TD asked:
I have wanted to learn how to sew for a long time, but never bought a sewing machine. I was afraid not to be able to teach myself and have it sitting in a corner collecting dust. Now I am taking a class and am planning on buying one soon. I was wondering if you have any advice on sewing machines. Also, I would be interested to know whether you get good use out of yours and what kinds of projects you use it mostly for (home decorating, new clothes, adjustments, repairs, etc…). Thank you for your input!
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8 responses so far ↓
1 kaltienne // Nov 6, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Embroidery Software
My mother bought me a Janome Gem Gold when I was younger and I absolutely love it. She liked it so much she also bought one (simply to have a “To-Go” sewing machine she could tote around).
I’ve used mine for everything from quilting to sewing thin leather (they have special needles you use for it) so it can really handle just about anything. Now I do home decorating quite a bit and it can definitely handle nearly every type of fabric I’ve come across and has NEVER needed a repair (I’ve had it for about 5 years at least). In fact, I have liked mine so much that I have gone out and purchased two new machines (a serger & a sewing/embroidery machine) and made sure they were both Janome.
Furthermore, these Janome Gem machines are relatively inexpensive and incredibly easy to use. I strongly suggest getting one of them. Brands I would stay away from include White (you’ll see these at Walmarts) and sadly Singer. Singer used to be a good name but has since been quite run into the ground. My mother & grandmother both had Singers & would definitely not purchase any of the models that have come out in the past 5-10 years. Old Singer machines are still good but the newer ones are machines I would steer clear from. =\
In addition, though I have three machines now, I still use my Janome Gem Gold from time to time because it is smaller and easier to get out & use than my larger machine. If I ever would travel with a machine – it’s also the one I would choose hands down.
2 rabidchipmunk // Nov 8, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Embroidery Machines
There is only ever been one brand to own and thats Singer Mine belonged to my mother, my grandmother,and my great grandmother before that. They are a good product I still use mine today and it hasn’t had to be repaired since 1987 when I was in Jr High and wanted to sew heavy patches on a denim jacket and did not change the needle. Thats pretty awesome for something that was made in 1922 to still work so well today. As far as Singer goes you can get one at an antique store or a new one at any store that sells sewing machines ask anyone they will tell you that Singer is the best.
3 Khepri // Nov 11, 2009 at 1:31 am
Embroidery Software
Mom
4 gozaine // Nov 12, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Embroidery Machines
Personally I don’t think you can go far wrong with a singer. They’ve been making sewing machines for a very long time and it’s pretty easy to get needles, bobbins etc for them. Don’t be tempted by one with lots of fancy stitches. Apart from straight stitching mine does zigzag, herringbone, a hemming stitch, some fancy scollop shaped stitch and button holes. That is more than enough.
I use mine quite a bit at the moment but it’s one of those things (like most hobbies) that goes in phases depending on my other commitments. I use it for all the things you mentioned. My most recent projects where soft furnishings for my living room including curtians and cushion covers, a wrap around skirt which I’m giving my sister for christmas and converting some long sleeved shirts my husband never wears into short sleeved ones he will wear.
It’s a great hobby. If you need any more inspiration check out the patterns on
5 Bee // Nov 15, 2009 at 2:40 am
sewing machine software
Singer – hands down the easiest to learn and maintain.
6 Louise // Nov 16, 2009 at 11:34 am
Sewing Machines
Your best bet is Walmart. They carry Kenmore, Singer, Brother etc. You can get one for less than $100.00 and they work very well. I bought one for a relative a few months ago (she wanted to learn as well); I have a machine I bought from Sears years ago and loved her machine for $99.00 so much I went back for one for myself. I sew everything!from clothes, stuffed animals, I’ve reupholstered my sofa etc. Have fun learning, once you start you won’t want to stop….
7 Winnebago93 // Nov 17, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Embroidery Machines
We bought our granddaughter a Euro sewing machine a couple of years ago and found that it did not work as well as the Brother which I purchase at WalMart for myself. The Brother is a great little machine. I use mine all the time, they are under a hundred dollars and I wish I had purchased this one for the granddaughter instead of the Euro which was just a little more expensive. Go to WalMart. They also carry a small Singer which seems to be a good one. I use my sewing machine a lot.
8 Mizbambi // Nov 18, 2009 at 12:45 am
sewing machine software
A singer feather weight is a wonderful machine for anyone to start no fancy stiches but very easy to use.
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