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Here's just a few of the great sewing machines we've had in the studio!
Give us a call on the HISS Hotline! We'll talk you through your sewing questions, or find time in the schedule for a private lesson!
What brand and model do you have?
New Home 702, 1969
How long have you had it?
2014-2016
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was a gift from a nice lady who had several machines, and she wanted to donate it to my new sewing class studio so it would get used. Came WITH THE CABINET!
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly students use it, though it is set as a "backup" machine right now in case one of the others break
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, but this is a machine for my students in the studio
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
This machine sews beautifully, I should probably have it in the regular line up instead of one of the Kenmores, since they each need something fixed.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
4 step buttonhole, many many stitches, just sews nice
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not really. Because it is a older design it is a little harder for students to get used to.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
You Bet! But they are hard to find.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Not long after I opened my sewing studio, I received an email from a nice lady across town who owned this machine. She was willing to "donate" it to the studio as a student machine because it had just been tuned up, and she had inherited her mother's machine and no longer needed it. I had 3 machines for the studio, but one of them was my 338, which I really didn't want getting a ton of student use, plus with the lever instead of a dial for stitch length on the 338, it was confusing for students. So I drove to BFE for this machine, and was so happy I did! I fitted the table with wheels, and it doubles as storage since it has 3 drawers. Truly a killer score. It was really a great gesture, as I had just started the business and wasn't sure if it would make it or not. Now after many many happy students, the faith that nice lady had in me paid off!!
What brand and model do you have?
Singer 534 Stylist, 1975
How long have you had it?
My whole life to 2019
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
When I moved out of the house, Mom & Dad had me buy it off them for $100 with a folding sewing machine table. The table is as cool as the machine!
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly students use it, though it was my main machine growing up, my mom's before that, and it made everything from clothes to home dec to repairs.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, but this is a machine for my students in the studio
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I LOVE THIS MACHINE!!I call this one the Disco Volante.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
This machine is FAST FAST FAST!! It sews a great stitch, is easy to care for, and feeds beautifully.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Forget using the 4 step buttonhole option. It doesn't work. But I have the buttonholer attachment with templates. Works GREAT with that.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
YES! Though other than in listings online, I've never seen another in person.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I tried to sew a window into my convertible top with this machine and broke a gear pretty bad. I had it fixed, the repair guy just shook his head when I told him what I was doing. He told me to be nicer to the machine, that it was one of the really great ones. Made in Canada!
What brand and model do you have?
Singer 338, guessing it's a '62
How long have you had it?
Since 2016
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$49 at an estate sale
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
This is my personal machine, and I swap it with my 833 depending on the project. I sew everything, but mostly clothes.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, and this machine is my "vintage demo" machine when I sew in public events in vintage attire.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I LOVE this machine. I bought it for the color and the fact it was a Singer, but having used it this machine is every bit as nice as the 833, sans buttonholes. It's been dubbed the Blue Bomber due to it's crazy weight and steel shell.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Feeds like a dream, sets up easy and stays set once you tension it, beautiful stitches. My favorite feature is the reverse/stitch length lever, which you can set in reverse and use BOTH HANDS!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not really. But you have to remember to change out the cams if you want a specialty stitch, so if you are working quickly it is not as fast as the 833.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
You Bet! But they are hard to find.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
My sister was at an estate sale and came across this machine, and called me asking if I wanted it. I said yes since it was vintage and blue. Little did I know, when it came home, it had ALL the cams for the various stitches, many many extra feet, the book, carrying case, and more. Steal of the century! Was in perfect working order, too!
What brand and model do you have?
Kenmore 33, 80s edition
How long have you had it?
Since 2014
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was a gift from my grandfather
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly students use it
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, but this is the main machine for my students in the studio
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
It does not feed very in reverse. But overall it's just a workhorse!
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Moves the needle to both sides, and the blind hem stitch works perfectly!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Buttonholes are a little tricky on this one.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Solid and dependable!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
About 6 months after I started the studio, my Poppa offered me my grandmother's entire setup from her sewing room to use in the studio. He said she would have been proud I was using the skills she taught us to help others, and that made him proud!
What brand and model do you have?
Kenmore 12, 70s edition
How long have you had it?
