I might buy one eventually. I hunted around until I found that one can get a new cabinet from the Amish: http://www.cottagecraftworks.com/amish-furniture-treadle-sewing-machine-cabinet-pr-708.html

And there are several places that carry the Janome treadle machine for about $250...if you just Google "Janome Treadle Machine" you'll get a list.

Together one would pay about $1,100 for the whole thing.

I really just can't put another machine in my studio. It's kind of small and already fairly packed, though it is a nice studio. But I still find it intriguing. I don't think it's big enough to attach the house to my quilt though.

I love treadle machines! That's how I started sewing, way back when ( well, not that long actually ), making clothes, mostly fancy, dressy night gowns. My great aunt gifted me the one I learned to sew with, only problem is, she's in my hometown, Morelia, in the state of Michoacán, México. I just have to figure out how to get it here. My sister has some friends that sometimes drive to the US so, they could bring it across the border and ship it from there. One way or another, she'll get here sooner or later, hopefully sooner. I keep an eye on Craigslist, garage sales and second hand stores, in case I come across a good treadle to give home to, while I get mine here.

I have my Singer treadle in working order too. I am going to piece my next quilt on it. I have to work on it during the day, or not enough light. I guess I could carry my Ott light up from the basement, but I use it there too. I really need to get some pictures posted.

BettyJo, that must be some ginormous quilt to get your house on it - moving the house must have been tricky too

I still have a working Singer treadle as for buttonhole facility, you're looking at someone who in their teens would buy a pattern that used 6 buttons rather than a zip for the opening , so no worries there.

[/quote]I still think we all need to invest in the modern day Janome treadle machine as a backup for just such emergencies. I believe it has 12 utility stitches and a buttonhole. [/quote]

I've told my husband that now he is retired engineer he should make a contraption to belt my old mechanical Bernina up to an exercise bike. I'm sure I would be super fit in no time I wouldn't be able to compete with 12 stitches but it too has a buttonhole. I could also get arm muscles from cranking the handle on a Sizzix or Accuquilt cutter - just imagine all that exercise and almost for free! I'm sure the fabric involved can easily compete in price with a fitness centre subs and I would save petrol or bus ticket going there - I think I'm onto a winner here
Marianne

Marianne-is-sewing wrote: I still think we all need to invest in the modern day Janome treadle machine as a backup for just such emergencies. I believe it has 12 utility stitches and a buttonhole.

Marianne-is-sewing wrote: Well, my house is now on my quilt.

Oh - and I thought size didn't matter these days
Actually it does when you have just down-sized your overall living space to half - my sewing machines have certainly become very close since we moved - so I think any new sewing machine in this house will be tiny (interpret that as you like )
Lots of snow here so an unexpected chance to do some sewing. I have the machines and iron all set up so I hope we don't lose the power like they have somewhere up in the Brecons
Marianne

Tell him it works better on the big one Bigger is always better, when it comes to electrical toys (especially when boys are doing the choosing) isn't it

That is s true Rosemary. I just wondered whether I could justify investing in a big beast if it could be used to bridge stitch my cracked ceilings together? I somehow don't think DH will "buy" that one especially seeing I have been complaning about the BSR
Marianne

Marianne-is-sewing wrote:

(they have more wooden houses over there, probably a bit easier than our brick ones)

Sewdreamy wrote: I know the 830 is a very BIG machine and very sturdy although I have never had the pleasure of trying one myself but sewing on your house now that is something new I'm not surprised you need to go slow!
Sorry couldn't help myself, Betty, sorry
Marianne

Perhaps we should all pool what we learn in a matrix. This discussion made me go start a matrix using Microsoft Office Excel. In my 830, the thing I've found when using a combination of Superior monofil in the top and Bottom line in the bottom...the top needs to be threaded for coming off a spool through that little grommet and I set at tension of 0 to .5. I use .5 if working with light fabric or few layers and 0 if working with several layers or denser fabrics. I thread the bobbin as if for embroidery and tighten it one click to the right. THEN I sew fairly evenly and not super fast. I was just doing this on my house today, which is why it's fresh in my mind.