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From: SammyeGail
Date: 11-08-2006, 02:19 PM (1 of 23)
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And was wondering what I should do with it? Its not super old, about 35-40 years. My MIL gave it to me a few years back while cleaning out her attic. My dad and neighbor have both told me to keep it around, "they don't make them like they used to..." keeps running thru my mind. It needs some work. I have no idea where to start, I'm a new sewer and bought a Brothers a few months ago. I dont know squat about machines. Plus I have 11 month old twins, so its not like I have time to fiddle with the old monster. So should I keep it around and try to do something with it, say, when the boys start school? Is it worth keeping around? Should I give it away to someone who could give it some love? Is a 35-40 year old Singer a great thing to have or is it just taking up space? thanks, Samantha |
User: SammyeGail
Member since: 08-28-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: lamx
Date: 11-08-2006, 03:30 PM (2 of 23)
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35-40 years ago is about when Singer turned the corner and went from making all-metal, long-lasting machines with up-to-date features to plastic-gutted, noisy monsters that fall apart at the wink of an eye. The first thing we need to know is the model number, which should be somewhere near the stitch length selector. For that age, I would expect a 3-digit number, possibly with an additional letter, like 237, 401a, 457, 500a, etc. If you can't find that, the country of origin will be another clue. Machines made in Germany durting that time are usually good, ones made in Italy are not so good. You also might see a model name: FashionMate, Stylist, Touch & Sew, etc. Give us a little more information and we can give you a better idea whether you have a treasure or a boat anchor. Ed |
User: lamx
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 11-08-2006, 04:20 PM (3 of 23)
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I agree, we need more info! Everyone of my personal machines are metal and mechanical and I can tear them down, clean them, oil them, and put them back together! I have nothing against those who want computerized with all the bells and whistles, but it is not what I want. Tell us more! VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-08-2006, 06:56 PM (4 of 23)
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Look underneath and find the serial number... Then you can look on the Singer website and with the model Number and serial number of the particular machine probably find a manual for it.. Singers are easy to get in working order most of the time.. If it is a metal machine , you may have a jewel there.. Like my Featherweight Portable..(Singer model 221) that I have had since 1957 when I bought it used...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: SammyeGail
Date: 11-08-2006, 07:43 PM (5 of 23)
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Ok, here is some info I got from the machine, I wrote it all on a peice of paper so I'm not exactely sure where everything was. On the side under the manual turn wheel I have: CAT. WZC38 and Made in Brazil. Underneath are these numbers: 70 F, 61671043, 445 202/1 It is all metal, there is one plastic wheel underneath. The only other place there is any plastic is the top cover. Hope that helps, I couldn't get thru to the Singer website right now. My MIL says it was the basic model at the time. Samantha |
User: SammyeGail
Member since: 08-28-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-08-2006, 08:26 PM (6 of 23)
| I believe that Singers made in Brazil are from around 1955 according to the Singer factory history. On line Singer history said Singer opened their factory there at that time. I did have a Singer made in Brazil back in the late 70's or early 80's. I believe it was a Stylist if memory serves. Am trying to remember the model number but memory is not serving LOL. I also had a T&S 756 but those were supposedly made in the USA. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 11-09-2006, 12:07 AM (7 of 23)
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It sounds like a Fashionmate or Stylist. The model number should either be on the end of the front of the top cover or right below the stitch length regulator (the lever or dial about 1/2 way down on the right side of the front of the machine). If you can't find it, what color is the machine and is the stitch length regulator a lever or a dial? Is the metal protion of the machine cast iron or aluminum?
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: lamx
Date: 11-09-2006, 07:18 AM (8 of 23)
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"I believe that Singers made in Brazil are from around 1955 acording to the Singer factory history." The Sewing machine Blue Book shows Singers made in Brazil from 1972 up through the 1999 publication date of my Blue Book. I personally bought a Brazil-made Singer around 1995-1996. I suspect this one is one of the FashionMates from the 70's. If that turns out to be true, it's okay for occasional light sewing, but not worth soaking a lot of money into. It could be replaced for under $30 |
User: lamx
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: SammyeGail
Date: 11-09-2006, 09:54 AM (9 of 23)
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MIL is visiting this week, she said she bought it around 1973. I'll look at it more later. At first I wanted it to be junk and get rid of it, but now I'm wanting it to be a 'classic', LOL! Samantha |
User: SammyeGail
Member since: 08-28-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 11-09-2006, 11:05 AM (10 of 23)
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Hey I have a Fashion Mate that was given to my dh that is all tan metal in a carrying case. It has no plastic whatsoever in it. It weighs a ton, looks like it is brand new and sews really great. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 11-09-2006, 10:43 PM (11 of 23)
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Although priced at the low end of Singer's line the Fashionmates have proven to be durable with very few problems. The only serious problem they ussually have is the top vertical gear breaking. After replacing it it is good for another 1000 miles. (The models 237 & 239 didn't have plastic gears). Some of the later Fashionmates had a plastic bobbincase but even they have held up pretty well.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 11-09-2006, 11:25 PM (12 of 23)
