Plymouth University graduate Richard Burrow presents a folding sewing machine at London graduate show New Designers this week.
Burrow created the conceptual prototype to remove some of the rigmarole from carrying out simple clothing repairs at home.
The machine would be less bulky and awkward to store than conventional machines, and lighter and simpler to take out and assemble. It would include only the basic functions required for alterations and repairs with simplified controls so users wouldn't be daunted or waste time figuring out how to use it.
New Designers continues at the Building Design Centre in Islington until 7 July and showcases the work of over 3500 graduate designers. Read more details about the show in our earlier story and check out photos from the first day in our album on Facebook. Look out for Dezeen Watch Store at stand M21!
Here's some more information from Burrow:
Foldable Sewing Machine
Too often we are encouraged to throw away something when it is broken, and replace it with something new. Clothing items are regularly thrown as we believe its often cheaper to replace than repair. When in most cases it isn’t. Sewing Machines are often designed in a similar way, with many being over designed with far too many features. They are also big, and bulky. The Foldable Sewing Machine has the ability to fold flat for easy storage and transportation, along with only including the features necessary for using a sewing machine.
I would buy it!
I see Nintendo have re-released their Nintendo Entertainment System™ console.
Me too! It looks easy to transport to guild meetings etc.
Nice idea, but I suspect getting a working sewing machine mechanism into that shape and form would be very difficult.
Very interesting concept… can it vary its stitch length?
Can the pressure on the presser foot be adjusted for different fabrics? Is it just a design concept, or a real machine?
I would love to see how it sews! It seems like it would be a great machine to take to classes.
I am a regular quilter who now owns a very small motor home. Would this be durable enough for regular quilting on the road (15 hours a week)?
Wow, great concept, great look. Retro in the simplest of ways.
Please let me test drive it. As a quilt teacher, I could see lots of applications for it if it is a fully functional straight stitch machine. My definition of fully functional is: interchangeable feet, adjustable tension and presser foot pressure. Love to try this out.
Yes…would love to test drive this sweet machine. Great idea…lightweight, simple. It’s what has made the Singer Featherweight such a timeless machine!
One of the women in our quilting group had to move into assisted living and doesn’t have the room for her old machine. I would love to see her get this. Is it anywhere
near ready to purchase?? THANKS – jamannix@verizon.net
I would buy this to take on vacations. Cost? Great Idea.
Where can I get one? Great to have in a cupboard, and pull out when you need to take up a hem!
Looks like apple designed it…
Love this…what’s the engine and can you talk to Bernina about components?
The world has been waiting for this, well I have anyway! Excellent piece of design.
An interesting premise for a design project, with the potential for some neat solutions. This has sparked an interesting debate on the boundaries between "concept " and "reality" in student projects: http://www.core77.com/blog/education/student_conc…
Useful reading for any design student!