Actually, it’s more like meet my favorite friends. I love Singer sewing machines! I use them exclusively. In fact, one of my machines is almost as old as my children. I’ve had it for about 24 years. It has seen me through many projects from quilts to clothing for my sons, my grandchildren, and me, plus I’ve used it to build my business. My son named her “Betty White” because she had been around so long and was still going. She’s been retired momentarily and in need of maintenance, but she still performs quite well. In fact, I’ll use her to teach my grandchildren to sew.
Then there is my Singer Heavy Duty 6600. I’ve nicknamed her Roxy. Kind of edgy, hard-hitting, and really gets in there to get the job done. She’s currently in need of a good cleaning which I plan to get to today before I start sewing my next new thing for the shop.
I’m picky when it comes to sewing. I have no problem with removing stitches and trying again. I have no problem with finding new ways to create cleaner seams and hems, and I will often choose French seams over regular to get a nice crisp finish on the inside as well as the outside. And if something has to be hand-sewn for a finish, I will even do that.
I’ve been sewing since I was nine. I was taught to hand-sew, and I do love to do that on things that things that I want to have that vintage look. I’m not nearly as patient as I used to be because as you age, joints do stiffen.
My first sewing machine was, of course, a Singer. Not electric. A treadle type Singer. My grandmother, who gave it to me, taught me to use it. She could sew almost anything without even a pattern or instructions, but then again, she had worked in a sewing factory constructing garments.
After that, I had a friend who taught me my first lessons in production when it comes to sewing: Learn to identify 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch by sight and don’t use pins because they slow you down. I do still use pins, except for bibs or items where I do not have to match seams.
Ever since then, I loved the fact that I can manipulate fabric and create beautiful and practical pieces. While I have no plans of ever changing up my personal machines, Roxy will have to last me for some time to come.
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