a charity which reconditions them and sends out to developing vountries so women can set up their own tailoring businesses. They are always being requested on 'freecycle'. Especially when 'Sewing bee' is on TV. Very little (if any) money in used machines. I dudn'tcthink it worth the hassle having been faffed around with by so many on market sites.

Those jones machines in the nice duck egg cases are very good machines.
I am lucky enough to sew on my grandmothers treadle singer which an aunt passed on to me. In your position if you don’t want to keep the machines I would ask round the younger extended family members as you’ll probably find someone delighted to have one or both of the machines.

I have the Beaver 2 amd it’s the best machine I’ve ever owned. They fetch good money on eBay.

As pp I’d ask around to see if any of the family would be interested. I don’t know those makes myself but have only been sewing ten years but if someone offered me a good machine I’d be very pleased.