Sewing machine.

[naggie72]

I want to learn to use a sewing machine. Those out there that have one what is a good brand and a good sewing machine?

[KaraBoo]

I'd stay with a cheap one (less than $100) if you're just starting to learn to sew. Are there better one's out there if you pay more? Yes, but you don't want to spend more and up to $1k+ just to find out you don't like to sew.

The cheap ones will let you do all of the basics without spending lots of $$$

[Befferz]

Singer is traditionally a good brand, and you can even get a cheap one at Walmart or Target.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I've been using Singer for years. If you're just starting out, get a basic portable sewing machine with case that you can put on a table and practice with to learn doing seams, darts, applyling zippers, hemming, etc. You don't need all the fancy attachments/stitches til you know if you're going to enjoy it or use it enough for that kind of expenditure. You can still make nice clothes or other projects with a simple machine.

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

I have my mom's Singer from the 60's. The damn thing weighs a ton though, I don't want to get another hernia trying to put it on the table. The upside is that it probably works a hell of a lot better than the 2# pieces of crap they make these days.

Now if my 40-something self could just remember what she was taught how to use it when it was only a 10 year old brain.

I have an antique treadle powered machine I really want to learn how to use. It is missing a few small things though, and the manufacturer was swallowed up by Singer in the 20's or 30's so I am not sure where to get the parts.

[naggie72]

I want to be able to hem pants and make simple tableclothes, hem curtains etc nothing fancy.

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

Jan 13, 2011 13:30:32 GMT -5 Queen of Interesting Nuts said:

I want to be able to hem pants and make simple tableclothes, hem curtains etc nothing fancy.

Definitely get an inexpensive machine so you can learn to work with it. Singer is a brand that has been around for something like 100 years. I want to learn sewing too...(not the hemming pants part though) I bought some curtains I want to modify, and I want to learn quilting. All in good time though. School is first right now.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I want to be able to hem pants and make simple tableclothes, hem curtains etc nothing fancy

Then get a basic portable with carrying case that you can store in a closet. You can probably even find a used one in good condition through Bargain Finder or other source for items for sale.

[reader79]

My plan is to make a quilt this year. My grandmother is a big-time quilter, and she is trying to get several of us to take up the craft before she dies. I did one about 15 years ago, and I still use it. Also, I need a new challenge. All I do is work, and i'm not going back to school until summer.

I'm thinking if I ask nicely, she'll give me one of her 10+ machines. She's gifted them in the past to my sister, and cousin when they were working on a quilt.

As for quality, she has several of the new computerized ones and likes them, but her most frequently used one is a Singer older than my dad.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

Jan 13, 2011 13:28:06 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

I have my mom's Singer from the 60's. The damn thing weighs a ton though, I don't want to get another hernia trying to put it on the table. The upside is that it probably works a hell of a lot better than the 2# pieces of crap they make these days.

Now if my 40-something self could just remember what she was taught how to use it when it was only a 10 year old brain.

I have an antique treadle powered machine I really want to learn how to use. It is missing a few small things though, and the manufacturer was swallowed up by Singer in the 20's or 30's so I am not sure where to get the parts.

PM me and I may be able to help. We have 2 of those antique machines. My wife's 40 year old singer broke before Christmas while she was making curtains. We bought a new machine. It's amazing how cheap they are and what they do. Computer controlled.