topic Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions in Home

Sewing Machine Suggestions

MILKI — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 17:06:39 GMT

Hello and Good morning! First, let me apologize if this is not the proper forum to place this message!

I am a 65 year old working RN and have decided I want to learn how to sew, AGAIN! I have tried this hobby before, had even bought a 1200 dollar Janome Memory Craft machine, back in 2004, and embarrassingly, Never even turned the machine on, not once. After holding onto it for 8 years, I sold it for $700.00. So this time , I am determined, but in no way do I want to spend that amount of money. I was thinking of a price range of no more than 400-450 dollars. Probably looking at more of the mechanical versus the computerized machines. Would like some stitches built in. Floor control petal preferred. Looking at Viking 118, sale price this weekend due to a graft show, $399. Are there any other suggestions out there, Janome? Thank you!! MJ

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

riley1 — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 17:50:33 GMT

@MILKI - I have a "portable" type Janome that was purchased for about $450-$500. It was a long time ago. I call it portable because it is on the smaller side but a real workhorse.

It is easier to take to a class than my much heavier ones. I have made several baby quilts/lap quilts on it and never had a problem.

There are several sewists on the forum. I'm sure they will chime in when they see this. Good Luck

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

MILKI — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 18:08:42 GMT

Thank you for replying!! I have been looking and comparing these two Janome models, the 7330 vs the 7360. Any thoughts anyone?? Any other suggestions are totally appreciated!! Thank you again for replying!! Mary Jo

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

MILKI — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 18:59:24 GMT

ANOTHER ???
What are thoughts on a Refurbished Janome from a reputable Janome dealer? Any thoughts on the Husquarvna Viking 118 model?? MJ

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Krimpette — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 19:47:23 GMT

If you're just going to delve into the world of sewing, have you checked out the Singer on HSN for $124.95? Free shipping. 23 stitches. Many accessories.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

ECBG — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:35:02 GMT

@MILKI,It really depends on what you're comfortable using. I have taught tailoring and we had HV's and Singers. I personally preferred Singer because they had the most attractive built in button hole at that time. If a button hole isn't on your list, I'd look for the machine that offers the best of what you love AND what you can get serviced where you live.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

docsgirl — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:42:00 GMT

MILKI,

First of all, thank you for ministering to those are ill. My best friend is an
RN and it's a very difficult job that is not respected the way it should be.

Now to sewing: I cannot recommend a sewing machine as I use a Bernina that my mom purchased for me many years ago. It sews like a dream and I love it. Bernina machines are very expensive so I would not recommend that for you as a beginner. You want to select a machine that will grow with you. Try to get one that has metal parts instead of plastic although the inexpensive ones are made out of plastic and made in China. Mine is made in Switzerland out of all metal parts. Make sure you get all the necessary feet you will need. For example, even if you are not to the point of sewing button holes, make sure to get the automatic button hole foot. The same applies to an invisible zipper foot. Feet can be quite costly when purchased separately. If you are seeking a fantastic, FREE, on-line beginner's sewing tutorial, I cannot recommend Anita By Design.com more highly. I have veiwed many sewing tutorials and she is by far the best. She takes you step by step, leaving nothing to the imagination. Most of the ones I've seen assume the viewer knows certain things but Anita assumes you know nothing and goes into explicit detail. It's free and you can watch it over and over. My dear mother, rest her soul, was an avid seamstress and designer BUT she could not teach me. She was a perfectionist and instead of showing me what to do when I made a mistake or had a question, she took it from me and did it herself. As a result I was turned off to sewing and never learned. At the age of 70, I decided I wanted to learn and am so grateful to have found Anita who is also a perfectionist but shows, in detail, what to do. I strongly suggest you give her a try. You have nothing to lose. I believe she sews on a Husquvarna Viking but you can see her machine on her tutorial. Right now, I'm working on a fleece robe for my son. It's one of her tutorials and is sewing up beautifully. Happy Sewing. docsgirl

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Kachina624 — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 23:36:54 GMT

Right after I graduated from college and got my first job (1964), I bought myself a portable Singer. The only fancy thing it does is zigzag. It's a very heavy all-metal machine that I use to this day. I've made my office wardrobe on it... suits and tailored dresses. Loved making cute things for little girls. I've made huge, wide draperies and all sorts of household items. I even made a large vinyl canopy for a boat. I have a buttonhole attachment and never had any desire or use for fancy stitches.

Go to a sewing machine dealer and try different machines but profit from your last experience and don't over-buy. Be honest with yourself on what you'll actually use.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Lucky Charm — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:29:51 GMT

@docsgirl

Hey, beginner sewer here. Machine still in box!

Anyway to access how *Anita* would make draperies? I looked on her website, but seems like it's only clothes. Didn't even see the robe you're making for your son.

Do I go to youtube or somewhere on her site--if possible to even find out how to make draperies.

Thanks!

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Dusty1 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 00:50:18 GMT

@MILKI I have the Viking Emerald 118. It's a nice machine. I also have a Brother Innov-is 950D Sewing & Embroidery Machine. It is a great sewing machine. It sews like buttah! I love the embroidery side, also (It only embroiders a 4X4 area). If you have thought about an embroidery machine, at all, you should go for that. Not the 950D, neccessarily. It costs more than it needs to, but I can get the Disney designs to embroider for my grandsons.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

pattypeep — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 01:56:02 GMT

@MILKI I've had my Singer Golden Touch and Sew since 1969 or 1970. It still operates perfectly. I've made everything imaginable with it and sewed all of my clothes and my daughter's clothes for years. I have my mothers black steel ancient Singer that I just can't part with. I've not had another sewing machine brand to compare with, but I just don't think you can go wrong with a Singer. Happy sewing !!

