Curious Observer

HaHa, did you see that? Like I said, we both limped after it was all done. Many adventures on that first attempt at a bag, or pretty much anything for that matter. That little project pushed both the machine and I beyond our capabilities but we survived! I'm just shameless enough to show it on this forum.

Thank you AlZilla. I read through Wiz's thread, very comprehensive and loaded with interesting and technical information. I'll keep working with that little 130 trying to improve my skills and enjoying the process. The little 130 I found for just $30 and had to buy a motor, belt and rebuilt the old lamp in it. Admittedly I don't know much about sewing machines, but believe she is doing pretty good and is the one I can use as the fancier 332's needle hits metal when the zigzag moves to the left. I haven't worker on her for a while and hope to get her fixed and sell it eventually so that I can fix the 226 and keep it and the 130 for my personal use. You mention the Singer 306 and I am yet to look it up and see how she is like the Pfaff 130. Now if the Singer 206 is that tiny, possibly portable, machine. I've seen some around in the ads and they go for a lot of money. I am hoping to pick up a Nakashima 280L and make that my first "leather sewing machine". It is at a local shop where she will be worked over, a servo motor installed and be a "turnkey" purchase. It might be priced on the high end of the spectrum but the shop is staffed by someone who seems to be a very honest gentleman who is always very helpful. I feel there is value in that. If I do, I'll be sure to share the information in this forum. Thanks again! Now I'll go look for the306 via Google before getting to some computer work I've been putting off.

Good Morning AlZilla, I thank you and the rest of the members that took time to share their knowledge and help with me. Just yesterday I put my little 130 Pfaff through an exercise as I put together a small bag. She was determined and a sport, but clearly not a leather sewing machine. We had a good time (sure!), and came up to a place where something was made and we both limped away with a small sense of pride. I'll try to take some pictures to share. Mind you I really did not know Jack from Jill, and really still don't, when it came to machine sewing. My initial thought was that I would get a sewing machine and learn how to operate it, and if proven capable, would eventually get me a more capable machine for my hobby and turn it into a jobby as someone so aptly put it in a thread I read earlier. During one of my many sessions at the University of YouTube, I saw a lesson where someone touted the virtues of the Pfaff 332 and called it a leather capable sewing machine. After missing on what seemed like a good Singer ( I think it was) at the Marketplace, a 332 (1957 vintage) showed up and I jumped in it head first. Pure impulse, but since it was not a true leather sewing machine, the hit though probably excessive was not devastating. When I brought her home after grabbing it without even testing it, many a flaw showed up. These flaws though were learning opportunities. I had to replace old electrical wires, get a working pedal and found out what appears to be very common with these old German ladies, they tend to freeze. Now I read from your comment that you have your own stable of Vintage mares, so are probably familiar with my experience but at a larger scale. My Pfaff 130 (1951) I picked up for nearly no money and did not expect it to work immediately. The wiring was in shambles so most of it was replaced and it presented its own set of learning opportunities. She is less complicated than the 332 who has an impressive set of dials and cams which when working properly can make a crap-load of decorative stitches. The 130 I have can zigzag, reverse and adjust stitch length, as far as I can use. I'm afraid that I've been bitten by the old German machines bug, so I picked up yet another, a Pfaff 260 which sits in the shed awaiting for spring when hopefully I can give her a makeover. This one I also picked up at what seemed like a very good price and am hopeful to be able to bring back to working order. If I succeed, she and her table should be very nice. I'm going to see if I can attach that video Piquant asked to see from the machine in use. I was able to paste a posting I did which included a video on a Pfaff 130 owners group. I'm afraid I'm proving as limited in my interactions with this website as I am with my sewing. I thank you again for your help and time as well as the opportunity come here to this site and enjoy the knowledge and support of a community.

Thanks

Here’s a video Friquant, she goes

Greetings and Happy Holidays to all I am trying to learn how to machine sew, in that effort I bought an old domestic machine. A true leather sewing machine is too expensive for me to experiment and find out if I’m able to machine sew at all. I probably overpaid for a Pfaff 332 but don’t regret it. I did fall for the vintage machine thing as I later fell for a 130 of the same brand which was in shambles, but was able to bring back to life. This latter one actually sews while the 332 I have yet to bring to full operational status. I’ll admit it, I then grabbed a 260 which is also in very sad shape and awaits in the shed for a spring makeover. This 260 I feel was a good deal as was the 130, though admittedly I’m no expert. I would like to know if someone can tell me if there might be a way to reign in and better control the speed on my old yet spirited 130. I’m trying to design a specialized bag which she might be able to sew. Other than that, at this time I make coin and card holders which is what, like many others I suppose, I’ve started my leather making/playing with. I hope to eventually buy a used leather capable machine which is my other question. Where in your site may I find used leather sewing machines for sale? TIA for your help and time. Mario