Where in GTA or near by area, I can buy legs(u can use them to stitch rather then using moter or handle) with sewing machine. I mean like India we have legs and they can be fit in any brand sewing machines. I searched every where but all the stores like Wal-Mart, sears and other singer stores they doesn’t even know what legs are. All they know is electric moter. Also even if I get legs from India or some where, no machine seems to fit as they don’t have options to fit legs in it.

Any idea or suggestions which brand and model to buy, so that even if I buy legs from India some day, I can fit them in my machine.

also any feedback on products available here, sears walmart or singer?

Thanks
Monika

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hello!

Hi Monika,
What you are looking for is an older type of sewing machine and it is mechanically, foot, driven machine. It is called a "TREADLE" machine.
I hope these ads that I picked up today are FRESH and not OLD ones.
Hence GOOD LUCK.
You can also look into 'antiques' and out of town Penny Savers, from London, Guelph...and other locations. Use these words in your search. Treadle and Antique, sewing machine alternately.
You can bargain the price down to what you want to pay. If you are
desperate, then, after bargaining to a price that you feel happy about,
get the location where you can see the same. Go there together with
some one who will handle the situation a little better, incase it calls for it.
Make sure it works there, 'before you pay'. See there is no damage in that machine which will make it useless.


http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa012400a.htm


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Description Price
SINGER SEWING MACHINES (2) vintage 1940-1950 Large industrial with thick wooden table,working order $75. obo. toronto. Tel: 416-462-9225

Tel: 416‑462‑9225
>> See Details
$75
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Description Price
2 OLDER Singer sewing machines in exc working order $100both.

Tel: 416‑742‑8056 >> See Details $100
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TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR SEWING MACHINE IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION.

FIRST BUY AN OIL CAN WITH A SPOUT. (THREE IN ONE OR SINGER) Since you knew how to sew, this is redundant - not needed, but it is from a manual on sewing. Old machines do not come with books. So, please print and keep. Some of the spools are still available from sewing and notion's shops or from hobby stores. Carry one for sample and match the same. If you would like to convert the same into ELECTRIC machine, there are electric motors with foot controllers, those are also available. That comes later.

GOOD LUCK WITH THESE PHONE NUMBERS.

Freddie.

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OIL MACHINE ON EVERY START UP or 2 hours of sew. Oil bobbin case and 1 drop in bobbin holder cup when changing (dont over oil bobbin cup or you can have free spins)

Clean feed dog area and bobbin case area with wisk brush when closing up shop (especially if using high nap fabric)

When sewing try to place straightest peice on bottom and curved peice on top. Top layers is contol peice and easier to turn.

When sewing larger peices place heavier peice on bottom because the feed dog (part moving in bed of machine) will pull part through more easily.

When first starting to sew place Key marks (slits cut into both parts short of your sew line) approximately 3" a part. it will give you better reference for alignment as you go until you get a good feel for the machine.

Grip the bottom layer with your right hand and work the top peice with your left.

If you are not lining up with the notches as you sew hold back the piece that is getting into the feet area first until the other piece catches up.

Keep the top piece elevated off the bottom until about a 1/2" infront of the feet on a curved area. Lay the two peices together on straight areas.

Cut vinyl parts with the stretch of the material going across the shortest pattern width to minimize stretching during sew and build.

Back tack (doubling up by either reversing or raising needle to the top and pulling material back to resew on non reverse machines) all starts and stops at least 5 stitches to keep seam closed.

Always spin machine forward (reversing hand wheel causes skiped stitches and jams)

Bobbins spin counter clockwise.

Needles are threaded left to right

slot in needle goes to the left.

There are a ton more but this should be a good start.

Good luck and watch those fingers. I always recommend safety glasses as a precaution. I used to sew production and saw many a finger run though and when needles break they dont always stay in the material!

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Hi Freddie,

Thanks for the detailed info and Links!!

Monika

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hello!

The best place for you shop around and advertise under wanted section is this site:

http://toronto.craigslist.org/

Wait and watch you'll be amazed at the deals you would get. Caution: watch out for the occassional scamster.

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Speech by Thomas Friedman of The New York Times....

"When we were young kids growing up in America, we were told to eat our
vegetables at dinner and not leave them. Mothers said, 'think of the
starving children in India and finish the dinner.' And now I tell my
children: 'Finish your maths homework. Think of the children in India
who would make you starve, if you don't.'"