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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: toysrfun
Date: 04-06-2006, 05:48 PM (1 of 8)
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Hi Everyone, I have been lurking on here for a few days now and I decided to register. You all have great information on here. Anyhow, I am a newbie and don't know where to begin. I would like to do a special quilt for my husband's grandmother this year and was thinking of doing a lap quilt with photo's on it. Anyway, I don't have a clue as to what kind of a sewing machine I should be looking at. I am also highly interested in trying out embroidery but don't know if I should get a machine that does both. SO CONFUSING!!!! Would any of you have any ideas on what machine is recommended for the complete newbie to the wonderful art of sewing? Thank you so much! |
User: toysrfun
Member since: 04-06-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 04-06-2006, 07:08 PM (2 of 8)
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Do you have a machine to play around with for now, or are you starting from scratch? I was about to buy a new machine about a year and a half ago, and I found myself wondering the same--Should I go for all the bells & whistles, or just the basics? And I didn't know b/c I didn't really know which direction I would go with this as time went on. I waited. And now I have a much clearer idea of what I enjoy and what I'm interested in trying more of, a lot more experience and confidence, and I know that if I choose an upgrade at some point, it'll be the right one for me.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Melanie T
Date: 04-06-2006, 07:26 PM (3 of 8)
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For the moment, ask around and see if anyone you know has a machine sitting there that you can borrow to do your photo quilt. Make sure you have a manual and that it is in good working order. One thing here though, if the machine is not in good working order it will only frustrate you and turn you off to sewing. Use you judgement and if you are frustrated, skip directly to suggestion 2. All you will really need for your quilt idea is a good straight stitch. Once you try it and get hooked (or jump in here), go to a good dealer in your area and take a test drive of everything that strikes your fancy. Maybe take a beginner quilt class or 2. At that point, you will have a better idea of what you want and if you even like sewing. Most good dealers have a trade up deal, if you purchase a lower end machine and want a better one within a set period of time (30 days, 90 days, 6 mo. depends on the dealer) they will apply your full purchase price to the higher machine. Don't buy a walmart special machine (or other discount store). You usually get what you pay for and there is no help there. You will pay a little more at a dealer, but most offer classes on how to use your new machine for free with the purchase. Make sure that you take advantage of it. You also have someone to call if you don't understand something or something is wrong with your machine. 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: paroper
Date: 04-06-2006, 07:48 PM (4 of 8)
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There are plenty jumping into the embroidery scene and they're getting the shock of their life when they realize how expensive it is. I would suggerst that you slow down and do the quilt first. You can borrow a machine or buy a good used machine (even from a thrift store) for a very small amount of money, long enough for you to get your feet wet and discover how much you want to do this. It would be my guess that most women don't even realize how much money they have sunk into embroidery, and I almost guarantee that not many husbands know. When you have a clear idea of what you plan to do with sewing, embroidery, quilting, etc., then you'll be ready to approach a machine dealer. When you go in, don't go in with the intention of trying everything in the shop. Use your self-control and tell the dealer what your intentions are..and by that I mean, I'll be quilting 50%, sewing garments/or home dec 30%, doing embroidery 20%, or whatever the amounts might be. The reason is that most machines are made with a particular type of seamstress in mind. If you do a lot of embroidery, you want a wide feed dog and machine feet. If you quilt, you need a lot of control of your machine. You want a good stitch and a more narrow feed dog with good 1/4 inch guides on the machine. Take a several identical packets of fabrics that you might use on your machine, some batting and quit fabrics too if you are going to quilt on it. Label your bags, take notes. Compare Compare Compare. What one dealer will tell you is the best feature about his machine may be a standard feature that won't even be mentioned on another, so compare and ask a lot of questions. ABOVE ALL! Spend the entire day shopping at your leisure. Do not let anyone pressure you. It is like buying a car...you'll be lucky to get out of there with your money and both legs....so you MUST leave every dealer whose door you enter at least once before making the final decision. Go somewhere, take a walk, drink a cup of coffee or a Coke. Take YOUR time. When you have cleared your head and thought about it, go back and compare the top two or three again because now you know all the major features of each machine. Check and see if that first machine you looked at has the features you liked in the last machine...after all, you are smarter now. LOOK for 1 year or more same as cash. A dealer who has a trade in/trade up policy. These have come in handy for a lot of people. You take your dream machine home and realize that it doesn't have a feature that you now need or a new dream comes out by the time yours is six months old. Many dealers will give you full trade in value for your machine if traded within a year. In my case, I was offered this by a competing dealer, all I needed to do was present my receipt. Warrenty details. What does it cover? My machine was covered for all check ups, parts, labor, etc. for the first two years, all parts (only) for the first 5. What extras will they offer you. Offers come and go...many times you can get extra hoops, in the case of Berninas that connect to the internet, free modems, conversion software or basic software, extra feet, cases, all kinds of cool things....sometimes they are part of promotion, sometimes the dealer will "throw them in" just to get your business. Deal with them. Many dealers will dicker on the price some. Sure, they have a bottom line, but many will talk down. Find out if your dealer will service the machine in house if it has problems. Many dealers send their machines out of town or to another dealer...that takes a long time to get the machines back. How long do you have to wait to get your machine serviced? Does your dealer offer lessons? Most dealers, as part of their contracts will offer some sort of lessons. ARE THEY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE MACHINE THEY ARE SELLING YOU? An authorized dealer is constantly updated on the latest and greatest and is required to meet certain standards, including training on their products. This is why you want a dealer and this is why you want your dealer to be authorized. That means that if your machine breaks down there is more standing behind it than just a man...there is a mfg. company. Just give yourself some time and you'll know a lot more about what you want from your machines. Then you'll be ready to buy. 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: Patty22
Date: 04-06-2006, 08:40 PM (5 of 8)
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ABOVE ALL! Spend the entire day shopping at your leisure. Do not let anyone pressure you. It is like buying a car...you'll be lucky to get out of there with your money and both legs....so you MUST leave every dealer whose door you enter at least once before making the final decision. Go somewhere, take a walk, drink a cup of coffee or a Coke. Take YOUR time. When you have cleared your head and thought about it, go back and compare the top two or three again because now you know all the major features of each machine. Check and see if that first machine you looked at has the features you liked in the last machine...after all, you are smarter now. Bwhahahahaha......this is so true! Truer words were never spoken! It even applies for those of us who have sewn for many years and are tempted with the thought of a new machine with newer/better/time saving features - although I haven't seen one advertised anywhere that will clean the house for you while you're sleeping. Patty Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-07-2006, 12:40 AM (6 of 8)
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Buying a sewing or embroidery machine these days is like buying a car. It's an investment. You also have to realize some of them COST as much as a good used car. (when you get into hoops, thread, stabilizer, fabric, embroidery designs, etc...) Embroidery is an ON GOING expense. So you have to factor that in too...take your time... Some husbands understand the need for hobbies..(if they have hobbies themselves). Be prepared for sticker shock though....  
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: toysrfun
Date: 04-07-2006, 10:11 AM (7 of 8)
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Thanks everyone. I will try to find a cheaper used one for now. But all the advice everyone has given me is great. I just found out last night that my aunt just got out of quilting so maybe I could borrow her machine if she is not using it. 
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User: toysrfun
Member since: 04-06-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-07-2006, 10:14 AM (8 of 8)
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Your aunt's machine is the perfect way to go! That gives you time to decide if you even like sewing!
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 |
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