Well, you're probably wondering where no. 2 is. It's being refurbished and the process is slow and laborious because I'm in the middle of Washington State estate taxes and I have to buy parts for it, rewire, and the usual cleaning, etc. I'll get to it, I promise.
So here's no. 3, a Goodwill find. Of the three, this is actually the prettiest one and the only one in a Necchi case. (I actively seek machines in cases rather than in cabinets. I only have so much room in my heart.) The original manual is included (pristine condition, too) as well as 5 Necchi bobbins and 3 Necchi high shank presser feet. Nice. The case is in pretty decent shape although I need to glue one piece of the papering just to be sure. Heavy and sturdy, just how I like 'em.
The BU Nova and Mira are two of my favorite simple zig-zag machines. The threading on the presser foot screw and the tension assembly is very tight so that minute gradations of adjustment can be achieved and the 1.1 amp motor is the perfect complement to this smooth machine. I also really love the design of the length lever and the sympathetic limiters which are stopped with a single thumb screw -- great design.
Some Novas can accept the Wonder Wheel and some cannot. This one cannot as it doesn't have the correct levers. That's OK with me, both of my Miras have Wonder Wheel assemblies (though I'm missing some rods, unfortunately). Besides, I wouldn't use this for decorative stitching anyway as its strengths are an excellent straight stitch -- a sure sign of a beautifully engineered zig-zag machine -- and, of course, its zig-zag which is about as wide as 5mm, perhaps slightly less.
The condition of this one is quite good, even down to the wiring. I love when I can find a vintage machine in an original case, all of which is still in great shape. My Nova no. 2 is reminding me that folks pay some rather princely sums for these vintage machines in order to avoid repairing and servicing them and yes, that indeed makes sense. I'll never make money at this hobby but I'm sure having a great time.
Now, to learn to sew. Hmm....
It looks like it was never used, or else it was very well loved and taken care of. I should get my BU Nova out and work on it. I sold my first one to a friend of mine and he loves it. I was sorry I sold it so I bought another. :-/ It needs a good cleaning and a motor but then it should be ready to go.
ReplyDeleteIt's a real favorite of mine, similar to my love for Ankers and certain Kenmore models. The smoothness and the minute adjustments are immediately noticeable and I wonder why I own any others. But I tend to fall in love all over again with every machine. No wonder I'm single.
DeleteAlways excited to see a new post from you. I picked up a Necchi BU Mira in a very attractive cabinet just yesterday. It came with quite bit of ephemera but the only accessory was the disk in the wonder wheel. It also has bad wiring so I haven't run it yet. Take care.
ReplyDeleteNice! The Mira has all the great qualities of the BU Nova but with a look all its own (although it reminds me a bit of the Bernina 117) as well as two speeds. I think I prefer the interior lamp rather than the (often broken) lamps found on the Nova and other models. I hope you get yours running soon -- you'll love it!
DeleteSpeaking of lamps, you prompted me to check the lamp in my new Mira. Somewhere I read these take the same double ended bulbs used in Volkswagens. It was pointed out that LED double ended bulbs are now available. I ordered some of the LED bulbs off Ebay for a table top Mira but haven't tried them yet. I have been wondering if the Mira really used a 12v bulb. So, anyway I just checked and the new Mira does have a 12v bulb in it. I will be replacing it with one of the LED bulbs. My go-to machine lately has been a recently acquired Bernina 8MM 217N. I am not sure how much use the Mira will get but the price was right and I wanted to try it out. My other recent distraction is a Singer 29-4. Quite different from anything else I have sewn on. It has quite an appealing steam punk look to it. You've got to love anything with a walking beam.
ReplyDeleteMouse, here is a kindred spirit.
ReplyDeletehttps://kansascity.craigslist.org/art/6175783309.html
Hi Mouse
ReplyDeleteThat Necchi is a true black beauty. Its pictures exude quality and strength I bet you could sew tin cans together with that thing - but please don't. The condition is way to good to allow any kind of abuse.
Hugs
G