Let me give you some background...
My Grandma taught me to sew by hand when I was a little girl and I was hooked! I became my family's rip, tear, and button mender. I'm actually really good at hand sewing, but I've never sewed with a machine. I know I would love quilting, fancy stiching, etc., which is why I want a sewing machine so badly.
For the last 5 Christmases I've been asking my Mom for a sewing machine and I have yet to recieve one. I think my feminist, career woman, "less stiches, more riches" Mom doesn't really know what kind of machine to get me, nor does she really want to take the time to figure it out (we don't really know a lot of people who sew). I need some advice!
I found this one on Amazon.com and it seemed snazzy (and pricey):
I've noticed a lot of ladies in the blogosphere sew, so I'm hoping you all can recommend a good machine to me!
Here are a few questions I have:
- Do you have a sewing machine that you like?
- What brand is best?
- What features do I NEED?
- Should I get one that does embroidery as well (embroidery looks like so much fun) or should i master machine sewing first)?
- About how much should I spend for a decent machine?
No matter what I know I'll take a sewing class to learn to use it through Long Beach Parks and Rec. They have a "sewing machine bootcamp". How cool is that?
9 comments:
I've been wanting to learn to sew!!
I just started learning last week! My aunt is showing me. She told me to get a basic machine to start out with. Forward, backward, and some different style stitches. She also told me to go to craft stores to see if I can try out the sewing machines first. She said try them all and then decide what YOU like.
I know that's not much help, but when I talked to my aunt it made me feel more comfortable about buying a basic machine to start with.
I've wanting to buy a sewing machine, too!! I also learned to hand saw when I was little, I can make some easy dress. But I want to buy one this Christmas.
Check this site: Martha Stewart listed some of her recommendation of machines. It really helps!
http://www.sewingideas.com/
I really love your blog - good luck with sewing machine shopping!
xoxo
I LOVE your blog!!!!! I will be back regularly for sure! I have always wanted to sew and have no idea what to tell you to buy. I sort of want a monogramming machine!
How fun! I want to learn to sew!
I have been thinking of getting a sewing machine too but was never sure what to get...definitely let us know what you decide
I was just in your shoes! I've been wanting a sewing machine for the past few years (I too hand sew well but haven't used a machine since Home Ec class in 7th grade). My mother-in-law knew how badly I wanted one, so she consulted with a friend who sews a lot to determine which machine to get. She suggested getting something basic to start with. So for my birthday I got the Brother 50 stitch computerized machine (Project Runway edition). I am in love with it! Hope this helps you a little :)
I actually learned how to sew (machine and hand) when I was in 4-H many moons ago. Okay - I started when I was about 7 or 8 probably. I have always been a big fan of Singers, but there are other good brands out there. I agree with Heather - start out with a good basic machine. Mine has forward, reverse, and about 8 different stitches. I can change the width and length of the sticth and have the button hole feature too. Go try some out, and even looking at a sewing store to see what kind of refurbished ones they have is a good idea. Some of the older machines were just built a little heavier and sturdier (like a lot of thins) - there isn't much plastic on those. Can't wait to see what you get!
I'm blog stalking... and if you still haven't made the purchase I will tell you all about mine.
I have a regular old singer. I've had it since my 8th birthday. If I can do my math correctly that would be for a long 14 years. It still works... unfortunately. I want a fancy embroidery, Serger one but we can't always get what we want.
But the basic Singer has lasted me a long time and helped me win a few blue ribbons at the state fair. It's a great starter and easy to use.
Hancock Fabrics normally has a pretty decent sale on basic machines once every few months. So if you have one of those in your area it is definitely worth looking into.
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