Hello friends,
I want to try and learn about sewing and make some curtains and upholstery pieces maybe and some soft furnishings. But I have to say I have slightly fallen in love with this sewing machine, my mom's friend wants to get rid of.

My question is, can an older sewing machine like in the pictures, actually sew thicker, multiple layers of quality fabric? Or do I need to get just a boring looking industrial style modern machine.

My mom's friend said she never used it much and it had just sat in her spare room for years and years and I think she basically just wants to give it to me. But I don't want to take it unless it can be used for the projects I want to make.

And I would only take it if I could repay her, at a later date, with some surprise designer curtains and a load of lovely scatter cushions. So I don't really want to take it if I can't do that for her as a thank you.

I don't really know how to tell how strong a sewing machine is? It can't just be the needles, I'm guessing the motor needs to have some umph too.

Again, as I said, I'm just experimenting and don't want to spend a fortune. I don't mind upgrading in the future, but also would like to get something that will carry me along for a good while.

But, I have to say, I just love the look of these old machines and the fact this one comes with the fold out table makes it really appealing. It's just so beautiful.

It certainly looks like a more chunky vintage machine, so I'm sure some of the older ones must have been strong enough to handle upholstery and thicker fabrics. I just don't want to take it and then blow it up immediately.

Thanks for reading, any comments would be appreciated.
Keith