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Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews
Posted on: 11/28/09 11:41 AM ET
My mother is finally allowing me to have my grandmother's old sewing machine! This is a very old, non-electric, singer sewing machine, in it's original cabinet!
My grandmother was a fabulous sewer. Her sister (who lived with her) was a professional sewer. She made clothes for rich people in the 40's and 50's. And also worked for a major bridal house in Boston. I own some of the wonderful things she made for my mother in the 50's. I am the only grandchild who got into sewing. My mother and her sister, never sewed.
So if anyone is entitled to that machine it is me, lol.
Problem: I live in California, and my mother and that machine live in Ohio. Driving there and back would be a major pain, but I'll do it if it's the only way to get it to CA safely. Have any of you attempted to ship such a machine? Any suggestions as to companies that could be trusted with this job?
My grandmother was a fabulous sewer. Her sister (who lived with her) was a professional sewer. She made clothes for rich people in the 40's and 50's. And also worked for a major bridal house in Boston. I own some of the wonderful things she made for my mother in the 50's. I am the only grandchild who got into sewing. My mother and her sister, never sewed.
So if anyone is entitled to that machine it is me, lol.
Problem: I live in California, and my mother and that machine live in Ohio. Driving there and back would be a major pain, but I'll do it if it's the only way to get it to CA safely. Have any of you attempted to ship such a machine? Any suggestions as to companies that could be trusted with this job?
Posted on: 11/28/09 12:36 PM ET
In reply to drsue
I've never shipped a machine.
I've received a SM well packed before. Whew! The seller packed it very well so that nothing moved during transport. She recycled bubble wrap used for shipping furniture and cut up pieces of styrofoam. She wedged those pieces of styrofoam in nooks and crannies on the machine so that nothing would get damaged or bent upon impact. Then it was wrapped several (I mean, several) times in bubble wrap, then taped around. Then more styrofoam inside the box to support/cradle the machine. Accessories were wrapped separately, outside of the machine. She double boxed it, too, using heavy packing boxes. Everything was recycled and looked to come from furniture stores.
Nothing inside moved or shifted.
It has to survive a 5 foot drop!
Here's a tutorial from sew2go on how to carefully pack a sewing machine.
I've received a SM well packed before. Whew! The seller packed it very well so that nothing moved during transport. She recycled bubble wrap used for shipping furniture and cut up pieces of styrofoam. She wedged those pieces of styrofoam in nooks and crannies on the machine so that nothing would get damaged or bent upon impact. Then it was wrapped several (I mean, several) times in bubble wrap, then taped around. Then more styrofoam inside the box to support/cradle the machine. Accessories were wrapped separately, outside of the machine. She double boxed it, too, using heavy packing boxes. Everything was recycled and looked to come from furniture stores.
Nothing inside moved or shifted.
It has to survive a 5 foot drop!
Here's a tutorial from sew2go on how to carefully pack a sewing machine.
Posted on: 11/28/09 12:46 PM ET
Thank you for the link about packing sewing machines. And it's quite timely this close to Christmas, I'd bet a lot of those tips apply to packing anything being shipped.
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justgail.wordpress.com
Posted on: 11/28/09 12:56 PM ET
In reply to justgail
Jenny "SewClassic" reconditions and sells machines and many that have purchased from her post how well the machine was packed. You might wish to find her website and inquire about shipping a machine.
Posted on: 11/28/09 1:08 PM ET
In reply to drsue
It sounds like this may be a job for pros. I believe you can remove the machine head from the cabinet. That will make it easier to pack.
The big consideration will be weight and volume. It may be quite expensive to ship. Some shipping companies are now charging a premium if a package is over a certain weight, (50kg, her in Canada I believe).
I think it is great that you will be getting this machine.
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The big consideration will be weight and volume. It may be quite expensive to ship. Some shipping companies are now charging a premium if a package is over a certain weight, (50kg, her in Canada I believe).
I think it is great that you will be getting this machine.
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Living life to the fullest.
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Posted on: 11/28/09 1:30 PM ET
If you're getting the cabinet with the machine, then forget about regular shipping and find one of the trucking companies that moves antiques and furniture around the country. I had one such company move an antique washbasin, pitcher, and stand AND a small china cabinet from TX to my sister in Philly. They came to my house and wrapped and packed everything up so it wouldn't break, and unloaded it at my sister's house (even took it up the stairs!). I think the total cost was under $200 for both items, and the travel time was 2-3 weeks. Everything arrived without a scratch!
Posted on: 11/28/09 2:47 PM ET
I'd say it's a must to remove the machine head from the cabinet for shipping. The head is just too heavy to ship attached only by the hinges and hinge screws. Something is guaranteed to come apart. If I had to do this, I'd get a wood shipping pallet, take the machine and cabinet apart as far as possible, and pack and box the head as if it were going to ship separately. Then pack the flat cabinet parts with cardboard and foam wrap on the pallet, with the carton with the head in it on the side, and strap it all down good with plastic shipping banding. Overwrap with stretch wrap film, and ship as "Top Load Only" by freight carrier, with insurance.
Of course, I'm the original overkill poster child, too.
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Of course, I'm the original overkill poster child, too.
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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
Posted on: 11/28/09 2:57 PM ET
Here's my 2 cents.
1. This is your mother, not some Ebay seller stranger. Go visit.
2. Do you want to burden her with the task of packing this up? These machines are heavy and the head doesn't always come out of the table cleanly ... I only have experience with my one treadle, but it took some lubricating and cleaning of the hinges before they'd let go of the machine.
3. Fly there, pack it up, arrange for pick-up, visit with your mother, and fly back. Or, fly there, pack it up (visit with your mother) and drive it back in a rental car.
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1. This is your mother, not some Ebay seller stranger. Go visit.
2. Do you want to burden her with the task of packing this up? These machines are heavy and the head doesn't always come out of the table cleanly ... I only have experience with my one treadle, but it took some lubricating and cleaning of the hinges before they'd let go of the machine.
3. Fly there, pack it up, arrange for pick-up, visit with your mother, and fly back. Or, fly there, pack it up (visit with your mother) and drive it back in a rental car.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
Posted on: 11/28/09 3:05 PM ET
In reply to drsue
I have to agree with debby cook. go back and visit. fly and rent a small van to take that machine back. It would cost a fortune to send that machine. cast iron weighs alot. what ever you do have fun with that old new machine.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Posted on: 11/28/09 3:06 PM ET
Here's another thought ... Jenny of Sew-Classic is actually in Northern Ohio. Maybe you could hire her to pack up the machine properly and ship it. Her website is:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
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http://blog.sew-classic.com/
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
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