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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Debbie34
Date: 08-26-2003, 01:50 PM (1 of 7)
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Hello everyone...does anyone have any advice on what type of machine to get for a beginning sewer? I am so excited to learn... thanks, Debbie |
User: Debbie34
Member since: 08-26-2003 Total posts: 2 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 08-26-2003, 02:18 PM (2 of 7)
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You will need the basic stitches. straight, zig zag, perferably one touch button holes but a regular button hole and then you might want some decrotive stitches. Since you are itch'n to get stitch'n then I suggest you sit down and decide how much you are willing/able to spend. and then look at all the models in you price range. You might want to go to the dealers and try them out. you can then search in the internet and the dealer prices. Now the dealer will be higher but you will most likly get a promo pack some give out treads and other toys to go with it. you can also get free lessons from the dealer and thier support. I perfer the Janome models my self. I have a couple of them. My oldest boy had a Janome Jem that he handed down to his little brother 7 and bought himself a white with more stitches instead of getting a little more expensive machine. We matched him. well he really wants to get the Janome one we asked him to wait for so he is saving up. The Janome are also known as Kenmore from sears and Craftmaster for internet sales only. Have fun and let us know how it goes. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: VCMOM
Date: 08-26-2003, 02:25 PM (3 of 7)
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Debbie, I have taught kids to sew for several years. I would only buy one of the three following brands Janome, Pfaff or Bernina. A Really good machine that is worth buying and will last will cost around $500. My Favorite is the Bernina 1080 at the moment. The list price is $899 but you can get it on sale for $599 or so a couple times a year. Sears Kenmore brand are Janome machines and somethimes you can pick them up cheaper however you will receive service and lessions at all the dealers you will not receive at Sears hence the difference in price. If you are a self starter you can do fine on one and there are lots of people on this site who own them that could probably answer any questions. You can also find used machines on the web, classifieds or at dealers that were trade in's and save yourself a lot of money of my three favorite brands. A good starter if you can find it is a Singer 221 they were made between the 40's and late 50's. The new Singers don't perform well and in my opinion are not worth anything. They can sometimes be found at garage sales very cheap. I have seen many machines in my years of teaching. Save yourselft the frustration and hasle don't waste your money on a cheap brand. My students who have get frustrated and quit sewing. Hope this helps. Good Luck! Lori |
User: VCMOM
Member since: 10-31-2002 Total posts: 74 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-26-2003, 11:03 PM (4 of 7)
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I'm going to go against conventional wisdom here -- Unless money is not an issue for you, get either a second hand machine or go for a cheaper model until you know you are going to sew a lot and what kind of sewing you will do. I wouldn't advse anyone to run out and spend $500 or more for a machine you might not use much. Unless, of course, you have a lot of money. I drove a cheap Brother for years before I finally bought a Pfaff. By then I knew exactly what I wanted in a machine and could shop for those qualities. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: maps
Date: 08-27-2003, 05:57 AM (5 of 7)
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i agree with dorothy, start out with something basic, then when you feel confident of your abilities, start shopping around , you should know what you want and need in a machine, aimee said it best, "You will need the basic stitches. straight, zig zag, perferably one touch button holes but a regular button hole" my first machine was a singer and lasted for nearly 20 years it just had the basics, no one step buttonhole on that one. if you get a used one just make sure the manual is with it you'll be glad you did when you run into problem with something... we have all been there done that... welcome debbie 
Marge
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User: maps
Member since: 06-18-2003 Total posts: 152 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 08-27-2003, 06:13 AM (6 of 7)
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I agree you should get something basic until you know what you want. My only warning is if you buy used make sure it is in working order. I bought a machine from a sale at church that I was told worked great but when I took it in to get cleaned I found out the shaft was bent & would cost more to fix it than to buy a cheap new machine. Also they told me if a machine hasn't been used for more than 6 months it could be gummed up and that would cost close to $100 to get it cleaned & reconditioned. Luckily I didn't spend much on the machine & the money went to a good cause because I had them throw it out. So my advice when buying used is be very careful. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Debbie34
Date: 08-27-2003, 10:20 AM (7 of 7)
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I think my mom is going to get me one for my birthday. I can pass along this information to her. My mother in law is an AVID sewer and quilter and I am afraid that she might recommend somthing with too much "Bells and Whistles". I have used her machine and its great, just to sew my daughters curtains, but I think when I am at home, I need something more basic. Unfortunatly, she traded her old one in for her new one. Oh well...I will let you know what I get. Thanks Talk to you soon. DEB |
User: Debbie34
Member since: 08-26-2003 Total posts: 2 |
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