Just like in garment construction, fit is key. Presser feet are no different.
Usually when people talk about presser feet, they're talking about the whole slew of feet types that accomplish different specialty functions like zipper feet, or buttonhole feet. However, regardless of function, each presser foot attaches to your machine at the shank via a thumbscrew or a separate mounting mechanism. Over the years, shank shape and height have evolved depending on the manufacturer. More importantly, each machine only works with presser feet made for its specific shank type.
Read MoreLast week, we looked at the Elna Carina, a fully featured cam ready machine that sits at the cusp of what I consider vintage. Today we'll step back in time to look at the Star Series flatbed Elna Super 64C--a far less common variant of one of the most famous and ubiquitous Elnas of all, the Elna 62C SU.
Read MoreWhen I took Ray White's sewing machine repair course, I tried to ask the Elna man himself what his favorite machine was. While I don't think he wanted to bias the class by singling out one machine, he did speak very highly of the Elna Carina. I was intrigued. I had never seen a Carina, nor was I able to observe one being worked on in the classroom, so I made a mental note to keep an eye out for one of these and see for myself what all the hype was about.
Read MoreAs a mail order supplier, Sears Roebuck had a seemingly endless number of Kenmore sewing machines. With myriad model numbers, it can get quite confusing to keep things straight. A couple weeks ago, I reviewed a Kenmore 117.720 made by the White Sewing Machine Company circa 1957. Today, we'll fast forward 15 years and take a look at a more modern Kenmore 158.1316, a zigzag and stretch capable machine.
Read MoreWhen it comes to vintage sewing machines, few are as well known as the Singer 201. Originally manufactured back in the 1930s, this amazing piece of post war engineering represented the top of the line in sewing technology and remained a best seller for years to come despite it's prohibitively high cost. Most domestic machines available at this point were offered as a hand crank or treadle unit, but the 201 had the option of an electric motor!
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