Originally Posted by
kamtsa
Swing machines used to last a life time. My mother still using a 30 years old machine that is like new. I presume that will all the new features, electronics, etc, people tend to replace their sewing machines more often.
Your're right. If you could find or own a
mechanical sewing machine made from 30 years or so or earlier, I would hold on to it. I explored the possibility of buying used for a while-just like I do occasionally with bikes. The difference with sewing machines and bikes are rather sharp in one respect. The electrical motor. While you can swap another motor in it's place (assuming the motor fits inside), it will run much higher in cost than the sewing machine is probably worth. Hence,, the Hello Kitty one.
Originally Posted by
kamtsa
BTW, that video looks like an infomercial, I would take it with a grain of salt.
It is a good possibility it is an infomercial masquerading as an informative news clip. But one of the most important things it did discuss is how many sewing machines are made now-especially the most of the Big Box specials-without a metal frame, parts screwed directly into the plastic outer cover. The newer sewing machines cannot be opened up to oil, major cleaning, and adjust yourself anymore. They are permanently lubricated. It must be taken to a shop periodically. So I only buy mechanical only sewing machines that are not too expensive as they are more reliable in many ways than ones with computer chips. Plus only buying sewing machines with actual metal frames (you can still open up a few points on newer machines-to clean or change the light bulb-to peek inside & check).
Originally Posted by
badmother
I have three at the moment. The oldest one is the best one, black, not electric, only straight stitches. It is the best one to sew the light fabric I use for kites and the only one that can sew several layers of heavy material and webbings like on the bags for Dogbike2. Just gave a machine to a friend, it is made in the early fiftys. All free finds or cheap.
I think you are describing a treadle sewing machine. My grandmother had one bought in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. I was hoping to inherent it. Sadly, it went to someone that does not sew and does not appreciate it. It is now a rusted piece of junk sitting in some damp garage somewhere.
Originally Posted by
badmother
Best cheap slipcower solution if you do not sew: this weekend was our first travel w Bromptons and I had no time to make light cowers for them. The slipcowers for our bigger folders are much too big for the Bromptons. We keep some light cheap wind breaker jackets for travels. The biggest are XL and XXL. Put the arms innside the body, wrap the jacket around the folded Brompton. Engage the zipper and pull up. The hole for your neck is where you can put your arm in and grab the frame for carrying.
If you don't have time or know how to sew, you can still create a cover for a bike. I use an clean old blanket or tarp and wrap it up with it. You can partially unwrap it to grab the frame when needed.
Originally Posted by
chagzuki
I keep meaning to try to learn enough about the basics of sewing that I can make a Brompton messenger bag that uses the Brompton frame. . . haven't got there yet. This is inspiring stuff, I shall have to have a more detailed look.
When you can sew a straight line, curve, and thread & control the speed of the machine properly, you can make your own bags. You will not regret learning a new skill. I really like the video below. This young man with the interesting lock pendant demonstrates a good working knowledge and operates the sewing machine very well sewing his own bike messenger bag:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o1MprypSok
Originally Posted by
badmother
Folder Fanatic is good at this sewing stuff, just saying.
Thank you.