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From: nosew
Date: 11-29-2004, 08:35 AM (1 of 5)
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(I posted this question on another forum also, I hope this does not cause a problem. Yours seems to have more activity so I thought I would ask here also. ) My daughter has enjoyed a little sewing over the years, mostly simple things like pocket books and pillows. She has expressed a desire for a sewing machine and I would like to buy one for a gift. I have read some recent info on this forum and I can't seem to find data on the brands of machines I am familiar with like Singer and Brother. I have been seeing ads for these brands of machines under $200 which is the price range I am comfortable with. I have thought about ebay which has a Singer 51 Stitch Drop-In Bobbin 758B-28BH Mechanical Sewing Machine listed that is currently at $81 with shipping of apprx. $25. The drop in bobbin sounds interesting because I remember when I was a little girl playing with my grandmother's sewing machine I hated that bobbin getting messed up all the time. I also see information on the web about this moving arm business and wonder if that is a feature that would be helpful as well? Basically as you can see I need help and appreciate any info ya'll could provide? Thank You |
User: nosew
Member since: 11-29-2004 Total posts: 1 |
From: bunzino
Date: 11-29-2004, 07:11 PM (2 of 5)
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The free arm means you can remove a piece and sew small round items (sleeves, etc.) on there. She may not need this if she's going to stay a beginner for a while. Do you want something small & lightweight? She probably doesn't need a lot of fancy stitches, so don't pay for them! Go for a really solid beginner machine that has a low-repair record. You may need to shop around and talk to salespeople, describe her needs, and carefully evaluate the questions they ask you as well as what they recommend. I assume you're not a sewer yourself? Just be a saavy consumer like any other appliance. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: Melanie T
Date: 11-29-2004, 07:27 PM (3 of 5)
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I like the Sears Kenmore machines for low end machines. I have several that I use for my sewing students and for our church world relief sewing. They are simple, have good manuals and you can buy as many stitches as you are willing to pay for.
Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 12-10-2004, 10:25 AM (4 of 5)
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What's a moving arm? Are you talking about a Free Arm? What you need on a basic machine... straight stitch zig zag button holer (even if she is just starting out and is scared of button holes she'll want it eventually) the 4 step manual ones work just fine free arm is nice for cuffs, sleeves etc but not necessary but really nice, i agree with the kenmore as a nice starter machine, they are little workhorses and stitch pretty well. I buy lots of stuff on ebay but would be a little hesitant to buy a machine for someone else there, just b/c of it not working well or not being what she needs etc. have fun and good luck Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 12-11-2004, 11:05 AM (5 of 5)
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I wholeheartedly agree with the Kenmore for a beginner. That's what I started out on, and I still use it. What was great was that Sears offered a beginning class on "How to use the machine" when you bought one. My DH got mine there (xmas gift, what a darling!) and all I had to do is call them to schedule my class. They taught me how to thread it, clean it, oil it, adjust the tension(!!!!), the basic stitches and buttonholes (!!!)... That way, once I sat down with pattern, I knew what they were talking about. My first sewing project was a business suit, tailored jacket and straight skirt, made with microsuede and it came out GREAT! (Talk about ambitious beginnings...) I wouldn't have been able to do it if I hadn't spent that hour and a half at Sears... Now I want a serger... So be warned, if you buy her a sewing machine and she gets the bug, be prepared for her to become a fabric-addict like the rest of us and begin drooling at the sight of sergers and embroidery machines!!!! Let us know how it worked out! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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