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.

Reply to clc74
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
Fabric in..45.5 yds/??????
fabric sewn..Stash Contest 41 yds
After contest Stash sewn 35.75 yds
New Fabric sewn 17.50 yds
Fabric Donated 12 yds

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 clc74
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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"Well-behaved women seldom make history"--Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Living life vicariously with seven sewing machines...and counting...

Reply to clc74
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.