Sewing Machine Collectibles

Back in the 1900s, sewing was a way a life for most women. Peggy Stu-Smith was so inspired by her mother's adept sewing style that she began collecting children's sewing machines. Since 1995 she has collected more than 200 machines--from Italian to French to American companies, even rare machines with fairy-tale scenes painted on them. She has devoted a room in her house to her collection so she can preserve these vintage sewing machines for generations to come. Here are quick tips on how to start your own collection:

• Early Singer sewing machines are most common and can typically be found for less than $20.
  
• Singer New Family models made in 1872 are still pretty common. You can pick probably one up for around $100.
  
• A rarer find in sewing machines is a Shaw and Clark, chain stitch machine made in Biddeford, Maine in 1864. If you find one, it could be worth more than $7,000.

Resources
International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society
Website: www.ismacs.net Also in this Episode

Ultimate Collectors : Episode UTC-201
•	Vintage Diner Collectibles
•	Train Collectibles
•	Sewing Machine Collectibles
•	Pixieware Collectibles