Sew Mama Sew sewing machine meme: Redux

Sew Mama Sew is hosting Sewing Machine Month in June. I thought it might be fun to participate in their sewing machine meme. Of course, I have two machines... so this is post two of two!

What brand and model do you have? Singer Rocketeer (501A or 503... I should look that up)

How long have you had it? This was my first machine- my aunt Barbara gave it to me upon graduation from college. Spring 2003! I took it with me to Indiana.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? Again, it was a gift. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist in the 200-300 dollar range, sometimes much cheaper.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I used the Rocketeer for eeeeverything when I first got it. Home dec, bags, hemming, piecing, clothing, you name it. It's greatest glory was when I decided to cosplay at Otakon one year, and spent a good part of a summer sewing EVERY DAY on my costume. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of crazy fabrics (sateen? gauze? tulle? none of them could take down my Rocketeer). Have I mentioned that when I get going on a sewing project, I go crazy?

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? See above. When in a serious sewing mood, I can sew 10-12 hours a day. But then I go back to ignoring my machine for 8 months. Unpredictable is my middle name. I should change the needles more though, the more I think about it!

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my Rocketeer. Like my Athena, she goes by her model name. She's futuristic, but very much situated in the past. What a workhorse.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? She isn't snazzy like my (comparatively) new Athena. But she has some verve! The Rocketeer will handle ANY fabric. And when I say any, I mean bring on the denim and sailcloth. She handles it like a charm. Just try that with most modern machines- 4 layers of denim and you'll be breaking a needle every seam. With my baby Rocketeer? Like butter. Slow-moving but definitely smooth butter.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? For some reason my Rocketeer hates to go more than half an hour without just chopping up some thread. Despite endless playing with the tension, it just snips right through it for no apparent reason and I end up having to rethread the needle. Argh.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine? This machine just gets it done- no buzzers and whistles, but a solid machine. I can oil it myself, and it doesn't break down as horrifically as my Athena.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Absolutely. It's a fanastic first machine, and solid enough to handle any basic project. It would be perfect for a beginner sewer, without being complicated.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Same as in my last post. Think about your purpose. Do you want to sew crazy heavy weight fabric? Get a machine that is NOT electronic. Spare yourself some pain, and stick with an oldie-but-goodie like my Rocketeer. Aiming for a machine that has fancy stitch patterns and runs quietly? Pick a different model.

Do you have a dream machine? I actually don't just want a Bernina. I want a serger, too. George would love that- I'd be able to mend his old tee shirts speedily! But I don't need one yet, so it's still just a dream machine for now.

So there you have it- my two Singer ladies, my sewing room dream team. I picked both of them up from the repair shop and can't wait to try them out. This was an awfully expensive servicing, due to the Athena being a lot more broken than I thought. But with new gears and a few other parts, hopefully she'll be sewing like new. I guess I've learned my lesson- I can take care of the Rocketeer ok on my own, but I really need to get the Athena in for servicing more regularly!