There’s a lot to be said for vintage. And no – that word doesn’t just connote “old.” Contrary to what some people might think, it also doesn’t mean “cheap.” The Canadian Oxford Dictionary describes the adjective form of the word “vintage” as, “being of high quality and earlier time.” And when it comes to sewing machines, both are accurate.
We’ve all seen vintage or antique sewing machines, those black metal Singers that once upon a time graced every home and were the means through which women kept their families clothed. They’re not especially rare. And because there are so many of them around, they tend not to have a lot of resale value.
But they’ve stood the test of time because they’re simple to operate, maintain and repair – and with no plastic parts or computerized components – they tend to be strong, reliable, precise in their stitching and highly resilient. Today’s quilters often use the old Singer Featherweight machines for their piecing work; they’re so small and lightweight, they can easily tote them along to the cottage or a class.
But the value of a good vintage sewing machine can extend well beyond the practical; if you’ve inherited a machine that once belonged to grandma there’s likely a certain emotional connection to it as well. Perhaps you remember sitting under the treadle machine, rocking it so granny could stitch away. Or maybe your mom has passed on her old machine, the one on which you first learned to sew. Such machines can be more than just a lovely accessory or handy-if-old-fashioned tool. They can provide a cherished connection to history.
For 23 years, Kanata Vacuum and Sewing Centre has been Kanata’s best choice for the purchase and service of vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. They sell a broad range of Brother sewing machines and sergers and offer private instruction, ensuring customers feel comfortable operating and caring for their new machines. Their store is located in the Castledean Mall, at 471 Hazeldean Road. You can reach them at 613-831-2326 or 613-831-7397 or on the web at www.kanatavacsew.ca.