Donating a Sewing Machine 20 February 2016 at 7:29PM in Charities 6 replies 2.3K views

LadyDee

I have a vintage Viking Husqvarna Automatic 21 E electric sewing machine given to me years ago by a lady to whom it had a very sentimental value. It obviously meant a lot to her to have to part with it, and I now find myself in the same position - it's just too heavy for me to lug from one room to the other.

It sews beautifully, and runs better than its replacement - a modern plastic one. This is a lovely, solid metal machine, in a case with all the attachments under the sun, I have the feeling this was one of the first "portable" machines with a huge variety of stitches.

I would like to donate the machine to a "worthy cause", but I cannot think of who would get the most benefit. A single person, a group, a club?

Anybody have any ideas please? Bearing in mind the original owner's feelings about this machine, I know she gave it to me because she recognised that it would be cared for and appreciated, and I am anxious not to just 'get rid of it'.

Savvy_Sue

It's difficult, but I suspect that a group or a club would struggle to make use of it if they have to lug it in and out of storage every week, so I think I'd try to find an individual, maybe someone wanting to make a living from creating, with the space to keep it out all the time?

If you have a college teaching dressmaking / soft furnishings it might be worth seeing if you can put a note on a board asking people who would be interested to get in touch with you?

You don't live near Brackley do you?

LadyDee

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

It's difficult, but I suspect that a group or a club would struggle to make use of it if they have to lug it in and out of storage every week, so I think I'd try to find an individual, maybe someone wanting to make a living from creating, with the space to keep it out all the time?

If you have a college teaching dressmaking / soft furnishings it might be worth seeing if you can put a note on a board asking people who would be interested to get in touch with you?

Thanks for the suggestions, don't think there's such a college near me. I think, at the end of the day, I'll try to sell the machine so at least I'll know it goes to somebody who really wants it, then donate the proceeds to a charity that I know the original owner had an interest in.

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

You don't live near Brackley do you?

'Fraid not:(

sheramber

LadyDee wrote: »

I have a vintage Viking Husqvarna Automatic 21 E electric sewing machine given to me years ago by a lady to whom it had a very sentimental value. It obviously meant a lot to her to have to part with it, and I now find myself in the same position - it's just too heavy for me to lug from one room to the other.

It sews beautifully, and runs better than its replacement - a modern plastic one. This is a lovely, solid metal machine, in a case with all the attachments under the sun, I have the feeling this was one of the first "portable" machines with a huge variety of stitches.

I would like to donate the machine to a "worthy cause", but I cannot think of who would get the most benefit. A single person, a group, a club?

Anybody have any ideas please? Bearing in mind the original owner's feelings about this machine, I know she gave it to me because she recognised that it would be cared for and appreciated, and I am anxious not to just 'get rid of it'.

Have a look at this charity

http://www.tfsr.org/how_you_can_help/donate_some_tools/tools_we_need/

MandM90

Another option could be to auction it off on ebay or sell it, and donate the proceeds to a charity close to your heart.

Happy recipient, happy charity.

oldtoolie

Tools for Self Reliance refurbishes and sends tools and sewing machines to job creation projects in Africa. They have a network around the country to receive donations. Look at www.tfsr.org for details.

I worked there until I retired a few years ago, so I can vouch for them.

PasturesNew

I'd spend a bit of time on the phone trying to find out what sort of auction would be a "specialist auction" for that type of item. Then get it auctioned off. Then give the money to the charity.

It'd be a noose round the neck of a charity, without the care/resources to maximise it.... you've got a vested interest in caring for its next home. Think of it as your "last favour" to the old lady.