4Real Forums: Sewing machines?

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Topic: Sewing machines?

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jdostalik
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 6:28am \| IP Logged

I am taking a beginning sewing class that begins next week at JoAnn Fabrics...Since all I can do is sew on a button and stitch up a tear or two, this class is much-needed!

I was wondering if you sewing veterans (Michele?) could recommend a reasonably-priced sewing machine that is a good buy? I have four dds, as well as myself, who I would like to be able to sew an occasional skirt for...Also, I have dreams of sewing curtains and making pajamas for all my kids!

Do you think my 40 year old brain can learn?

Anyway, any suggestions for machines (and where to get a deal), greatly appreciated!

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God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come

Courtney
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 8:05am \| IP Logged

I began sewing about 10 years ago. I bough a basic White brand machine. I now have a Bernina which my dear husband gave me a couple of years ago for a birthday. I love it but wouldn't recommend spending that kind of money if you're not sure you're going to really sew much. I know you can learn! If I can do it, anyone can! Sewing is really the only crafty thing I do.

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Courtney in Texas
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Mom to Candace 10/97

,Christopher 4/00

and Connor 11/11

~Rachel~
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 8:18am \| IP Logged

My first and only sew

far, is a brother machine I bought from Walmart. It's pretty basic... but sufficient.
Try Sears and Walmart for good prices, but a trip to a local sewing store and asking the people there is priceless! They are the ones with the most knowledge. You could also call your instructor for advice...
As for whether you can learn... you certainly can... at ANY age!

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~Rachel~
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Jen L.
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 1:48pm \| IP Logged

I can barely sew also, but last year I decided to get a machine and try. I researched online. Here are some of the sites.

http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00133.asp

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/sewing-mach ines/fullstory.html

Costco has some Brothers at good prices, I think. (I'm guessing that Sam's Club or BJs would have similar deals.)

I'm looking forward to hearing from some of our experts on this!

MicheleQ
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 8:28pm \| IP Logged

jdostalik wrote:

I am taking a beginning sewing class that begins next week at JoAnn Fabrics...Since all I can do is sew on a button and stitch up a tear or two, this class is much-needed!

Jennifer, Good for you! I'm so excited for you. . . but then I guess I get more excited than most people about sewing. . .

Quote:

I was wondering if you sewing veterans (Michele?) could recommend a reasonably-priced sewing machine that is a good buy?

I have always used a relatively inexpensive machine. My current machine is a Kenmore and was under $200. Starting out I would recommend going simple. Most people don't use all the fancy stitches and gizmos that come with the really expensive machine anyway. I would say what you really "need" is a varying zig-zag and an auto button-holer -- and those would be pretty much standard on any machine nowadays. Even so my 9 yr. old dd has a Singer 201 from the 40's and it ONLY does a straight stitch but it sews like a dream and is really a workhorse. She uses it ALL the time and doesn't complain a bit about what it's "missing".

A great place to compare machines and read reviews from those who sew us at Pattern Review.

Quote:

I have four dds, as well as myself, who I would like to be able to sew an occasional skirt for...Also, I have dreams of sewing curtains and making pajamas for all my kids! Do you think my 40 year old brain can learn?

Yes I absolutely think so! And I would be happy to help you should you have any questions.

I put up a sewing page on my site a few days ago and there's a gallery of pictures at the bottom of a few things I've made. You'll see I am not a "fancy" seamstress by any means. I really just like sewing for my home and family.

God bless!

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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
http://michelequigley.com

jdostalik
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Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: Texas
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Posted: March 03 2006 at 10:04pm \| IP Logged

Thanks everyone for the tips. Hopefully, I will survive my first sewing class (I kind of feel a bit nervous about it--like I might "fail" Sewing 101 and ruin my GPA!!

Now I will read the reviews you ladies posted (thanks Michele and Jen for the links!), and probably go for a simple, basic machine..

I'll keep you all posted!!

__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come

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