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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
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From: creation
Date: 03-10-2006, 12:36 PM (1 of 6)
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I am new to this forum and am hoping y'all can help me. I have dabled with some sewing before (made a few dresses from paterns with my mom and/or my aunt when I was in high school/college), but I am looking to get more involved. I need to buy a sewing machine and I don't have any clue what I need. I want something I can learn on but that my purposes wont outgrow. I plan on using it primarily for making clothes. Any advice would be wonderful! Thanks! Ashley |
User: creation
Member since: 03-10-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: Lynnie
Date: 03-10-2006, 12:46 PM (2 of 6)
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I'm also new to sewing and just bought my first machine. The best advice I can give you is to go to an actual sewing shop. One where the sales people actually know about the machines and how to run them. I just went through a fiasco where I bought a machine from Sears and then didn't like the results I got with it. No one at Sears knows about the machines they are selling (at least not here). I finally found a small dealership where I could test drive the machine and they will give me free lessons as long as I own the machine if I ever come across a function I don't know how to use. They also do all their repair/service stuff right there. This is a huge advantage if you don't know if a mistake you are making is a machine problem or human error. I tend to be a very shy person and I like the convienence of buying stuff on-line, but even I now see the advantages of working with a knowledgeable dealer. |
User: Lynnie
Member since: 02-23-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-10-2006, 01:18 PM (3 of 6)
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I don't think any of us can give you better advice than Lynnie did. I really think the brand matters less than the dealer. And when you talk to them they will help you decide what features and extras you may need. Remember you don't need to buy all the accessories you need the first day. Most won't try to sell more machine than you need because they have trade up policies. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: creation
Date: 03-10-2006, 04:32 PM (4 of 6)
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thanks ladies...it helps knowing I won't need to do major research before I go check it out. And going to a specialty shop is a great point, especially if I can get lessons, repairs, and trade in value. I look forward to learning more from you all! Ashley |
User: creation
Member since: 03-10-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-10-2006, 08:45 PM (5 of 6)
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Good luck on your search Ashley. Might I also suggest that finding an authorized dealer that specializes in 3-4 different brands may be helpful, in that you would be able to compare several different machine brands at the same time. Lynnie is right about being able to "test-drive" a machine or two before you decide on which will work best for you. Be sure to ask the dealer to demonstrate the threading of each machine you look at-ease of goof proof set up will just add more enjoyment to your sewing experience! Cookie Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: karen v
Date: 03-15-2006, 03:47 PM (6 of 6)
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Hi. I am home sick today so I am posting on every topic! I teach beginning sewing and I have seen my students bring in everything from really good "old" berninas to the junky "school surplus" machines sold at Hancock's. First of all, DO NOT BUY from those one day sales in the fabric stores or in hotel rooms! They are cr*p. Second, try to buy the best machine you can afford. I will give you my 2 cents worth on what you may want to look for. Number one is stitch quality. Bring your own fabric samples. whatever types of fabrics YOU like to sew and a few odd ones that you don't. Trying a thin silky poly will tell you a lot about a machine--even if you don't plan to use that type of fabric very often. There shouldn't be any puckers or skipped stitches. The stuff the salesmen use is called "demo cloth" and it makes even the bottom of the line machines look good, so do not depend on their fabric to tell you anything. The other 2 features I think are important are: Pressure dial--different from "presser foot". This allows you to change the pressure on your presser foot. This feature will enable you to do a great job on 99% of knit fabrics. In fact, I have a 13 yo $200 Kenmore with a pressure dial that does a better job on some knits than my $2000 Pfaf 7570! The other feature that I like is the "drop feed dog" option--in case you want to quilt. You never know when that urge will creep up on you! Depending on how much $ you have to spend, some other nice features are: A thing that sets your needle position to up or down, so that if you want, everytime you stop your needle will stay in your fabric (or not, as you wish). Built in embroidery stitches--fun for simple embellishments, like collars and cuffs--again, I just love my Kenmore for that stuff. Oh, I forgot-- you want the most "automatic "buttonhole you can get. My Pfaff does the most amazing buttonholes--really takes my garments to a new level (bought mine used from a dealer) I bought some inexpensive blouses from Wal Mart, but they didn't button up high enough for me, and with my Pfaff I was able to duplicate exactly the RTW buttonholes, snatch the extra button that came with the shirt and button them up almost to my collarbone. The other thing I have heard other people say is if you want a high end machine like bernina or pfaff and it is just not in your budget, you can always get one used from a dealer. Then you get the support, high end machine and reasonable price, too. Well, I hope this long winded post has been helpful. regards, karen v all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
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