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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: MidnightStorms
Date: 02-16-2006, 01:10 PM (1 of 12)
| Hi everyone, I've just joined the forum today.. I've got a bunch of sewing projects that I want to undertake (halloween costumes and pillow slipcovers) so I've decided to get a sewing machine.. However.. I'm pretty new to sewing.. I had a sewing class in 9th grade which I did pretty well at but other than that my knowledge is... well.. nonexistant. I know that you have to push the peddle to make it go. I forget how to thread a bobbon... SO! I'd like a machine that will be easy enough to quickly pick up, but advanced enough that I can tap into some real sewing power when I learn what everything is.. I poked around the forum a bit and people were talking about all kinds of sewing feet and magnetic thingers and I'm pretty much at a loss.. Any advice?? |
User: MidnightStorms
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-16-2006, 01:48 PM (2 of 12)
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Do some research to decide what features you will likely need, decide on a couple brands and go to a dealer so you have training and support available. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 02-16-2006, 02:18 PM (3 of 12)
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I needed to get a new sewing machine so I talked to everyone I knew (even talked to some strangers). Two women that sew professionally helped me with what to look for in a machine (my needs vs. my wants). Figure out what kind of sewing you plan on doing and go from there. If you're going to do basic stuff you don't need to spend lots of $$ for top of the line. It's a best bet to go to a dealer, unfortunately I don't have any around my neck of the woods. Good luck! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: carman
Date: 02-16-2006, 03:01 PM (4 of 12)
welcome to the SWN boards, glad you found us 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 02-16-2006, 04:10 PM (5 of 12)
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If you visit www.patternreview.com, you can look at reviews of sewing machines by seamstresses with many different levels of experience. They will list the features on the machines, and their likes and dislikes. If you have a nearby Sears, I would encourage you to look at the Janomes and the Kenmores made by Janome. They are quality machines at a lower price. You won't have lessons, but you can purchase a maintenance agreement that will include yearly cleanings and free repairs if needed. I have a Janome 4052lx which is non-computerized, but a wonderful machine. It was my first new machine, and I learned to sew Halloween costumes on it, and used it for home dec, quilting, and other garment construction. After 1 year I was ready for a computerized machine, and dh bought me a Kenmore 19365 (made by Janome) It had 300+ stitches and multiple needle positions, speed control, and my favorite, and needle up/needle down button. This has become invaluable to me. Janomes are extremely user friendly, easy to thread, etc... and good workhorses. My dh added another Janome to my collection in January of this year. It is a stand alone embroidery machine (a 300e). Check at your local parks/rec, community colleges, and fabric shops for beginner sewing classes, or grab some books, surf some online sites, and teach yourself. I am self-taught, as well as many others. I started by learning to piece quilts. All straight line sewing.... then I progressed to sewing simple 2 piece skirts, and progressed to Halloween costumes, and other garments. With some patience, humor, and "stick to it iveness" you can learn anything if you put your mind to it. And feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are all a very nice group of sewing enthusiasts, and all different levels of experience. Happy Sewing! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 02-16-2006, 04:56 PM (6 of 12)
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Here's a good site that might be of some help to you www.sewing.org Welcome to the site and post any and all questions. There is always somebody around that will come back with an answer. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 02-16-2006, 04:59 PM (7 of 12)
| Welcome !!!!! I think you'll really like this group. Ask any question & someone will have the answer. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: MidnightStorms
Date: 02-17-2006, 03:24 PM (8 of 12)
| Thank you everyone for your help! After doing some research I've purchased the Kenmore #19233.. It's got a lot of bells and whistles, reviews have said it's great and best of all it was onsale for 150 off! I can't wait to start sewing stuff!! |
User: MidnightStorms
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 02-17-2006, 05:09 PM (9 of 12)
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Yay for you!!!  I think you are really going to love your machine and be happy with it for a long time!!! It is very similar to my 19365, and my machine makes me ecstatic- lol! I bet you find the needle up/down a feature that you cannot live without after you sew with it for awhile. Mine is invaluable for pivoting around corners, etc... Enjoy!!! Happy Sewing! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: swartzrn
Date: 02-17-2006, 10:58 PM (10 of 12)
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Hi, I am new also to the forum (just joined today.) I, too started sewing again recently after my husband bought a new sewing machine for me back in Oct. Since then I have once again become addicted. I have had to tweak alot of things I have done over and over and then tweak again. I think it's basically learn as you go. I have ALOT to learn and I think you are probably always going to learn something new despite your level of expertise! I also will check out some of the reference pages I saw listed in the replies! Thanks! Julie Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 02-18-2006, 09:44 AM (11 of 12)
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Sewing is VERY addictive, fabric collecting too! Welcome.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Raevenflyte
Date: 02-18-2006, 11:45 PM (12 of 12)
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When I started learning to sew last year, this site and Craftster.org (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php) were so helpful--and the thing about Craftster is that there's a lot of project tutorials and loads of people willing to help. Just like here! HTH, R |
User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 32 
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