sdc100 wrote:The weird thing is that neither model exists on Singer's website. I wonder what that means... ? The Search function is weird in that you're not allowed to put letters in.

Machine is on Singer's website, under "Perfect finish"

tuhraycee wrote:To buy or not to buy..... It *is* my birthday next Thursday...

My birthday was Monday. I think you should.

sylviaindev wrote:This is the most dramatic Woot I've ever (hopefully) made! Wide, strident opinions on the quality of Singer's products; Home Shopping Network gurus dripping with praise; debating in my mind whether getting these machines will finally make me learn how to sew; finally deciding to purchase . . . and now, waiting to see if it takes!

If you're just learning, patternreview.com is invaluable.

badcatstl wrote:Have you ever tried a old Italian Necchi? LOVE THEM. I agree about Brother, they are also excellent machines.

My mom and three of us daughters sewed on a Necchi-Ulna for 50+ years. We cleaned it and oiled it before putting it away every time. My dad opened it up and cleaned the insides about once a year. Never needed service. Only drawback was the weight... It went into the auction after my dad died and sold quick. (None of us kids sew anymore...)

Atashi06 wrote:If anyone only wants the sewing machine part of the Woot, I'd be interested in buying the serger off of you.

Yes! How could we make this work?

kquicks wrote:Yes! How could we make this work?

Sounds like something to take to private messages!

Best Writeup EVAR!

*begins slow-clap*

If someone only has a few hundred to spend on a sewing machine, it would be better to buy a used one made by Viking, Juki, Bernina, etc. than to buy a new low quality Singer. You can get the good ones at mom-and-pop sewing machine stores. Plus they usually throw in free classes and set up. Plus I have been sewing for a very long time and have never used a serger. My Viking has a stitch that makes a nice overcast or there is always the old reliable zig-zag stitch.

beachymel wrote:Does anybody know if you can add additional decorative alphabet stitches to this machine? I'm still using my 20 year old Singer, but have always wanted a machine that has alphabet stitches. I would want the option to change the stitch font, though.

There is no way to add additional alphabets onto this machine. It comes with 2 alphabet stitches that have both upper and lower case letter. One is block and one is script.

devexityspace wrote:Singer is the only brand of sewing machines anyone should ever even consider. It's the "Apple" of sewing machines in a sense.

This is an amazing price at $350.

I gently refute this. Strongly and gently. Singer was a wonderful machine for over 100 years, but by the late 70's it was being created by other companies, had mostly plastic instead of metal parts and generally was shoddy. It hasn't gotten much better and is mostly a beginner machine, that is very inexpensive. There's nothing wrong with that, but if you are an avid sewer, it's not going to do what you want it to. Having said that, I recently tested out a number of lower end Singers and found them to be good for basic stitches. Being a seamstress for over 25 years, and a sewing teacher... I'd tell anyone that wanted to get into sewing that this is a great deal, the serger is a wonderful addition and to GET CREATAIVE! If you want something more heavy duty, take a look at Pfaff, Viking, Janome, New Home, Juki or the cadillac of machines, Bernina. Happy Stitching!

I placed an order and when I checked my account it doesn't show up. I did not get the information stating it was sold and my receipt. I went through the process again and sent an email to them. I don't want 2 machines just one. I hope this works out. I have not had this problem before. Anyone else having a problem?

ModemJunki wrote:D'oh! I placed my order before reading all the comments and finding out the order system is borked.

I hope it goes through.

yeah me too - oh well it went through eventually

friartek wrote:I'll be nice and just say you're misinformed. The only Singer my wife will allow in the house is her mother's old industrial(heavy duty) one. Uses it to sew multiple layers of very heavy material. Honest truth, it has an oil reservoir with a dip stick(and yes it runs on electricity).

If you think I'm going to show her this, no way. I would never here the end of it. As far as the "Apple" part goes, I haven't wanted one since they stopped using the Power PC processors. The only good thing they still have going for them is the OS. I just hope they don't screw that up too.

The only thing Apple's have going for them is the OS? Are you off your trolley? The Power PC chip was power hungry, ran hot, and was at or passed the limits of their technological max. The new Core processors are faster, cooler, and require 1/5 of the battery life. The switch to Intel wasn't as smooth in the beginning (the dual core Intel chip was junk), as was the core2 duo, but these new core i4 and above is AMAZING. You obviously don't know what the hell you're talking about, and I have a feeling you are just bitter at apple for giving up power PC because you're one of those people who prides themselves on being "not a PC." But to say that Apple's have nothing going for them besides the OS is ludicrous! The hardware is superior to any other portable manufacturer (phone or laptop).

I just ordered and it went through just like always. Shows up on my purchased list, too.

