It runs!

When buying a vintage sewing machine in person, I can check how it runs.  That doesn't mean it sews, but I can usually tell.  I check to see if the feed dogs move, if the bobbin spins, and if the machine responds to different settings.

Buying a machine over the internet is entirely different. The seller assures you it runs.  However, recently I bought two Singers from Goodwill online that ran, but that was it.

The first is a Touchtronic 2001.  It was $7.99 plus $15.00 shipping.  I have a Touchtronic 2000 and haven't been able to find a 2001 locally, so I took a chance.

Touchtronic 2001

Once I received it, I was relieved all the electronics worked fine, but it was out of time and would not sew. When taking the bottom off, I found plastic gear pieces falling out.

I never replaced gears in a sewing machine, but after searching the internet I found a set for $10.  It took a little tinkering to get it sewing, but in the end, I feel it is worth it.

The second is a Diana 560.  It was $7.99 and $13 shipping.

Diana 560

The same thing happened. It was out of time and the gears were crumbling.  I searched the I internet for some gears and got it sewing again.

Old gears

New gears

The 2001 is 38 and the Diana is 40 years young.  It is hard to believe 1976 was 40 years ago!  So I don't fault the machines, I am just happy gears are readily available.

Just a short blog to remind myself and others a vintage machine might need some repairs besides cleaning and oiling.  Just because it runs, doesn't mean it sews.

Thanks for stopping.

Butterick 3363 update

The front of Butterick 3363 has an artist's rendition of the jacket being sewed with it.  It is hard to tell what it will look like when it is finished.

Butterick 3363

I know it is a 70s pattern, thus having large lapels.  Since I am making it in a light-blue cotton, I am realizing I could wear this to a Prom.  All I would have to do is add a tuxedo shirt.

Original 70s suit on Etsy.com

This pattern has a lot of extra material to "ease in" to the armhole. If I made this again, I would try to adjust the armcap to remove some ease.  I don't want to know how many times I ripped and re-sewed the shoulder seams.

Check out the lapels!

This 70s style is slim fitting.  I  wear a size 36 and with this being a 38 it is still form fitting.

Not lined or hemmed

It is supposed to have a half-lining.  I am thinking about making a full lining.  That is if there is enough room!

I like this jacket pattern.  I am thinking when I am finished with this one, I could make another in  beige and with smaller lapels.  This would be more my style.

Thanks for stopping.