I received an old sewing machine as a gift

To all sewing enthusiasts

I received this sewing machine as a gift. Maybe someone recognizes it and can give me some tips. It can definitely do various zigzag stitches and looks very sturdy. I was really happy to get it and am going to start sewing again with it.

It even comes with various additional presser feet, such as ones for hemming. I’ve never heard of these before. If anyone has such presser feet for this sewing machine, I’d really love to have them. Or if anyone knows where to find them.

Moni, my mom had one just like that. Before you start sewing, here’s a tip: clean it inside and out as best you can and oil it thoroughly—it’ll thank you for it. The IDEAL is actually a JANOME machine. You might be able to find the presser feet on eBay, or ask at a sewing machine store.

Best regards, Inge

Oh, thank you, Inge, I knew you’d have the best tips. Yes, I already thought I’d have to oil it first. I’ve already cleaned the outside; that went quite well. I’ll take a look for those presser feet. Now I know a bit more.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a sewing machine dealer here.

Best wishes, Monika

Sorry, Moni—according to my daughter, it’s not a Janome but a Brother. Sorry for the wrong info; my daughter Googled it, found that statement, and called me, but the rest of the info I gave you is correct :-)

Hugs, Inge

Thanks, Inge, for the correction! Were there Brother sewing machines back then? I wouldn’t have guessed that.

Best regards, Monika

It looks like it, Moni :-)
Personally, I’m a die-hard Pfaff fan :-)))) when it comes to sewing machines—but for embroidery machines, Brother is way better than Pfaff

Best regards, Inge

I used to sew on an old Singer sewing machine. I got it from my mom—it was hand- and foot-operated, so it didn’t need electricity. I could sew really well on it. My mom sewed the most beautiful things on it, even without a pattern. She was very talented, I have to say now. I’m amazed by that now, but as a child, I didn’t really like wearing hand-sewn clothes. It made me an outsider at school.

Oh, congratulations, dear Monika, on your new sewing machine! I think that’s a great gift. As long as it can sew, it’s a good place to start. I wouldn’t rush out to get the special presser feet just yet. I also got some with my sewing machine, but I haven’t used any of them yet. The standard stitch you can sew with the regular presser foot has been enough for me so far. I’ll definitely try one of the other feet later on, but I’m still too much of a beginner for that.

Maybe you should practice with the sewing machine first and sew a few things. You might then realize that you’d actually prefer one with more stitch options or one that can do an overlock stitch, for example. I’d wait a bit and sew a few things first before spending money on additional presser feet that you might never need. Use the money you’ve saved (for now) to buy some good sewing thread instead. The cheap, run-of-the-mill threads are unfortunately no good.

I hope you have a lot of fun exploring your new sewing machine.

Best regards, Ina

Thanks, dear Ina—that’s exactly what I thought when I saw the prices for the presser feet. For now, I’m just happy to be able to sew the doll carrier for Linja’s birthday. Then I want to start making skirts for the two girls this summer. But first things first.

Sewing thread—yeah, I’ll have to see where I can get some good quality thread. I don’t need much for the doll carrier, after all.

Moni, when it comes to sewing thread, I can only give you the same advice I gave Ina: look for a brand-name one, even if it’s a little more expensive.

Love, Inge

I’ll do that, Inge. I’ll use up my stash for practice first, but there isn’t much left.