I was at the thrift store last week and found some fabric..and a sewing machine. Then I went to Goodwill and found fabric and a sewing machine. Remember when I said it’s either jack pot or nothing. And the answer is yes..I did find and buy two sewing machines. I know crazy and like you, I am asking myself WHY??
This is the Goodwill machine. It is a Necchi 544. I paid $10 for it. I sews a WONDERFUL straight stitch.
I didn’t know a thing about this brand. I just know I had heard about them before. I had about two minutes in the store and didn’t have time to really check it over as I was running late to teach class and knew the store would be closed before I was done teaching…so I just bought it.
Getting it home and doing a little research I see it’s missing the table that goes around the open arm. I also learned that this model has cams inside that allows stitches to change and that those cams are notorious for breaking. I didn’t take the machine apart. I just know the stitches don’t change when I turn the cam. UGH. I do plan on taking it apart to see if that is indeed true.
As is, the straight stitch is wonderful. I need to find a 1/4″ foot it..and a manual. I wish it had the table too.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it. I love the simplicity of the look. I like learning about new machines too.
I am feeling a little buyer’s remorse on this one….Thankfully it was only $10.
I am not that familiar w that machine, but I had an older version (now w Bonnie) and there are cams, usually plastic. In the older machine, you would put the cams in that you wanted. They create the other stitches. My Elna was like that too (Circa 1970’s) and DH glue them back together when they cracked. But it didn’t last long as one of my DD’s used it b4 it was put back together. Never worked after that.
I am not that familiar w that machine, but I had an older version (now w Bonnie) and there are cams, usually plastic. In the older machine, you would put the cams in that you wanted. They create the other stitches. My Elna was like that too (Circa 1970’s) and DH glue them back together when they cracked. But it didn’t last long as one of my DD’s used it b4 it was put back together. Never worked after that.
If you Google the model of it you will come up with all kinds of information on it including possibly a manual. :-)
Marysewfun
If it’s light, it would be great to take to classes or retreats.
I love my Necchi, but it is an older model and doesn’t have the cams. May be as a travel machine, with some sort of table around it.
What a bargain! Necchi is a great machine, although the ones made in Italy (older ones) are best.
As a straight stitch machine, it would be great to travel with or as just a spare piecing machine. You could have a mini retreat in your new sewing room when it is finished!
I was just gifted with an old machine and I found a free PDF download for the manual for it online. I Googled the type of machine and manual and found it. Otherwise there were some on sale at Ebay from .99 to 37.00! ! ! When you have time, play on the internet a little and you just may find more information about your machine.
I have a post on my blog about my new little machine, her name is Maggie.
http://sunshine-marsha.blogspot.com/
I hope your Necchi turns out to be a treasure.
Oh, you have a pretty handy hubby, he may be able to build a platform to fit around the machine bed. Farmers are always very creative and handy building things, at least my Dad and all the other farmers I know were. Or, Bonnie Hunter can always find items to fit her machines, check out her site for that info.
Call the store, maybe they have it, just didn’t get put with machine. Great buy
I loved my Necchi machine. It is also a 544. The plastic cam is broken, my repair guy says no parts are available. Anyway, still have the machine, which has a table and book, if you are still interested. I will check the feet options.