silverlight wrote:
I was recently given a Singer 615U that appears to have never been used,
although it does not have a manual with it. I have not sewn in over 10
years, so I pretty much don't know anything about sewing anymore. I
have heard that many of the old Singer models are really good and
durable because of their metal components. I believe this one is "one
of the good ones", but I'm not at all attached to it. Could anyone give
me some advice- is this particular machine worth anything? What year is
it? etc. I have not been able to find any info on it at all. I'm
wondering if I should sell it and get one that's easier for a novice
like me to figure out, or if I'd be a fool to sell it. I'd appreciate
any help!!
silverlight
---
I bought an old SInger 31-15 which had been converted from treadle
to electric. I believe it had been used in a factory. All it does is
sew a straight stitch--you turn the sewing work to back-stitch/ lock
threads. Doesn't get much more basic than that, but it handles heavy
weight bulky fabric layers quite well. If I remember right, I paid
about $100.00 for the machine and a huge cutting table, about 10 years
ago.(I'm too lazy to go check the particulars.)
The old machines don't bring a lot of money, as their functions are
so limited. Everyone wants bells and whistles, a wide range of
functions, new and shiny.
The old metal machines, if properly maintained--given regular oiling
and cleaning--go on forever, and can be very useful for sewing bulky
items, upholstery, and long runs of drapery and curtain fabrics. My
31-15 makes a particularly long stitch, which is preferable for such
sewing.
I would suppose your keeping the machine depends upon whether you do
such sewing, enough to warrant giving the machine house room. I'd
suggest you play with it, see if there are things you like about the
machine. If not, you'll probably find someone who likes the oldies
enough to take it off your hands. Just don't expect to make your
fortume in heavy metals.
Cea