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

docsgirl — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 11:38:28 GMT

@Lucky Charm wrote:
@docsgirl

Hey, beginner sewer here. Machine still in box!

Anyway to access how *Anita* would make draperies? I looked on her website, but seems like it's only clothes. Didn't even see the robe you're making for your son.

Do I go to youtube or somewhere on her site--if possible to even find out how to make draperies.

Thanks!

Hi Lucky,

As of yet, I have not seen any tutorials from Anita on how to make draperiesl. If you are a beginning sewer, I cannot recommend her tutorials more highly. She will give you the very basics and more as you progress. If you subscribe to her blog, you will see many of her projects. Some are NOT tutorials but many are. If you scroll down, you will find the tutorial for the robe. This is just my suggestion but try her very first tutorial which I think is a skirt. You don't have to buy anything; just watch and see how she teaches. While I have some background, I glean many important tips from her. In my humble opinion, she is the best there is because she takes things step by step Her husband does all the photography and he does an excellent job so the viewer can easily see what she is doing. I often stop the video when needed. As you advance in your sewing, eventually you will be able to make draperies on your own with the skills acquired from her videos. You have nothing to lose as her tutorials are free. She is planning to do an intermediate sewing tutorial some time in the future. In that, we will learn even more advanced techniques. Becasue of her, I am totally immersed in sewing. Good luck and happy sewing, docsgirl

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Harpa — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 13:56:32 GMT

@MILKI

If you can stand another suggestion...

I've researched sewing machines until I was blue in the face -- and came back to Singer. I had a basic model a long time ago and wanted an upgrade. Singer Stylist 7258 has the bells & whistles I want -- variety of stitch patterns, the buttonholer, etc.. (I did not want computerized.)

I guess it really depends on the specifics you want. But I can attest that Singer is very reliable.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Tigriss — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 15:38:10 GMT

I've bought a many of antique/old metal sewing machines from the days of old from thrift store for arund $20-$30. I clean them up, grease them, and find any parts I need for them online. Mostly, they are complete. I do plub them in and make sure they sew first. I've got 15 that I've collected from a handcrank, to an old Singer in a beautiful cabinet (one of the first electric models), a treadle Singer, and even pink ones and one that is turquoise, white and chrome! They all sew perfect and get used. If you want a modern one, stay ayway from Singer as they are no longer Singe but much cheaper materials by the new owners, Japanese I think. Vicking and Janome are all great options. A certified refurbished one from a dealer will get your ht emost bang for your buck. You could also find a good used industrial machine that will let you sew anything, but it is just one stitch, straight. I do have a protable Brother computerized machine that I take to classes and groups. It is light weight and sews many stitches. They are also better built than the modern Singers. I do have one computerized machine, the Brother PRW-350, that does all kinds of stitches, but is heavy, that I use for quilting, though I do small quilts, not full sized ones. You could get a quilting machine that would also double for your other sewing. They have a deep throat for quilting the quilts, so plenty of room in the throat area for working with projects.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Fressa — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 15:53:17 GMT

I was a fan of Singer but it didn't fit my budget at the time I was ready to buy. I purchased a Brother model similar to the features you described. I wanted a maching to do simple mending, crafts and sewing. Nothing too complex.

I would check the craft stores (Michael's) because they have a lot of sales and coupons in the paper. I also would check any sewing machine repair shops because the one near me also sells refurbished machines. Sewing schools also may be another choice.

Good luck.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

noodleann — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 16:09:33 GMT

I've got a collection of vintage Singers, including the one made in 1916 on which I sewed a Godzilla costume many moons ago. It doesn't even have reverse stitch, but it was a champ when it came to sewing through leather.

What I usually wind up grabbing when I need to do a bunch of mending is my Elnita I got about 20 years ago. It's a basic machine with built-in zig-zag and overcast. I sometimes look at the fancy features on the new machines, but given my needs, don't need them. If I was going to get back into making clothing, I'm sure I'd be looking into a new model.

I would strongly recommend NOT BUYING A MACHINE right now. Take sewing lessons from a sewing center, where you may get a discount on a new model or be able to buy a good trade-in at a great price. Taking lessons at a sewing center will give you the chance to try out a bunch of different machines and see which features you want on the one you end up getting. You also learn basic sewing skills in the bargain.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

CelticCrafter — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 17:05:39 GMT

I have a Kenmore - bought it about 13-14 years ago to replace a 30 year old Kenmore. At the time it was their top of the line model, figuring if the old one lasted as long as it did, this would carry me through the rest of my life.

The only reason I replaced the old one was because every time I used it , it needed to go in for service. I would get one project out of it before it had to go back.

If I had to replace it now, I don't know what I would buy because they no longer make Kenmore.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Patriot3 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 20:17:14 GMT

I used to sew years ago for myself and daughter, but no more. Does anyone watch "Sewing w/Nancy"? She has a Baby Lock, I think. It is all computerized and I really like to watch her operate it. I bet that cost a lot. I wish I could find one that threaded itself........lol.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

151949 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 20:30:50 GMT

I have a 1991 Singer 20 stitch that I love. Recently a friend was downsizing and gave me her new brother machine - with auto buttonhole maker. I have spent many hours learning how to use this machine but, to be honest , I prefer my old mechanical Singer 20 stitch - except for the buttonholes. The electronic machines aren't very heavy duty.

Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions

MILKI — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 02:34:44 GMT

Hello! Which model of the Brother did you acquire? How well do you like it? MJ