How to Find Antique Sewing Machines

Antique sewing machines are more than just a reflection of the history of domestic innovations, they take us back to a simpler time and their aesthetic beauty is both complex and compelling. Sewing enthusiasts and those that can't even sew a button find the smooth lines and curved wheels of these artifacts beautiful and many people collect them for just those reasons. Whether you are a talented seamstress looking for something to attract passersby in your store window or a sewing novice hoping for inspiration, purchasing an antique sewing machine is a great investment. Not sure how to begin collecting? Here are a few tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access
• Access to antique shops and malls

1. Start your search on the biggest and most popular auction and shopping site, eBay.com. A recent search there came up with upwards of 300 entries and includes everything from German machines from the early 1900s to cast iron replicas. This is a good place to get an idea of what machines may be worth, so that if you see one at your local antique shop or flea market you'll know their value. Browse around and bid when ready Be sure to note the shipping costs, as some machines may be quite heavy.

2. Craigslist is another great place to find deals on antique sewing machines. Simply go online, select your city and do a search. You could also post an ad there letting people know you want to buy.

3. Sign up with the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society (see Resources). Look through the ads in the ISMCS digest and get a great machine from a real enthusiast. This site also has plenty of information about vintage machines, so read up on them a bit so you know what you want.

4. If you want a bargain, your best bet is to haunt the local flea markets, estate and garage sales. These are common places to find vintage items and most of the time you can get them for much less than they are worth. Also, if you aren't finicky and are approaching your purchase with more of an aesthetic eye rather than the eye of a collector, you can get damaged antique sewing machines for dollars that will look just as pretty in your home as a thousand dollar classic. Be patient and enjoy the treasure hunt.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the word out. Talk to the dealers at your local antique mall and let them know what you are looking for. They will write it down and alert you when something interesting comes in.
• Go rural. Take a drive in the country on a Friday or Saturday and hit the garage sales. You'll often find great antiques and unusual items that would be snapped up too quickly in the big city.