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More about Sewing Machines

11/11/2013

6 Comments

 
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A couple weeks ago I wrote about Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine.  I had been in New York city and came across a statue of him which gave me the idea.

But then my aunt, Erna, wrote on my Facebook page saying "What about Mr. Singer?"

So ... what about Mr. Singer.  Certainly that name comes to mind for 99% of us before Mr. Howe.  
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November 1, 1851 of Scientific American
As luck would have it Martha Steward wrote an article for the Smithsonian magazine this month. It is an issue praising the most important things America has made.

Here is the beginning of her article. You can read this entire article here.


When I look at this iconic machine—sturdy, practical, dependable—I think about how it revolutionized homemaking in America and shaped my personal history as well.

Isaac Merritt Singer’s Patent No. 8,294 was a vast improvement upon earlier versions, capable of 900 stitches a minute—at a time when the most nimble seamstress could sew about 40.

Though the machine was originally designed for manufacturing, Singer saw its domestic potential and created a lighter weight version, which he hauled to country fairs, circuses and social gatherings, dazzling the womenfolk. The $50 price tag was steep, but Singer sold thousands on the installment plan. His machine revolutionized manufacturing and industry, transforming the lives of millions and making Singer a very rich man—a classic American story.


That got me to thinking ... what WAS that vast improvement?


Here is what I found out at the Singer Sewing Machine website's history page.

Isaac Merritt Singer, after examining the machine, noted "instead of the shuttle going around in a circle, I would have it move to and fro in a straight line. In place of the needle bar pushing a curved needle horizontally, I would have a straight needle and make it work up and down."

After 11 days and forty dollars in cost, Singer completed his invention: the world's first practical sewing machine.


And there is more interesting stuff there if you are interested.
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So, that explained a little ... And then I found this at the Smithsonian Magazine site.

Soon after the conclusion of his last court case, Howe was approached with a unique offer. An machinist by the name of Isaac Singer had invented his own sewing machine that was different in almost every way than Howe’s; every way except one – its eye-pointed needle. That little needle cost Singer thousands of dollars in royalties, all paid to Howe, but inspired the country’s first patent pool. Singer gathered together seven manufactures –all of whom had likely lost to Howe in court– to share their patents. They needed Howe’s patents as well and agreed to all his terms: every single manufacturer in the United States would pay Howe $25 for every machine sold. Eventually, the royalty was reduced to $5 but it was still enough to ensure that by the time Elias Howe died in 1867, he was a very, very rich man, having earned millions from patent rights and royalties. Singer didn’t do too bad for himself either. He had a penchant for promotion and, according to American Science and Invention earned the dubious recognition of becoming the first man to spend more than $1 million dollars a year on advertising. It worked though. The world hardly remembers Elias Howe, Walter Hunt, Barthélemy Thimonnier, Josef Madersperger, and Thomas Saint, but Singer is practically synonymous with sewing machine.

Court case??!!! Well, of course there must have been all sorts of court cases, with so much potential money involved.  The rest of this article has more about who sued whom.
When I was a kid Singer Sewing machines were the brand everyone had. When I went to New York in the 70s, all the industrial machines in the costume shops were Singers.  Quite often old Singers, but they were so reliable.

It is very different now.  I guess American sewing machines have run into the same competition as American cars.  There are so many options.  I, myself, am a Bernina gal.
It seems all serious sewers are very loyal to THEIR brand.  I know Martha McCain is a Pfaff gal.  She and I have had arguments over this!!

I have 3 mechanical Berninas.  They are varying degrees of old.  I just don't think I need any computerized features.  And the reason I love these old machines?  They are just so strong and reliable. The whole bobbin case area is easy to take apart, clean, oil and put back together. They are my good old friends.


What machine do you like ... and why??



6 Comments
Marylou Wells
11/10/2013 10:15:00 pm

I do like my Janome because I do use the embroidery features. It's quite a powerhouse and an extremely smooth operating machine but it is terribly expensive to get fixed. It works best with constant use and not letting it sit idle....hmm, I guess that means I better get to sewing and stay away from FB.

Reply
Lex
11/11/2013 12:55:55 am

I can't say I have a lot of experience with a wide variety of machines, but my mothers 'Brother' machine is complicated to load and maintain and thread tension is a constant battle with it. She has never been able to sew more than a foot or so without the bobbin thread tangling up. I have had better luck with it but it is very temperamental.

My Mother in law has an antique Singer hand-sewing machine she inherited from one of her relatives and would you believe, despite its advanced age (easily 80 years+) I managed (without instructions) to load AND sew with it... That pretty much says it all to me tbh.

When I was at school they had a combination of Brother, Janome and Bernina (depending on which room you were taught in) and I have to say I found all of them terrifying in complexity, weighty and generally difficult to use (mind you they were quite old).

I am expecting a lovely new Singer from LeBoyfriend for Christmas and I can't wait. I'm genuinely excited to begin sewing with it. Top loading bobbin instead of side loading too...

Reply
Lisa
11/11/2013 01:10:29 am

I sew with a 50+ year old Singer that I got from my mom when my grandmother passed away and my mom got her Bernina. I have used the Bernina a time or two and since I am having some trouble with Singer and knits, I am looking into another machine. I am trying to decide between a Singer and a Benina. I also sew with a Benina/Benette Funlock 004 serger.

Reply
Andrea
11/11/2013 04:21:08 am

As I said, we are all fiercely loyal to the machine we love. Again, very similar to how people feel about their cars. And of course there are different reasons to get different brands. In my opinion, Bernina is best for reliability and strength, but maybe other brands are better for ease of use. I was also told by a repair man that machines that have drop in bobbins are more likely to go out of adjustment, but if ease of use is more important to you, than that is the way to go. I think this topic needs another blog or two more!

Reply
Isabella link
11/11/2013 10:03:12 pm

I currently have a Singer Heavy duty that I really adore. For me, it's not so much about brand loyalty - honestly, I don't understand that as a brand's quality changes over time- but about how the machine is built. The Singer I have is all metal inside. (I've taken it apart once or twice) This means it doesn't brake down...unless I jam the needle or something else just as silly.

I also have a brother overlock machine. I bought it due to the reviews and a lot of comparison with other overlock machines. This one came down to price (it was under $200) and how many seamstresses stated they had had their for years. Of course, me being me, I broke mine the first day. Luckily, it was just the knife - not necessary for sewing- but it was annoying. I tried to fix it but I have no idea what's wrong with it (I replaced the knife but it won't cut or retract). It sews great, however, and it's hard to go from sewing up seams in a minute on that to using the much slower but still way quicker than me Singer.

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Val LaBore link
11/15/2013 11:51:52 pm

My Mom owns a Pfaff she got in the 50s. In my time I've had a Kenmore, Brother, Elna, and now a Husqvarna. All but the Husky evenually broke. My Mom's Phaff is still going strong. I will most likely inherit it if I can afford the shipping due to its weight. But it will probably outlive me. I also now own 2 Singer Featherweights and a Jones handcrank, all three older than me, and running better than me.
Val

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    From Andrea 

    I am a commercial pattern maker who is now "sewing over 50"!
    I love to sew and hope to encourage others to come back to sewing.
    The water is fine!!

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