Date: 11/20/09 11:18 AM

My OH is having a log cabin home office put up next week in the back garden. I am on the look-out for a solid mechanical machine with the following features to live out there in it and sew on in the spring/summer;
straight stitch,
zigzag,
blind hem,
some sort of overcast stitch,
drop feed for free hand embroidery.

I have my Bernina 440QE which is my main machine in the house and my emerald 122 which I take to class. Thought about putting my Emerald out there but was worried about temperature changes and it getting cold. Here on the South Coast in the UK it doesn't get too cold and I would have a small heater on in there if I was working. The cabin is double glazed though.

Now the thing is I have a New Home 549 which I picked up at a local car boot and I really love that machine. It sews the best straight stitches and is so solid and just purrs though layers of fabric. It does zigzag and does have a couple of pattern cams but I don't see how I could get it to do blind hem or overcast? I have not got a manual.

Is there a solid mechanical machine with these basic features.? I keep looking on Ebay but if anyones got any makes/ model numbers to look out for I would be grateful.

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Date: 11/20/09 1:16 PM

Keeping in mind here that I am the Queen of Cheap, but I would be looking for a 1960s era Japanese machine. I'm not familiar with your New Home, but it sounds like it may be the lower end of the machine type I'd want. Many higher end Japanese models had internal, and often external cams to make a variety of stitches. The often came in wayyyy cool colours like pink, blue, or mauve, with lots of shiny chrome. Appropriate machines may have names like Brother on them, or more commonly, some non-specific non-brand like Deluxe.

Of course, when on the prowl for anything vintage (or pre-owned), it can be challenge to find it when and where you need it, let alone at the right price. I've seen a few of these at local thrift shops, and occasionally on ebay. If I were you, I'd also be regularly shopping car-boot sales. And tell all your friends and family who may also be able to search for you.

Jennifer Hill
--
'Winds of inspiration. . .'
Quilt Canada 2010
Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB
April 26 - May 1 2010

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Reply to Carrie-Jane
Date: 11/20/09 1:54 PM

I also like the Japanese machines..I don't know if they made it to the UK, but I have three Morse machines that still sew really well. I think the Fotomatic series may do the blind hem.

Here is a source for the New Home manual..they do ship outside the USNew Home Manual

Good luck in your search..

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2009 Fabric in..78yds++++
Total Fabric Sewn 113.25 yds
2010
Fabric in...6
Sewn........3.5 yds
# of projects..1
patterns purchased..40
Stash Contest 2010
projects 11
yardage 20.25

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Reply to Carrie-Jane
Date: 11/20/09 2:22 PM

I had and sold to a friend a really nice New Home. It is still running fabulously. it is a model 844, and has the utility stitches you mention. Came along in the 80s somewhere, and is a solid machine. Probably does have some nylon or plastic gearing, but if you find one in good shape - grab it! Of course these are Janome machines, as that company was bought by Janome in about 1960. I don't know when the machines started saying Janome on them instead of New Home though.

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"Begin each day as if it were on purpose."
--Mary Anne Radmacher

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Reply to Carrie-Jane
Date: 11/20/09 4:31 PM

Since you have Bernina and are used to the machine why not look at some of the older Bernina's!! I would hunt for a 830 or 930 model. The feet from your new machine (I think) will fit the older machines, too.
If wrong, let me know

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Date: 11/20/09 5:48 PM

The 1970s Kenmores were made in Japan, are all metal, and have what you want. Some have those stitches built in, and some use cams. They are generally very solid and reliable machines. The motors are generally over an amp. Some of them also have a needle plate that switches between straight and zig zag just by turning the center part of it around. You can get these for between $30 and $150.

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Reply to RadarRadiance
Date: 11/20/09 6:16 PM

Not to hi-jack, but how are the Bernina 600s? ( The older mechanical kind, not the newer Bernettes.) I may have a chance to buy one for $100 and am wondering what I need to check on.

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Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A & 328K, Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle

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Reply to B
Date: 11/20/09 7:06 PM

You will probably get more responses to this question if you post it in its own thread. Word it somehow with the machine model somewhere in the title or subtitle.

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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.

Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer

Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage

St. Augustine

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Date: 11/20/09 7:51 PM

how about new home machines they were made in japan

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Reply to Carrie-Jane
Date: 11/20/09 8:52 PM

I have a Janome Excel 4023 which appears to be much the same as the New Home models. All mechanical but no blind hem or overcast stitches. However it is my best work horse machine. It goes through anything and really fast. I have 2 compoutwerized w/all the bells and whistles but still prefer sewing w/the mechanical. I still can't get a decent blind hem done so I do pant hems by hand. Overcasting is nice though to give a more professional look. Stay warm.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1882

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