I blame y'all for this! Didn't need another sewing machine but this is too good a deal to pass up. Maybe my DIL will be getting a nice gift this Christmas....

honduhchicken wrote:The only thing Apple's have going for them is the OS? Are you off your trolley? The Power PC chip was power hungry, ran hot, and was at or passed the limits of their technological max. The new Core processors are faster, cooler, and require 1/5 of the battery life. The switch to Intel wasn't as smooth in the beginning (the dual core Intel chip was junk), as was the core2 duo, but these new core i4 and above is AMAZING. You obviously don't know what the hell you're talking about, and I have a feeling you are just bitter at apple for giving up power PC because you're one of those people who prides themselves on being "not a PC." But to say that Apple's have nothing going for them besides the OS is ludicrous! The hardware is superior to any other portable manufacturer (phone or laptop).

This would be great if we were talking about how well the Mac could sew, but we're not so can we go back to sewing machines?

lovejoymar wrote:My mom and three of us daughters sewed on a Necchi-Ulna for 50+ years. We cleaned it and oiled it before putting it away every time. My dad opened it up and cleaned the insides about once a year. Never needed service. Only drawback was the weight... It went into the auction after my dad died and sold quick. (None of us kids sew anymore...)

I just got a Ulna a week ago, army green. The Ulna was much lighter than my Necchi Lelia and had a case. I'm not surprised it sold quickly. For those who know what they are they have quite a following.

There is no way I could see myself spending money on another new Singer. They are okay for a beginning seamstress or tailor, but if someone wants to seriously get into it, I could not recommend this to anyone - even with it having a serger. I used to have to have my Singer repaired 3 times a year or more. And since the tension was computerized, I couldn't fix it myself. $300/yr in repairs? More than twice what I paid for the machine. It's also plastic and feels cheap.

Going to sew very minor things? This is fine though you'll be wasting a serger.

Wanting to sew more intermediate or advanced things? Not the way to go.

--CW Hudgens, Costumer and Seamstress

I love my old metal machines. I have them from the late 1800s, a Singer Trendle from 1911, a handcrank from Poland, several PINK machines, a great Green Brother, and a wonderful Aqua/White/Crome from the 50s....I do the restore on them myself and sew on them all the time. The sound they make is golden, unlike some of the new ones that clank. Those Singers clank on the HSN demos, while the Brothers hum like they should....

Personally would get this deal for someone that wants to split it with me like some of you have discussed doing or for someone starting out as it is a set of decent machines and that serger is well worth it.

Nice for beginners or very casual let-me-repair-that-shirt sewers (but then again you can get a nice beginner machine for $99 dollars, too, as most beginners might not want a serger).

But I would never buy a new Singer. A new Singer was my first newbie sewing machine about a decade ago as a kid with no one to take direction from. The first time I messed up the timing on it and went to one of the local family owned sew and vac shops to get it repaired, I was strongly advised against using it if I wanted to start sewing heavier fabrics, multiple layers, or maybe just abusing my machine as some n00bs like me do. (You mean you CAN'T sew through those sparkly plastic sequins on fabric? What?!)

Most lower end sewing machines are made of plastic these days, and the plastic can wear down and mess up the insides permanently. Especially with the wear and tear a new sewer would make!

"New", "name brand", and "lightweight" are not always better when it comes to sewing machines.

Lightweight can also mean small...This one isn't a full sized machine but a 3/4 size. It is good for smaller projects though I wouldn't try to do a quilt larger than a lap size on it. The throat opening isn't large enough for that, but still a good deal for beginners of light to medium weight and heavy if they know how to do it carefully and without going full tilt. This one does have speed control so you can press your foot all the way down on the pedal and only go so fast, which does make it great for beginners.

I own this set (paid more). It is stable, sturdy, and smooth. I would not expect it to stand up to constant heavy duty, but it will go smoothly through 2 layers of denim. The needles change easily, so use the right needle for denim and canvas. I recommend this highly.

izzzi wrote:I own this set (paid more). It is stable, sturdy, and smooth. I would not expect it to stand up to constant heavy duty, but it will go smoothly through 2 layers of denim. The needles change easily, so use the right needle for denim and canvas. I recommend this highly.

Listen to Izzy! She sounds like she knows her stuff. I wish I still had a Grandmum, Mum or an Auntie that sewed. Mother in Law used to but doesn't anymore. The rare sewing I do is with a Singer from the early 1900's. Those black, simple ones. I can run a seam or hem. That's it. Here's to Grandma Izzy, you go girlfriend!

The button... she's a bouncing!

Ok, I'm finally going for it after being wishy-washy over it all day and I click 'this info is correct' and it takes me back to the main woot! page???

ETA: Made it through...not looking back...!

Ball was bouncing...did the deed....yay!!! I always wanted a serger!

Happy Anniversary to my wife.

Nice woot!

Sorry, don't waste your money. These are terrible machines (Singer use to be a quality name). You will spend all your time removing stitching and resewing, unjamming etc.