| Tom, I have 3 old Singers. One my mom bought new in 1947 in a beautiful queen Ann cabinet. That one is full size, I have a portable that is just like it so think it is that same machine, it was made in Great Britain,has a gold metal emblem under that & metal tag screwed on with EL381251 under that. It's in perfect condition & sews like dream. All 3 are great. Do you think I'm right in thinking this was made in 1947 as well ? They are the same except for the size.my other old Singer is the dress maker. That is a later model Singer I know but not the age. It has cams that does embroidery, a super machine too. My other machines are late model Janome's. Just wondering too, are the older Singers worth anything ? Some say yes & others no. Thanks for any info on them.The 2 older machines are black with pretty gold trims & lettering. The 500 is tan . all are all metal ? Really heavy. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: lamx
Date: 11-10-2006, 09:43 AM (13 of 23)
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According to Singer records at www.singerco.com, machine serial number EL381251 is a model 99k, one of 50,000 commissioned 22 May, 1956. The 99 is a 3/4 size machine, so if your full-size machine looks EXACTLY like the 99, just larger, it would be a model 66. The serial number would allow us to check for sure. The 66, 99, and 500 have all-metal mechanisms, except for one fiber gear in the 500 that never causes any problems. Electric 66's and 99's are very common and sell on ebay in the $10-$30 range unless you get a couple of newly-registered bidders trying to outbid each other. About the only exception is if the machine is people-powered (hand crank or treadle), then the price goes higher. 500's are a little more sought-after and bring closer to $100 on ebay and $200-$250 in a dealer's showroom. Ed |
User: lamx
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 11-11-2006, 10:23 AM (14 of 23)
| Thank you. I'll have to look at the full size one as it can't be like the smaller one. I was 4 years old when my mom bought that one. I remember the day they delivered it even. I have no plans on selling any of the machines as there are too many memories & all work perfect.I have all the attachments to all 3 of them as well. The smaller one was the one I learned to sew on & it was of course used when I bought it in 1971. That one I was offered $ 125.00 for but wouldn't sell it. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: Tom Land
Date: 11-11-2006, 05:12 PM (15 of 23)
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I see Ed has already filled you in on the 66 and 99. The other machine could be any one of a number of models. As Ed said a serial # would help narrow it down. The 99k is often mistaken to be a Featherweight eventhough there is nothing "featherweight" about it. I have seen people pay outrageous prices for them. Nearly every sewing machine store in the country probably has some lying around in the back. They are both good reliable machines but have little resale value. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 11-11-2006, 06:43 PM (16 of 23)
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Now you have me going through the machine memories. When I was in the second grade, my mother bought a Singer treadle machine for $5.00 at an auction. It came with alll the original attatchments and manual, in a beautiful cabinet. (The manual is copyrighted 1898, though I have never checked the serial # for its manufacture date). This is the machine that I sewed with during most of my high school years. Bells and whistles have never impressed me. I have used many electric, computerized machines since then, but nothing will ever compare to the treadle! I made doll clothes, my clothes, draperies, and just about anything else you can imagine with this Singer workhorse. Every machine I personally own and use is a Singer and OLD. (Except the serger, which I got at a yard sale for $25.00 and haven't even used yet.) VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-12-2006, 12:29 AM (17 of 23)
| VenusElaine, I am constantly amazed that women that have sewn for years have yet to use a serger. I do hope you will try out your serger. The professiional fast results they give are amazing and they are so much fun. I hope you have fun in using it when you give it a try. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 11-18-2006, 07:00 PM (18 of 23)
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Oh Kylynne2, It's not that I have never used one. I am a professional alteration sepcialist in someone's employ. I have used Babylocks, Berninas, Huskys, Singers, and even an industrial Brother. It is just that, like the cobbler's children that have no shoes, I have never personally owned one before. No more schlepping my personal stuff to work!  VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-19-2006, 12:46 PM (19 of 23)
| Venus, Ah I see. Then I think when you do use your little serger it will warm up to your professional touch. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 11-23-2006, 01:54 PM (20 of 23)
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Thank you, I hope so. My winter project, now that I am out of the garden, is to get my sewing room organized. It is where all the unpacked boxes have been since we moved in here last year, and I can see my machines but using them is not yet possible! VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: brattyone72
Date: 12-15-2006, 12:41 PM (21 of 23)
 I was given, in mint condition at that, a singer Fashion Mate Model 237 m-a. It did not come with a book tho. Does anyone have an idea of how I can get one without it costing me an arm and a leg? The machine is very clean for it sitting in a garage. I need to know where all of the oil spots are...I can only see one, and know that there is at least one or two more. Thanks alot
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User: brattyone72
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 12-16-2006, 11:27 AM (22 of 23)
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Brattyone, Try this site: http://pages.sewing-machine-manuals.com/173/InventoryPage/1833465/1.html Happy Holiday Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: lamx
Date: 12-17-2006, 08:03 AM (23 of 23)
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Here's one you can view for free online: http://www.sewingonline.co.uk/instructions/singer237/ Ed |
User: lamx
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 44 |
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