puckers in waxed canvas stitching

[shoepatcher]

There are other places in the US you can try.  Out west, try Alberoni's in LA, Bogle-Greenwell in Texas,   Miami Sewing in Florida.  These are all big sewing machine dealers.   Since you are probably going to only be getting head only, shipping would not be a huge expense.    The key is finding one and in good shape.

glenn

[georgeandgracie]

Thank you, Glenn! These people will never hear the end of it until I find my machine.

[Uwe]

Advanced Sewing Technologies Corp. is one of the big boys in used sewing machines supplies. They publish a monthly inventory spreadsheet, which currently shows one Singer 211A157AA, plus several other needle feed machines with reverse that may be suitable candidates. You can contact them for a quote of a specific model you're interested in and they send you a price and a picture of the machine.

[georgeandgracie]

Uwe, thank you! That spreadsheet lists a 211A157AA. What does the A stand for, as opposed to the G?

Miami Sewing has a 211G165. How does that compare to the 211G157?

Edited May 24, 2016 by georgeandgracie

[Uwe]

The middle Letter (G,A,W, etc.)  usually indicates in which factory the machine was produced : http://www.sewalot.com/dating_singer_sewing_machine_by_serial_number.htm

Some Singer manuals will give a brief description of the various subclasses. 

[Hockeymender]

4 hours ago, Uwe said:

Advanced Sewing Technologies Corp. is one of the big boys in used sewing machines supplies. They publish a monthly inventory spreadsheet, which currently shows one Singer 211A157AA, plus several other needle feed machines with reverse that may be suitable candidates. You can contact them for a quote of a specific model you're interested in and they send you a price and a picture of the machine.

I would, if at all possible, go sew on anything you are considering buying from Advanced Sewing Technologies. That's from personal experience. PM me if you want details. 

[coryleif]

Here're some more tips on puckering from the folks at Sailrite (mostly reinforcing what's been said above): https://sailrite.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/how-to-keep-fabric-from-shrinking-when-you-sew/

I second the Ventile spec info. Came across that years ago and it's been helpful.

Eric, if you don't mind sharing, what kind of cotton-wrapped poly thread are you guys using? I've been looking at A&E's D-Core for denim totes, and wondering if there's anything better.

Re used machines: it's always best to try out used machines, if possible ... unless you're buying it from Uwe. Also, check out the LW.net sponsors -- many deal in used machines. See also Keystone Sewing and Nick-O Sew.

Good luck, happy sewing!

c

[gottaknow]

1 hour ago, coryleif said:

Here're some more tips on puckering from the folks at Sailrite (mostly reinforcing what's been said above): https://sailrite.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/how-to-keep-fabric-from-shrinking-when-you-sew/

I second the Ventile spec info. Came across that years ago and it's been helpful.

Eric, if you don't mind sharing, what kind of cotton-wrapped poly thread are you guys using? I've been looking at A&E's D-Core for denim totes, and wondering if there's anything better.

Re used machines: it's always best to try out used machines, if possible ... unless you're buying it from Uwe. Also, check out the LW.net sponsors -- many deal in used machines. See also Keystone Sewing and Nick-O Sew.

Good luck, happy sewing!

c

Our thread is custom made by one of the worlds leaders. (I can't say) Two years ago I did extensive testing for them which resulted in a new finish formulation to solve some undesirable attributes. 

That said, I've worked with A&E thread a lot and it's a very good thread. D-core is good for anything cotton. If you want something stronger, try the Perma core which is poly wrapped poly. I've used their thread on everything from denim to Lycra.  

Regards, Eric 

[gottaknow]

The 211A series were made in Japan. There were a few Singers of that era that were designated A as well, but were made in Germany, likely under contract from Adler.

Regards, Eric

[georgeandgracie]

Alberoni has a Singer 211G157, head only, for $1275. Is that really what they go for?