By Nanci Dixon
When we became full-time RVers we got rid of a five-bedroom house and 40 years’ worth of stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. I liked to sew and had two sewing machines, one a 1940s Necchi boat anchor in a cabinet, and a smaller portable Brother machine. I could not envision hauling even the portable one around, so, sadly, out they went.
Within the first year in the RV, I missed them, particularly when my husband was asking for a rip mended or a button sewn on. The day he said he needed a pair of dress pants taken in, I gave in. I needed a sewing machine, so I started looking for a lightweight, very small option.
I was delighted to find beginners’ (read: kids’) sewing machines on Amazon. However, I did have to read the descriptions and reviews carefully as some didn’t go in reverse, had only one stitch length, ran on batteries only, or had bad reviews.
I settled on this little one. It fits on our closet shelf, only weighs a few pounds, and can zig-zag, reverse, and straight stitch. It’s an impressive little machine! Now, don’t get me wrong. In no way is it as robust as a “real” machine and threading can be a bit finicky, but it does quick mends, hems, and the occasional blown-out seam.
If you have someone special in your life who has been missing their sewing machine, this might make a great gift…
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Similar machine was an Aldi find last year. Never know what will show up as an Aldi find.
I use a 1951 featherweight. Simple to use and maintain, comes in a hard case. Works great inside or out on the picnic table.
I’ll stick with my 1951 Singer 221 Featherweight or 301 of similar vintage. I’ve watched way too many people struggle with such modern machines over the years, at quilting workshops.
With both the 221 and 301, I can maintain them well. Currently, the 221 is a hand crank, the kit to do that isn’t as good as machines originally hand cranked, but it’s OK. My motor and wiring are good, so I can change it back, should I wish.
With our single axle TT, there is too much road jouncing for any sewing machine, modern or vintage, so they travel in the truck.
That was helpful 🙄
Featherweights can be expensive. If you want a budget option then a 3/4 machine like the Spartan or the Singer 99K might work. These are only straight stitch. They weigh more than the modern plastic crap, but they are durable and repairable.
Thanks Nanci! I appreciate the review!
Thank you for the discussion, Nanci! Don’t know that we need a sewing machine, but I put this onto a list for later reference, if needed. Thanks again, have a great week, and safe travels!
Actually I travel with 2 sewing machines. When we had our 38′ Class A, one machine was a large computerized machine. With a downsize to a 25′ Class C, it is a smaller electronic machine. The other machine is a c1900 Wheeler and Wilson handcrank. Don’t need no ‘lectricity to sew with that one. 🙂 I have pieced a number of quilts during our snowbird excursions. Actually own a featherweight, but that one stays home. I like some of my extra stitches for some projects.