sew i got this machine

**reggie151** · 05-11-2009, 11:00

OK it all started about a year ago. I was looking to lighten up my pack. Which lead me here to research hammocks. From there it has just snow balled. Since then I have bought a HH Safari with hex, and taken to learning to make my own gear. I have copied every stove i have seen, sewn a but pack and harness, and added many strap and buckles to my gear. ( All by hand sewing ) All the time cussing about how much easier it would be with a machine. well yesterday was mothers day. While all the attention was on my wife a friend of ours brought her some flowers, and me a 1960s singer fashion mate model 237. This is my first machine. and it belonged to my friends mom. She bought it new. She passed a few years ago. Now i have been told this is the last of the all metal machines and will sew leather canvas like 12 layers of denim yet do a very delicate stitch like satin. Just wondering what I have is it worth something what ever you can tell me. looking forward to making more gear. Think ill start with skins.

**BOB1520** · 05-11-2009, 11:19

As other will tell you in the forum... As long as the machine can do a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch, these are all you will need. It doesn't matter how old or new the machine is... As long as it can sew.

As for if the machine has a antique value to it.. I don't know.

Enjoy!!

**Doctari** · 05-11-2009, 11:45

I have a 1880s singer, it still sews. Yes, that is right EIGHTEEN EIGHTYS! With a: one eight eight zero (1885 actually).

We save it for just what you talk about, the really really thick stuff. It will go thru 5 layers of denim easily. But, needless to say they don't make parts for it anymore, so we use it a little as possible, as I am the only one that can run it, that isn't a real problem. Oh, yea, it's a treddel or foot powered machine, no electric motor.

So very likely you have a real find there, Singer makes a darn fine machine.

BUT: if you havn't started DIY yet, back away from the sewing machine now! Cause once you start down that slippery path it is too late to go back to a normal life.

OH! I see that warning is too late. Oh well, welcome to the club.

**Cannibal** · 05-11-2009, 11:55

Take it to a repair shop if you want to know the value. They have 'blue books' for sewing machines and can give you the market value. Might be a fun exercise, but it sounds like that is a sewing machine you will want to keep, not sell. Have fun and be careful with your fingers. I have nightmares of the needle splitting a fingernail.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-11-2009, 12:08

Don't count on anything of significance for book value _except_ possibly to a collector. It's like computers to some degree. The market migrates to fancier and flashier. No biggie for the gear maker. In fact we get the better deals cause there just is not a great market for them. Take it to a dealer and have them tune it up and service it and rejoice in your find.

**reggie151** · 05-11-2009, 14:16

I just noticed that it needs a tensioner bracket any one know where to buy one? I dont really care how mush its worth because ill be keeping it. Thanks rev when i first hit the forum you where the first to greet me. thanks

**Ramblinrev** · 05-11-2009, 14:21

not sure what that part is on those machines. Take it to a dealer. It is well worth their experience and knowledge for those kinds of repairs. On the open market you ain't gonna find one most likely. But a dealer may be able to work something out. Lots of them have parts. If you can post a pic of what ain't there... if that makes sense... maybe we could be more help.

**Brian** · 05-11-2009, 14:43

I'm with Ramblinrev - try either going to a Sew&Vac that carries/knows Singer machines, or try finding a Singer online forum (they must exist?) and ask away there. While HF as a community is great as a resource, a sewing-only forum might be the place to look for specific parts.