The author and host of the popular TV shows America Sews and America Quilts Creatively is thrilled that so many young people are beginning to express an interest in sewing. “It’s coming back in vogue,” Sue says. “I think maybe the reality shows with fashion designers and interior designers have something to do with that.”

Those who collect toy sewing machines, however, seem to be mostly an older crowd. Baby Boomers, whether they sew or not, enjoy the miniatures because they bring back happy childhood memories. Dedicated seamstresses like Sue find them charming symbols of their favorite pastime.

“I bought my first toy sewing machine just because it was cute,” she admits. But, as her collection grew to more than 200 (many of them gifts from family, friends, and fans), she realized that the miniatures represented more than that. “These little machines are an inspiration to me because they were made as tools of enjoyment and a way to make special things for special people, which is what sewing should be.”



(f) A cheery pink machine from Kay&EE is unusual because of its free arm. (g) This electric “Betsy Ross” machine was made in Chicago about 1950.

(h) Sue’s prized Reliable was offered from 1905 to 1908 in Montgomery Ward’s catalog. The original price of $3.50 was quite a sum for its time. Today, vintage machines, which can be as small as 4 by 5 inches up to about 9 by 10 inches, range in price from less than $100 to more that $2,000.

The fancy ornamentation on machines such as the Muller (i) and Casige (j) models were aimed at well-to-do buyers, either children of privilege or ladies of leisure who wanted a small machine to take on vacation.

(k) The Bakelite top and tin base of the Sew-O-Matic Senior indicates that it was made for the post-war mass market. (l) The gold medallion on this Singer sewing machine celebrates the company’s “century of sewing service” in 1951.

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