Threads - for people who love to sew

My Grandmother's White Rotary

This is my "project" for the moment. My grandmother owned this White Rotary Sewing Machine. When she died it passed into my mother's possession, and now, since my mother has moved to assisted living, the family needs to decide what to do with this. It still sews, though it has a "hot" smell sometimes. There are approximately 15 attachments plus two zig-zag attachments.

My grandmother sewed my mother's wedding dress, mine and two of my sisters' as well, plus countless dresses, coats and other things for the five of us girls growing up--not to mention her many outfits. Isn't there something better for this faithful machine than a scrap heap? I have an old machine plus a newer one just a few years old, and my sisters can't take it either.

Any suggestions?

sewingpuzzle, member
Posted on May 13th, 2011 in tools & supplies, reader's closet, sewing machine, vintage machines

Comments (6)

sews4fun writes: I would NEVER get rid of that machine! I sew a lot of denim and no matter what they tell you, the new machines just can't handle the weight of heavy jeans construction and patching. I have 3 old singers, two of which are direct drive and I have another which has a belt and I'm keeping them all! I use those old direct drive singers every time I work with denim and they have never failed me yet, they make the exact same top stitch on denim that you see on jeans today with the exact same heavy duty thread.
My husband has untold canvas projects and my son in law likes to sew with leather, he finally scored an old singer of his own so no more sharing with him!
Your machine is far too valuable for heavy duty sewing to ever get rid of it, you will find that out after the old girl is gone. Keep that machine!
Posted: 11:00 pm on September 14th

JBNelson2011 writes: If no one really wants that machine and has no use for it. I would donate it to a woman's shelter in your area. It might be very useful. JBNelson2011
Posted: 5:27 pm on May 31st

roxiecoxie writes: As long as it can be repaired or serviced I would keep it. In agreement with one of the other comments, those older machine can be used for everything. It has already proven it's dependability and worth. Maybe think about editing one of your other machines. I got traded in an old Singer with a buttonhole attachment that I still regret. New is not always better.
Posted: 2:04 pm on May 24th

sewingpuzzle writes: Thank you so much. I had thought about ebay and craig's list, but I guess I am reluctant to let it go. Your comments are helping me get my thoughts straight about this.
Posted: 10:14 am on May 21st

Stitchintheditch writes: This type of sewing machine is still in demand!
It will sew anything from delicates to vinyl, and it makes a pretty top stitch. There are lots of Greist attachments that were made for rotary machines, and it sounds like you have several of them. This sewing machine will last for many more decades.

Here are some suggestions to place an ad to sell it. Include the description you've posted here on Threads, and someone is sure to buy it and so it will continue to be used and loved.

1. Ebay it! It's a fabulous machine with the 'Godzilla' finish in beautiful shape. The cabinet looks beautiful, too. Be sure to categorize it under two categories:
a.) Crafts > Sewing & Fabric > Sewing > Sewing Machines & Sergers
b.) Collectibles > Sewing (1930-Now) > Machines
You can specify local pickup only if you wish.

2. Search with Google or Yahoo for 'White Rotary Sewing Machine' plus your model number. Find the sites that refurbish and resell antique machines. Contact them and see if they would like to resell it for you.

3.) Post an ad on Craigslist in your city. Be sure to include this beautiful photo and include the make and model number.

- Susan
Posted: 11:08 pm on May 17th

npeplau writes: I had to get rid of my mother's old sewing machine. I have regreted it ever since! I remember as a child going to sleep many a night to the sound of that old gal, purring along as my mother sewed gowns for the Eastern Star ladies and many square dance outfits for the folks that came to my mother's sewing room, knowing she would put a labor of love into their garments. Given the opportunity to make the decision you are facing, I would keep that old machine no matter what. If you don't want to sew with it, mabe you could turn it into a lamp for your sewing room, let grandma brighten your projects!
Posted: 10:05 pm on May 17th

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