If you want a decent machine(s) for a reasonable price - that actually works - go check out the Janome brand.

kquicks wrote:Yes! How could we make this work?

queenangelfish wrote:I was kind of thinking I'd like the machine, but not so inclined to own the serger. What do you think you'd pay for the serger?

I've sent a PM to both of you. Yep, I'm still interested in taking just the serger from the deal.

If I was looking for a back up machine or one for my daughter this would be the deal (new). Me I still have my singer 2010 (1983) still running - less the zigzag width adjustment working. Also have an older Singer, Babylock Esante Embroidery Machine & a Juki serger. I actually like the way my singers sew better then the babylock.
I dream of having a babylock (air threading) serger and a the Pfaff Creative Vision Embroidery machine, but shelling out $4-6k used or 10k new is just not in my budget, especially when my retirement has disappeared like the last Russian rocket and yes it never made orbit either!
Any way in this market today this Singer set would get you by, they have many features the higher end machines have, the main ones you would want & use. And they come with pretty good warranties. Even if these machines didn't hold up as long as a higher end one - you didn't put thousands of dollars into them. If you've never sewn anything before and you decide you like it - buy a better machine later and keep this one as a back up. Also if you are doing embroidery, it’s really nice to be able to sew on another machine wile your embroidery machine is working. Ya can never have just one!!! ha-ha - Like shoes!

To all those touting the virtues of Pfaff etc....I'm sewing to save money and to create projects of my own design. I don't need to pay thousands to get a top of the line machine for that purpose. Most of us will do fine with this set for the next 20 years.:0)

dsscheibe wrote:There haven't been any sewing machines made in America for a long time. I'm not even sure any are made in Europe any more. Pretty much all of them are made in Asia some where, not all in China.

Wiki says BERNINA factories are located in Steckborn, Switzerland, as well as in Lamphun, Thailand. (shrug) it's no susprise that they'd have a presense in both locations for historical and/or low labor costs. It doesn't necessarily speak to the quality of parts designed & used - Apple products are made in Asia and they're not shoddy for that fact. Either way they and Viking and Pfaff et al were never made in America.

Is it possible to program the machine in order to sew things with cleaner seams?

I am horrible at sewing and this would be a fun thing if I could make some clean seams haha.

niftyfifty wrote:To all those touting the virtues of Pfaff etc....I'm sewing to save money and to create projects of my own design. I don't need to pay thousands to get a top of the line machine for that purpose. Most of us will do fine with this set for the next 20 years.:0)

You don't have to pay thousands for a good machine. Good vintage ones will last forever and sometimes are free-50$ on Craigslist or in thrift stores. I have several that sew well that were 5$ or less, the one I'm using right now was found in the back of a car in the junkyard by my husband. I have found several on the side of the road when people clean house. Most folks aren't doing more than basic stitches and maybe dropping the feed dogs for free motion which a lot of even the vintage machines will do.

I would totally buy this if I weren't completely broke from paying for college stuff. I have a digital Brother machine that I love, but this would be awesome for a second machine for when my sister and I are both working on stuff. Also, it's a great price for even just the serger.

Set is currently selling for $500. According to: http://www.it-echo.com/2011/03/30/singer-et1-perfect-finish-sewing-machine-and-singer-14et754-serger-set-review-2.html

wootcowboy wrote:"my wife and mother in law are sewers."

This always cracks me up.

Get you mind out of the sewer ;-)

It's about time you list this KINDA of stuff !!!....I love you guys & have purchased STUFF for the Man in my life, But seriously Women have needs too.

More Sewing & Crafting if you don't mind


Sincerely,

The Domestic Goddess.

After reading the "review" on this I've decided that someone just read off the back of the box and doesn't even know anything about sewing. "Needle and threading options, Bobbin technology" as new features? Really? Cuz those have been around for at least thirty years to my knowledge. I still don't know what to expect from this, so I'm passing.

What is up Woot? I just clicked on "I Want One" and was entering my credit card information and when clicked on the order button it said you were sold out?!?!? That is not right .. you really should reserve one when someone clicks on the "I Want One" button and then give them a reasonable amount of time to complete the payment information like, say, 5 minutes. I probably only took 1-2 minutes but yet didn't get one.

I would expect more from Woot and am really disappointed because I have been waiting for a sewing machine deal like this for a long time.

larrycunningham wrote:What is up Woot? I just clicked on "I Want One" and was entering my credit card information and when clicked on the order button it said you were sold out?!?!? That is not right .. you really should reserve one when someone clicks on the "I Want One" button and then give them a reasonable amount of time to complete the payment information like, say, 5 minutes. I probably only took 1-2 minutes but yet didn't get one.

I would expect more from Woot and am really disappointed because I have been waiting for a sewing machine deal like this for a long time.

If that were the case there would be 1000 times as many Bundle of Crops sold...