| Necchi:BU Mira (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 961 time(s) |
2 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 7 people | | Reviewed by: | titianmom | 
| | About titianmom | | | | Member since: 3/9/11 | | Reviews written: 13 | | sewing machines reviewed: 11 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/5/12 0:21 AM | | Approx price paid: | $27 | | Had this machine for: | 1 mth | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |  | Features
- Embroidery Stitches
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What titianmom likes about this machine
Well, it's another European jewel that's kewl. :) Made in Italy, it was ahead of it's time with the decorative cams.
The machine is supposed to be whisper quiet. It is quiet, but not much more so than my Singer slants. Everything about this machine was in fantastic shape; I only had to buy a new tire for the bobbin winder and make a new wheel for the Wonder Wheel, since both were dried out and cracked. (You can make a wonder wheel by purchasing a #18 o-ring and a gasket. You have to modify the gasket to fit it into the rim. For more details, join the Yahoo Necchi sewing machine club.)
Mine came with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink. I have all 6 of the stitch discs as well. It came in an orig Necchi cabinet, too.
Of course it's all metal and built like a tank. As a matter of fact, that's what I call 'er, the Tank. :) She's olive drab green and looks a bit to me like she belongs under an Army tent out in the field, but fortunately I like olive.
Class 15 bobbins and bobbin case. The bobbin case isn't an issue, any standard one will work. But I recommend getting high quality authentic Necchi bobbins as I've heard the BU Mira can be finicky. But give a reg one a try, doesn't hurt.
The Wonder Wheel is a bit cloogy IMHO. It's fun to watch, but you really have to put it tight up against the hand wheel to get it to work; creates quite a pull on the 1.2 amp motor. Make sure everything is lubed and oiled and ready to go, and the motor on Hi to use the Wonder Wheel. (FYI, the motor comes with a high/low option, which is nice.)
The tension on it is unique IMO, and has some very fine settings to it for adjusting for just about anything you want to sew. This machine does some very fine, delicate sewing and makes some very nice, precision stitching.
Double needle capable, as well. Lots of chrome, which I love ;). The only thing I wish it had was a blind stitch option, but you can't have everything, no? Also, obviously, no stretch stitch cap. You're talking 1954, folks.
What titianmom does not like about this machine
Nothing yet, really. The looks aren't that hot, but it does make me want to put on my kaki's and combat boots and go to work.
It came with a knee controller which I'm not crazy about, and it was hardwired but it did have a female ended cord that I could just plug a modified foot controller into under the deck. I picked one up from sousewandsew on Bonanza for a good price; ODean was kind enough to make me up a 2 wire male'ended cord off a controller for me. Nice guy.
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| Reader Comments | | Ripple Dandelion | 2/5/12 | Lovely machine: I love the olive. I have a Necchi BU, which is similar but without the Wonder Wheel and Hi/Lo motor settings (though I'm sure you know that if you've been over to the Necchi Yahoo Group). After having a break from the Necchi, I've been using it a lot over the past two weeks and loving it all over again. The tension is wonderful, I agree. Thanks for your review. | | * * * | | Nancy Rhodes | 2/5/12 | The MASERATI of sewing machine brands... | | * * * | | Manalto | 2/5/12 | Congratulations on your Mira and on the great price. The quality of Italian-made Necchis is second to none, except maybe the Germans. Tri-Flo may quiet it down a little more; they don't do well if they've sat a while, and lubricant may need some time to work in. The high shank may be a negative to those with a foot fetish! | | * * * | | Lucypie | 2/6/12 | I got one just like that a couple weeks ago. I'm calling her Sophia. In perfect shape except for the cord. Had to re-wire it, which was a challenge, but I think she's SEXY. | | * * * | | catsmeow | 2/8/12 | What a great find! It can be difficult to find any vintage machine with all its accessories with it. These old Necchis are wonderful to sew on. They have a hum and feel to them that is addictive -- quite like any other vintage machine. Great review! | | * * * | | titianmom | 2/8/12 | Tanks, all. (Excuse the pun...) Happy sewing! Oh, and I practiced making my own blind stitch today just moving the width every 3-4 stitches and I think I could actually do blind stitch on it with the proper foot, of course. Just a thought... | | * * * | | Manalto | 2/8/12 | There's a Necchi book out there that guides you through decorative stitches where you have to move the zigzag width control, just as you described. That's how it was done! Slow going, so let's hope you're not doing blindstitch hems on a room full of draperies! | | * * * |
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