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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mary ellen
Date: 05-02-2005, 07:29 PM (1 of 6)
| Greetings! I am interested in starting to sew. I would like to use a sewing machine for hems and mending, curtains, pillows, and maybe eventually quilting. I have a new baby and I would like to make her a quilt. I would also like to make her a bumper pad for her crib, as the one we bought doesn't fit (argh!). I have done a bit of research through Amazon and I am undecided about whether I want computer/digital type use with the machine. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! |
User: mary ellen
Member since: 05-02-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 05-03-2005, 01:03 AM (2 of 6)
Hello Mary Ellen~ I believe I answered your post over on the machine board, but I will tell you about my machine!I purchase a Kenmore machine that is made by Janome. It is a computerized machine and I LOVE it! I wrote a review over on the site I made mention to on the other board..I go by the same name! This machine sews so smoothly and is so quiet! I have found it very easy to use and there are so many stitches to choose from!!! I doubt I will ever be able to find a use for them all! Check out those reviews and if you have any other questions please ask....I know that many of the ladies will be more than willing to help you out in finding the perfect machine for you!  Good luck & have fun!! mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
|
From: paroper
Date: 05-03-2005, 09:05 AM (3 of 6)
|
You've made a great step in the right direction. The first step is to decide what you are going to do with your machine. The next step is to decide where you want to go long-range. I am one to tell you to buy a machine that will grow with you. An ordinary (non-computerized) machine with zig zag would handily take care of your needs with the things you have listed. These machines are available almost anywhere and are usually priced reasonably. The next step is to decide where you are going with this new hobby. If you would like to some day be able to sew clothing of any kind for you or your child, you'll need the ability to put in a zipper (just an ordinary zipper foot...also used to insert zippers in pillows)....and do a button hole. Most machines will do this with either a special adapter or it may be built into the machine. The easiest button holes are built into the machine, so at that point you may want to go to a computerized machine. If you make clothing do you want to embelish with simple built in designs? If so, you'll want to look at machines with those. The number of stitches determines how expensive the machine...and a few more bells and whistles come with that.... Do you think that you might want to embroider the items for your home or child? If so..then it starts getting a whole lot more expensive. If you decide you want this feature, I would tell you to buy a machine with the largest stitch field you can get. Embroidery is a very expensive proposition, so if you should decide you want to go that direction...be prepared and ask questions about what would be needed...you may want to go back to a "plain Jane" machine. Buying a machine is a whole like buying a car and you are far better off when you start, if you have some basic ideas of what you want to purchase because it is always easy to fall in love with the top models. I DO recommend that you buy locally where you can get machine support, basic usage classes that can be retaken and refreshed, a dealer to take your machine to if it gets sick (the more basic the machine, generally, the fewer trips to the doctor, although most machines need little service), you should be able to get free limited machine check ups, and some dealers will allow you to trade up within a certain time frame, allowing you a good trade in, should you decide you need more machine (some will allow a full purchased value trade-in within the first year of purchase, depending on the dealer.) The other alternative, considering the things you have listed is to purchase a used machine where you can get more machine for the money, learn to sew, and spend some time thinking about where you might want to go with your new hobby, and decide if you really enjoy sewing. Many dealer handle excellent trade-in machines and some will even give lessons on those machines. I've even heard of people picking up some great machines for little money at thrift stores or in garage or estate sales for almost nothing. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a WONDERFUL time with this hobby, it can be very rewarding! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mary ellen
Date: 05-03-2005, 09:53 AM (4 of 6)
|
I have started day 3 of my search for the perfect sewing machine for me. I remembered that my Aunt is a quilter who also does embroidery and is really into the digital computerized machine stuff. She used to show me all of her gadgets before I was interested at all. I sent her an email and I am awaiting a reply. I will keep everyone posted with what I decide to get. Thank you so much for your replys. Mary Ellen |
User: mary ellen
Member since: 05-02-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-07-2005, 01:45 PM (5 of 6)
|
I love Janome machines.. But , I would not advise you to buy a Kenmore at Sears by Janome for one reason.. You as a beginner need good dealer support, for questions, lessons, and general information.. This you can NOT get from Sears.. Salespeople sell their machines, not sewers.. In a dealership, all the Salespeople know about sewing..This is a major difference to a beginner.. Now , if you have a teacher or mentor available to you at all times, that would be different..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: westbrook
Date: 05-07-2005, 03:31 PM (6 of 6)
|
Ask you Aunt if she has an old machine tucked away in the back of her closet she isn't using anymore. Two reasons ... first, she may give it to you or sell it to you cheaply, and second, she knows how to use it so when you need help you know who you can call. Brook |
User: westbrook
Member since: 12-13-2004 Total posts: 35 |
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