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Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews
Posted on: 12/17/11 8:09 PM ET
My lovely husband wants to buy me a heavy duty sewing machine because he wants me to make him a canvas tent among other heavy duty items, lol. I was looking at the Babylock website because that's who I've gone with in the past, I currently have a BMP9 and a lower end brother for sewing and a hand me down serger that I'm not entirely sure how to use correctly. I saw the Babylock Jane and the size of the harp area looks rather intriguing. I'm just wondering if I would miss my zig zag stitch. I would love to have the Symphony but I don't think I would be able to bring myself to put that kind of load on that expensive of a machine. Any suggestions? If you have a straight stitch only do you love it? Do you miss the zig zag??
Posted on: 12/17/11 9:11 PM ET
In reply to prnzez2
You should be able to find a super older machine that can handle this job and has a zigzag stitch. I've done that type of 'sewing' for us and did canvas and sail work for my brother. Why not go for both; a great older machine and a Springbar tent from Kirkham. 
Springbar
-- Edited on 12/17/11 9:14 PM --
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Springbar
-- Edited on 12/17/11 9:14 PM --
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Each fallen petal reveals a life pollinated by a colony
and nurtured by The Master Gardener.
and nurtured by The Master Gardener.
Posted on: 12/17/11 9:35 PM ET
My main machine only does straight stitch, but it is not an industrial, although I can sew almost anything I want on it.
Do I miss it? No. I do have machines with a zig zag, that I never use, and and attachment for my machine that does it...that I never use. I am not a big fan of the stitch, so to me it doesn't matter.
If you find this is a stitch you use a lot of, then 7yrstitch has a good suggestion.
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Do I miss it? No. I do have machines with a zig zag, that I never use, and and attachment for my machine that does it...that I never use. I am not a big fan of the stitch, so to me it doesn't matter.
If you find this is a stitch you use a lot of, then 7yrstitch has a good suggestion.
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Elaina
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
Posted on: 12/17/11 10:32 PM ET
My industrial machine only sews straight and I love it. I hardly ever use zig zag and can happily live without it.
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Custom clothier and pattern designer. www.iconicpatterns.com
Posted on: 12/18/11 3:55 AM ET
I have one machine that does a zig-zag. My go-to machine is straight stitch only. The only time you really *need* a zig-zag is for knit fabrics. I like having one available that sews the knits easily and has the stretch stitch, but I could manage with straight stitch only if I had to, even for knits.
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Blessings,
Patti
http://poured-out.blogspot.com/
http://homeschooling-imperfectly.blogspot.com/
Patti
http://poured-out.blogspot.com/
http://homeschooling-imperfectly.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 12/18/11 10:18 AM ET
Thanks, I think I may go the vintage route. I did some more research and finally convinced DH that they are great machines. I've been trying to tell him that for years, lol. I'll let you know what I get. If I get straight stitch only I always have my other machine too, right?
Posted on: 12/18/11 9:31 PM ET
This is a link to the one I decided on! I can't wait till it arrives!!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270875359839?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_31239wt_1350
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270875359839?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_31239wt_1350
Posted on: 12/18/11 10:17 PM ET
In reply to prnzez2
Quote: prnzez2
This is a link to the one I decided on! I can't wait till it arrives!!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270875359839?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_31239wt_1350
This is a link to the one I decided on! I can't wait till it arrives!!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270875359839?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_31239wt_1350
Did you win that auction?
Posted on: 12/19/11 0:24 AM ET
yes
Posted on: 12/19/11 7:29 AM ET
In reply to prnzez2
That looks like a Japanese HA-1 (Singer 15 clone) machine with an upgraded motor. (The original motor was likely the same blue color as the machine, with a Kenmore label, rather than the black motor on it now. See the Brother machine at the link below.)
Jenny at Sew-Classic has a good write up on these machines.
I am hesitant to say anything, but the selling price of that machine seems rather high for an HA-1 unit. It likely works beautifully, but it's still a Japanese domestic machine (not industrial) from the 1950s. It's all metal and, indeed, stronger than most new domestic machines, but still not intended for 1/4" leather as he shows. The seller has misrepresented this sewing machine as "industrial strength," and that's likely a good basis to end the deal under eBay's rules, if you wanted to do so.
-- Edited on 12/19/11 8:24 AM --
Jenny at Sew-Classic has a good write up on these machines.
I am hesitant to say anything, but the selling price of that machine seems rather high for an HA-1 unit. It likely works beautifully, but it's still a Japanese domestic machine (not industrial) from the 1950s. It's all metal and, indeed, stronger than most new domestic machines, but still not intended for 1/4" leather as he shows. The seller has misrepresented this sewing machine as "industrial strength," and that's likely a good basis to end the deal under eBay's rules, if you wanted to do so.
-- Edited on 12/19/11 8:24 AM --
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