Since 2015-2018
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was a gift from some friends who were moving out of town and couldn't sell it at their estate sale.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly students use it
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, but this is a machine for my students in the studio
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
It does not feed very in This machine sews nicely, though it doesn't engage all of the specialty stitches. Probably needs a tune up.. But overall it's just a workhorse!
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
4 step buttonhole, many stitches, just sews nice
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
The dials are hard for students to figure out, and it doesn't reverse as nicely as the other machines.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Yes, it sews well and is easy to maintain.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
This machine almost went to the dumpster, but was saved when a friend recommended they send it my way.
What brand and model do you have?
Bernina 833 Record, 1974
How long have you had it?
Since 2018
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$700 on ebay
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
This is my main machine at home, and it sews everything from new seat covers for the car to sweaters for the cat staff.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, and this machine goes in for service about once a year.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
This was the second machine I have purchased recently, this one I researched heavily and was lucky enough to come across on craigslist. I LOVE this machine. It does so much, so well, so easily.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
4 step buttonholes are AMAZING, GREAT feed, the pattern position dial so you know where you are in a specialty stitch is fantastic!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
No, but the extras are EXPENSIVE if and when you can find them, but that is normal for a Bernina.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
If you want a machine you will die with, and can fix over and over again, you want this one.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
The gal I bought this from was so so nice, she allowed me to test drive the machine late on a Friday night, chatted with me during the whole process, and asked a fair price. I didn't haggle with her at all, the machine was everything she said it was. I told her when I bought it that she'd regret it, and two days later she emailed just that!
What brand and model do you have?
Pfaff Hobbymatic 955, 90s edition
How long have you had it?
Had one for 6 years
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
This machine belongs to one of my dearest friends, and lived with me when he did.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Home dec, clothes, all sorts of stuff. He bought it to repair caving equipment and make car seat covers and accessories.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew a lot, and this machine goes in for service about once a year.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I was so addicted to the walking foot on this machine, that I searched desperately for a replacement with no luck. I finally settled on the 1132, but still missed that walking foot. The 833 feeds so nice I don't miss it now.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
WALKING FOOT BABY!!! SOOOO nice!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
The push button selections limited your stitch widths and options, but worked really well.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
You Bet! But they are hard to find.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
My my dear friend bought this machine all by himself many years prior to us meeting, but I had to teach him how to properly use it! Funny! For not knowing a whole lot about the machine, he made an excellent buy!
What brand and model do you have?
Pfaff 1132, current production
How long have you had it?
About 1 year, sold it
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$350
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I had this before the Bernina, mostly sewed clothes with it.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
It was my main machine with the 338 for a bit.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
This machine sews well, the knit stitches are great. I got it to replace the 955, as it belonged to a dear friend and he needed it.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
4 step buttonhole, many many stitches, adjustable presser foot pressure, nice stitches!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
The needles only moves to the left of center. This is annoying if you have used one that goes to each side. In reverse over heavy fabrics it would either cut the thread or break the needle, for no reason. I bought it used so it may have needed a bit of tuning.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Yes, this is a great machine, though I would recommend getting it used, the new price tag of $490+ seems steep.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
I sold this to one of my students, and she is very happy with it. It is a GREAT beginner machine, very easy to use.
What brand and model do you have?
Pfaff 1475, 90s edition, made in West Germany!
How long have you had it?
Since 2017
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
This machine was donated with two others from a nice lady who was downszing from her 12 machines!
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
This one hangs out in the studio, but is part of my private collection with the 830 and 338.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
This one makes appearances to demostrate hemming techniques in the studio
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love everything about this machine. For a computerized one, it's super easy to use, and it holds the memory for a very long time. This one is called the Pfancy Pfaff.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
The satin stitches on this machine are top notch. The aiblity to make the machine go extremely slow is nice too.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Everything is in metric, so you have to do some conversions, but it's not a big deal.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Absolutely, if you can find one. They have held their value well. This one was $1500 in 1992!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
How you are going to use the machine, if it sews nicely, if it makes nice buttonholes easily
Do you have a dream machine?
I bought it, it's the 830 Record on this list! I would also say my Blue Bomber, that thing is amazing!
Bonus: Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Currently this machine travels with me between two studios, and every student oohs and ahhs over it when they use it. It sews like it is an expensive machine!