Date: 11/7/09 8:55 AM

Does anyone know about an early 1970s Singer Fashionmate sewing machine manufactured in Italy? My sister & I are looking at one on Ebay. Back in the 70's my sister owned one we think is like the one on eBay, but her machine was lost in moving. It was a great machine from what she remembers, heavy, sewed well. I am wondering if it was made at the same factory as the Necchi machines. Any information would be appreciated, I want to add this to my collection.

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clr

Reply to clr56
Date: 11/7/09 1:32 PM

Try the VintageSingers group at Yahoo. Do you have the model number? Someone asked recently and there was a discussion..some are apparently good while others not so.

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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012-26 January
5yds..
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

Date: 11/7/09 1:36 PM

The Fashionmates were made in Italy. If you buy a model 237, you are assured of getting an all-metal machine. Anything after that, I'm not so sure.

Only does ss and zz — but does both beautifully.

Reply to clr56
Date: 11/7/09 4:38 PM

I tried this machine out when my friend bought it--brand new. It was cute and could sew pretty well. However, on Levis (and Levis were sooo "in" at that time) it had a little trouble.

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"Having to squeeze the last drop of utility out of the land has the same desperate finality as having to chop up the furniture to keep warm" -- Aldo Leopold
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"Don't cry; don't be sad; make happy"--Peggy Jones. Rest your weary body, dear friend.

Reply to clr56
Date: 11/7/09 6:38 PM

You can check the reviews for the 237 here on PR.
I know many people have loved these machines as a work horse. I had gotten one to give to my granddaughter and ended up selling it instead. It was SO heavy and the stitch quality was ok but I wasn't over impressed with it. The one I had was also sensitive on the zig zag and the stitches sometimes wouldn't catch on one side of the zag. It felt like a tank that would last forever.....mine probably needed more TLC than I was ready to commit to it.

Date: 12/8/09 9:25 PM

This model 257 is still for sale. I really don't need another sewing machine, but my sister sure did alot of garment sewing with the one she had for herself and her little girl. It is not a 237 and probably has plastic gears, but she said she never had an issue and at a time when she knew much less about sewing than now. One is relisted because it is to be sold with no return, so I may think a little while longer. Thanks for the feedback.

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clr

Date: 12/8/09 9:54 PM

that was my first sewing machine. My Dad brought it for me when I was in 7th grade home ec. It's a little workhorse. I traded mine in for a T&S a few years later but found a mint one on ebay about 5 years ago.