MsTeddo

I'm still stitching on my 1961 Elna Supermatic, the "portable" (very heavy) one with a knee "pedal" instead of a foot one. It still works great and does everything I need for costume construction and home sewing. There are cams for edge finishes. I remember it cost $250 but I was able to buy it on time for $15 a month. I wanted to make my own clothes and make some money doing alterations. Then I was enticed into the world of theatre costuming and have been there ever since. During the early 1980's, the Miss Universe Pageant bought me a Nelco to travel with and I still use it for professional gigs. In the early 1990's I decided to get a BabyLock surger and my repair man had a used EA-605 for $75. And yes, I still use it too. If you learn to clean and oil them yourself, between regular checkups from the repair guys, they will last as long as parts are available. If it completely gives out, don't just toss it. Donate it to your repair shop as they can use the parts for the rest of us.