Dressmaker Sewing Machine Review

Best source for the everyday antique sewing machine restorer and user
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
While I agree with several points the sewing machine dealer stated I have to disagree with his overall rating of the book. Yes, there are multiple threading diagrams repeated numerous times under different brand listings. But the new or casual collector generally can’t figure out how to thread many of the ancient machines until they have a fantastic deal of experience. A few of them I couldn’t figure out even with 30+years experience. Who could guess you have to wind around a knob a couple times to thread something correctly?

Even tho the majority of illustrations appear handdrawn, they are very useful to help ID a mystery machine head that you have inhand with all decals really worn off and no other documentation to help you. The plain drawings give adequate info as to tension placement and type, bobbin case style and location, plus any other feature needed to pinpoint a probable maker.

I recall in my beginning years of interest in the ancient machines when I first bought this book I also was a bit disappointed. But the more machines I found or had the chance to examine, the more I grew to appreciate this book. I now use it more than any other source.

Re: machine value. It is often said that the value of any ancient machine is whatever you can get for it on any given day. I feel this to be right. I am not a dealer, but I do have close to 200 machines in my collection and I know what I paid for each and every one of them. Every time I see anyone state a definitive value for a sewing machine model I laugh out loud. They are usually many times what I paid for that model in similar condition. Also, value varies by location (some models common and some scarce in individual areas) and also by which models are in vogue. A fantastic example is the Singer 221 featherweight. Enough of those machines were made that the selling price should by far lower than the common selling price today.

If you want to learn about the rarer models in order to know if you’ve indeed found a gem, then I agree Carter Bays book is far superior. Those pictures rock, and the glossy paper makes it simple to wipe off the drool. But if you can’t afford those rare gems and want to have fun and play with the machines you can afford, then this Law encyclopedia is the best way to go. Mr Law also includes parts of very hard to find (and very pricy if you do find them) manuals that are invaluable to the everyday collector.

Charles Law also publishes a Handbook of Antique Sewing Machines, a much smaller and less expensive yet very helpful book that can be kept in your car to help you while hunting. This book also includes line drawings with identification of a wide range of ancient shuttles, bobbins and bobbin cases. If you have a fine ancient machine missing these items you need to know what you are looking for, which makes this handbook even more invaluable.

NAYY Just my 2 cents