Old Singer Sewing Machine

My Singer Rocketeer 503A was delivered to me this weekend, and I am discovering how different non-computerized sewing machines really are. It makes me feel like I'm starting from scratch learning how to sew, but I'm enjoying the process. It was produced in 1961.

Took me two days, but I made a simple receiving blanket for my church sewing group. Most of the labor was finding an appropriate bobbin (computerized machines use different bobbins from non-computerized ones!) and getting the tension right (the previous owner used it to sew sails for his boats). I'm amazed at how much I had control over when using this machine. Once everything was just right, it went off like a racehorse.

Anyone else have an old sewing machine that acts its age?

Nice machine!

Mines a bit older.  A singer 127 made in 1919.  Lovely treadle and possibly the first sewing machine I didn't explode, make go on fire, or completely kill.  For some reason, electronic sewing machines and me are not a good match.  

But yours - if I remember right - has some awesome style.

Pictures?  

r ranson wrote:Nice machine!

Mines a bit older.  A singer 127 made in 1919.  Lovely treadle and possibly the first sewing machine I didn't explode, make go on fire, or completely kill.  For some reason, electronic sewing machines and me are not a good match.  

But yours - if I remember right - has some awesome style.

Pictures?  

Honestly, that's the way it was going for me until I bought this one. Fixing the tension was an incredible success, compared to all of the other times I've had problems with machines. I shopped for repairability this time, instead of convenience or the general feeling that it was "old."

This machine is very stylish, here's some pics as requested

So beautiful!

That generation of Singers is just rock-solid. Easy to use, easy to repair, and endlessly versatile. I have a 401A that I love to pieces. I even got an over locker foot and now have no desire at all for a serger! I’ve sewn everything from thin leather to cotton voile and it’s handled it with grace and aplomb. The Rocketeer adds a level of looking soooo cool while doing all that!