Home

[MILKI]

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

[riley1]

@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

[MILKI]

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

[MILKI]

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

[Krimpette]

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.

[ECBG]

@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.

[docsgirl]

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

[Kachina624]

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. 

[Lucky Charm]

@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!

[Dusty1]

@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.