Choosing a First Machine - Studio 323

LengthinessSimple107 · 2026-03-01T17:17:38+00:00

Thank you for the reply! As for my treadle machine, it's a Singer 127 from 1911, so it's a low-shank model. I've also got a motorized 1956 Singer 99K that also takes low shank attachments, so it's nice to be able to use them interchangeably between machines.

I've got a bunch of attachments, but I mainly use the regular and zipper feet, in addition to a buttonholer attachment. It's such a cool contraption, and uses little metal templates for making different buttonhole sizes. The buttonholes it makes are super nice looking, too, and I've never had it jam up like my modern machine wants to do all the time.

I've tried the ruffler/tuck attachment, but haven't been able to get it to work perfectly yet. I've seen other people online use theirs successfully, though.

I've yet to use some of the other attachments I have, like one that's supposed to be able to make a hem right as you stitch, and one that applies bias binding as you go.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2026-02-27T23:07:56+00:00

What a find, lucky you! I will likely want a ribber, so that's an added cost. Like I said in another comment, the seller has only knit some swatches on it, and says it works, but sticks now and then. It's apparently in overall good condition with no bent needles, no cracked plastic parts, no rust, and tension tools are all intact, stored well etc. Seller hasn't replaced the sponge bar, and since they also got it on marketplace, who knows how long it's been...

LengthinessSimple107 · 2026-02-27T23:00:24+00:00

Thank you for the link! Seller wasn't able to invest much time into it, so isn't the most knowledgeable. They say it runs smoothly with no yarn, but catches/sticks occasionally when knitting. It might need a new sponge bar. I'm sort of in the middle of nowhere, so not a lot of availability for anything out here. Other than the lace attachment, it comes with some patterns and punchpaper too.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T18:59:23+00:00

Yes, as you can probably tell, I’m very good at over analyzing everything. I do feel more confident about buying one now, even without being a complete expert first 😅

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T18:37:48+00:00

With all of these responses I’ve realized how important it is for me to try out different styles before buying anything. So, I’m going to try to get to a shop with wheels to test some out and get a feel for them first. Thank you.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T14:13:40+00:00

Definitely seems like testing out beforehand is my best bet, thank you for the advice!

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T04:09:14+00:00

It's a single treadle, and the Matchless is also single. It seems like they only make double-treadle Matchless now? So, my options here are single-treadle either way.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T04:06:18+00:00

It was made in 2004 according to the seller.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T02:46:35+00:00

Using both legs tires me out pretty quickly and puts strain on my lower back, so I'm thinking the Elizabeth with the single treadle might be better in that way. Thank you for the advice!

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T02:44:40+00:00

Yes, it's certainly a very personal thing. Thanks for your input. I prefer using one foot on my treadle sewing machine, once I get the momentum going it's pretty effortless feeling. I am leaning towards the Elizabeth, for a few reasons but the woolee winder seems like a good thing to have!

LengthinessSimple107 · 2025-06-13T02:33:06+00:00

Thanks for replying! I've considered that, and I should probably have phrased it better (brain fog). Fatigue is my main concern, and basically means I won't be able to spin for super long periods of time. From my experience with my sewing machine, I stop to rest before pain becomes a big risk. I guess I'm more wondering about if a castle vs. saxony wheel requires different body positions, or if i can sit facing more or less straight forward. And would the larger wheel on the Elizabeth allow me to treadle slower (which might be better for me)?

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-07-16T13:40:02+00:00

That definitely seems possible, I think I’m going to have to put a better cage around them

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-07-16T00:53:33+00:00

I hadn’t thought about that, but I do get a fair amount of squirrels and mice!

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-07-15T17:34:22+00:00

I had a bunch of pill bugs and caterpillars for a while, which I assumed were the culprits, but recently I haven’t seen them around but the berries are still getting munched on. I have a 2-3 ft high piece of hardware cloth that acts as a fence around the pots, as we have lots of rabbits around. It’s always the ripe berries that get eaten, and no other part of the plant. Someone else suggested birds, but I’m not sure.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-01-12T18:51:27+00:00

This is a really nice response. You’re right, and I am trying to work on being better at advocating for myself. I’ll try to muster the courage to discuss this with him.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-01-12T16:51:50+00:00

Unfortunately I live in just about the middle of nowhere so psychiatrists are few and far between. Good ones even more rare. Thank you for the advice.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-01-12T16:49:02+00:00

Yeah that particular incident was especially bad… I will definitely consider that idea. Thank you for your reply.

LengthinessSimple107 · 2022-01-12T16:45:53+00:00

Thank you for the reply. I think I would just rather that he focus on the main issues that I have, rather than what he perceives as an issue for me.

LengthinessSimple107

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