I’ve owned my 1229 for decades too. I love it. I have other machines now, but I’m lending out the 1229. I had a big problem a couple of years ago, the presser foot lever broke off. My favorite repairman had unfortunately passed away several years ago. His brother said he’d see what he could do, but he didn’t do it for 7 weeks. Then I took it to Auger in Rochester, NH. They had it back, humming, in about a week. I would ship my machine too. And, sadly, the last time I lent it out, to a 13 year old, it came back without the manual. They’ll look for it, but you never know when the old brain cells will require a refresher.

They told me that people ship machines to them all the time. I’d be willing to ship my machine to them in the future, if I had to. (Though no one likes shipping a beloved sewing machine!) You might consider contacting them and doing that, if you’re not in the area.

I was really impressed with them. They honored their word in every way and the estimate was accurate (they warned me that they couldn’t be sure that the machine didn’t need anything else, but as it happened, it didn’t.). And I really loved the way the mechanic handled my machine — as if it was worthy of a lot of respect, not to mention all the love I give it! Their mechanic clearly loves his work, and has for a long time. You don’t see many people with that kind of pride in what they do anymore. The whole experience was more than I’d hoped for. Now, I’m wishing the same for you! Someday I might add to my sewing machine collection, but it’s the 1229 I prefer for everything, so keeping it alive is a huge priority for me!

jacqui

First, of course, is to keep searching on the model name and number; sometimes a lot of persistence will pay off when Googling for information!

Second, you might undertake a search for a sewing machine repair shop that has been in business for a couple of decades. About 30 miles from us there’s a family owned shop, and I’ve been able to go in in person and pick out ancient feet, etc., from bins that have been around the store forever.

Third, try thrift shops, which (for some strange reason) often seem to have the old Singer buttonhole attachments. Since they weren’t used nearly as much as the machines themselves, they often even have the little manual or booklet still in the box. Even if you aren’t sure the one you find is right for your machine, for a couple of dollars you could take it home and find out.

Fourth, you could probably fake buttonholes (though not those really nice vintage Singer ones) using the zigzag if you got desperate! (Though I admit it might take a lot of practice.)

Oh, and sewusa.com used to have some great information on the 237 (maintenance, etc.) you might want to check them out. Maybe they’d know which buttonholer?

Hope this helps! By the way, my name isn’t Melissa — were you thinking of Melissa from Fehr Trade by any chance? If not, she writes a great blog — check it out!

I called Singer today and they could not give me this info??

Thnaks,

Marie Volbeda