PatternReview.com online sewing community
Online Sewing Class: Beyond the BoatNeck
Register Today!
Join our community of 579,294 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,294 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 7/20/08
Posts: 10763
Body Type:
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 7/18/12 5:16 PM ET
I never heard of this name and just wondered what y'all think of this machine?

Jones sewing machine for sale on Craig's List
------
Mary


  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18029
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/12 6:11 PM ET
In reply to marymary86
I've seen them on eBay. Search ''Jones Family sewing machine'' there.

This vendor usually has them for sale on eBay. You might be able to find out how much previous machines have sold for.
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 7/20/08
Posts: 10763
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/12 7:11 PM ET
Thanks Doris!

I'm giggling at the broken "truddle" ...
------
Mary


  
Member since 9/18/04
Posts: 2373
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 7/18/12 7:26 PM ET
Oh, lordy, yet another way to misspell treadle: truddle.

The seller says: THERE IS A WOOD POST THAT ATTACHES TO THE TRUDDLE THAT IS BROKEN, BUT I THINK COULD BE REPAIRED BY A WOOD WORKER.

This is the pitman rod that is missing. Captain "Richard" at TreadleOn explains how to make a hybrid pitman (from both metal and wood). However, the seller is essentially correct that this is a simple fix for someone with basic wood working skills.

This machine uses a shuttle rather than a rotary bobbin. This may not matter to you, but it's worth pointing out. Also, it appears that this is a machine that uses an older non-standard presser foot attachment configuration. The modern standard is low-shank, side-clamping feet (with some exceptions). It's difficult to see from the picture, but this may be a back-clamping or bottom-clamping configuration. I could be wrong; the photo is dark and it's difficult to see the presser foot clearly.

The seller does not say if accessories are included, however, my experience with Craigslist sellers is that they often don't know enough about sewing machines to know that a set of accessories is an important selling point and therefore, they don't mention it. There may be a set of accessories in the drawers of the cabinet. You'll have to ask the seller to know for sure. However, I regularly see sets of bottom clamping or back-clamping accessories on Etsy, so all is not lost if there are no accessories. Also, ask if there is a shuttle in the machine; if not, you'll have to find a replacement.

On the plus side: It looks as though it's been stored indoors, so the cabinet appears to be in good shape, no visible rust on the machine head. The machine head does appear to be in good condition., not beat near to death.

On the minus side: You'll have to repair the pitman rod before you can use it. If it uses back-clamping or bottom-clamping attachments, you won't be able to use modern attachments, such as a walking foot or a modern zipper foot. It may or may not include a set of attachments/accessories.

I think $275 is too much to ask, but he says he'll accept any reasonable offer.

CMC
  
Member since 7/20/08
Posts: 10763
Body Type:
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 7/18/12 8:12 PM ET
In reply to CM_Sews
Thanks for all the information!

Are Jones decent machines?

I don't know why I look .. we don't have the $$ or the space but I see old treadle machines and swoon.

I just a Featherweight on CL near Gatlinburg and it looks like it's brand new. They make me crazy!!
------
Mary


  
Member since 9/18/04
Posts: 2373
Send Message
Posted on: 7/18/12 8:34 PM ET
In reply to marymary86
The Jones is probably a decent machine. During the Treadle Era, Singer has a number of competitors who made machines of comparable quality to Singer. If you want a treadle to sew with, a Singer is probably your best choice, for reasons Captain "Richard" mentions on the linked webpage below. Other than the repair issues and availability of accessories, there's nothing especially "bad" about that Jones machine.

On this TreadleOn webpage, Selecting a Treadle for Use (as opposed to collecting for looks or uniqueness), Captain "Richard" says:

"What are We Looking For?

In looking for a machine for use, concerns should be the amount of work needed to restore the machine to good working condition, availability of parts or parts machines, the machine's suitability for the kind of sewing we do (clothing… quilting… ?), ability to accept special purpose feet, convenience features like reverse and lowering feed dogs, and the degree of aesthetic satisfaction we feel we must derive from whatever we are sewing on."

I have 13 or 14 sewing machines (I've lost count), but I STILL look at Craigslist, too. Sometimes I find that "special" machine I've been wanting. A hand crank Singer 99, a Singer FashionMate 237. I do have specific plans for the machines I've purchased, and there are only a few (honest!!) more I'd want to add to my collection of vintage machines.

CMC
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 1507
Send Message
Posted on: 7/19/12 7:13 PM ET
Jones was a British manufacturer. I had one once, but I traded it (plus 2 Elnas) for a Singer industrial treadle base.... If I recall correctly, it uses odd needles. Although it sort of looks like a Singer 128, no parts are interchangeable.

Jennifer in Calgary
  
Member since 11/2/06
Posts: 1182
Send Message
Posted on: 7/20/12 7:46 AM ET
In reply to marymary86
I would try to get it for $200-250, but if not, and it is truly in the condition those really dark pictures suggest, I'd snap it up as is. That's an effin' Queen Alexandra...

(edited for potty mouth)
-- Edited on 7/20/12 7:47 AM --
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!