Out with the old, . . .

In Spring 1967, when I was in college, I bought a four-year-old sewing machine, including the cabinet, for $100 and have been using it ever since.  I’ve often thought of replacing my sewing machine, but I don’t sew nearly as much as I used to, so I couldn’t justify the cost.

Two weeks ago, I was altering a pair of trousers and reached my limit.  Fabrics have evolved a great deal since 1967, and my 53-year-old machine left me extremely dissatisfied with my results.  I told Ted it felt like asking him to make a weather forecast for this weekend using only the tools he had in the 1970s when a three-day forecast was a new idea–it can be done, but not without challenges and the certainty that you could have done much better using today’s updated models and tools.  I decided the time had come for a new sewing machine.

I thought, researched, and shopped, and today I took the plunge and bought a new sewing machine and a serger, with the option to buy a cover stitch machine at a later date if I decide I need one.  I’m betting the new machines will make the remainder of my trouser alteration project easier and will produce better results.

My trusty 52-year-old sewing machine. It never needed a repair.

My trusty 53-year-old sewing machine.  It never needed a repair.

Yes, it is billed as "the greatest sewing machine ever built." I can't disagree.

From my old machine’s instruction manual.  Notice that it is billed as “the greatest sewing machine ever built.”  I can’t disagree.Sewing machine on the left; its case in the back; serger on the right.

My new sewing machine on the left; its case in the back; the serger on the right.And my old one could bring $450 on eBay. Yes, I have all those original pieces.

It looks like my old $100 sewing machine could bring $425 on eBay.  Yes, I have all those original pieces.