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Sewing Machine Help


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I think that I might want a small, inexpensive sewing machine so that I can make doll clothes, felt ornaments, capes, masks, pillow case dresses, etc. Maybe something good enough to make a couple baby quilts. But I have no idea where to begin. My mom sewed when I was little but hasn't touched a sewing machine in at least 25 years. Any suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $100 in case I don't get any better than I was in 8th grade (C+ in home ec)so I won't feel guilty if it doesn't work out.

 

Thanks,

 

Christine

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I would try to find a used machine--maybe Craig's list or a shop that does repairs. I would avoid buying an inexpensive machine from a big box store.

 

Your Cooperative Extension service might offer sewing classes, if not for adults then possibly for kids where you can learn with your children. Extension agents might also give you a lead on where to find a used machine or on places to get an older machine tuned up. The 4-H sewing materials for kids are great.

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If I could find the emoticons, I'd post the popcorn, listening one.

 

Click on the smiley that is on the tool bar appearing when you reply to a topic. Some popular emoticons are now at the bottom of your reply box. You can use the arrow at the right to navigate through additional ones or click on "show all" to do just that.

 

:lurk5:

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I helped with a co-op sewing class a few years ago. I am pretty sure that the machines the co-op had were under 100 dollars each- they were very, very frustrating even to doing very easy sewing since this was younger girls (most were between 8 and 13) just starting to sew. On the other hand, we bought our daughter a Brother machine for about 150 dollars and it has had no problems at all. SHe sewed all her class projects on it and then her sister sewed a quilt and then all three of us sewed nine dresses for orphaned girls in Africa. We have also done other odd and end sewing. No problems at all. The difference in the quality between the super cheap machines and the slightly more expensive ones was tremendous.

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I would also look for a used machine on Craig's list. I have sewn on some inexpensive big box store machines, and if that was what I had to learn on, I would have quit. I have a smooth sewing 1970's Bernina. I also have a 1960's Singer that sews like a dream. Mine were both inherited, but that is what I would look for. You want something heavy with metal parts, well, at least that is what I want in a sewing machine.

 

I would try to find a used machine--maybe Craig's list or a shop that does repairs. I would avoid buying an inexpensive machine from a big box store.

 

Your Cooperative Extension service might offer sewing classes, if not for adults then possibly for kids where you can learn with your children. Extension agents might also give you a lead on where to find a used machine or on places to get an older machine tuned up. The 4-H sewing materials for kids are great.

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I would try to find a used machine--maybe Craig's list or a shop that does repairs. I would avoid buying an inexpensive machine from a big box store.

 

Your Cooperative Extension service might offer sewing classes, if not for adults then possibly for kids where you can learn with your children. Extension agents might also give you a lead on where to find a used machine or on places to get an older machine tuned up. The 4-H sewing materials for kids are great.

 

:iagree:

Look for a cheap all metal machine from the 70's or earlier. You can generally pick them up very cheap and then take them to a repair shop and have them tuned up for about $50. It will last you forever. The machine I use most came free with a $10 sewing table I bought. It's a Singer from the 70's.

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I would try to find a used machine--maybe Craig's list or a shop that does repairs. I would avoid buying an inexpensive machine from a big box store....Extension agents might also give you a lead on where to find a used machine or on places to get an older machine tuned up.
The difference in the quality between the super cheap machines and the slightly more expensive ones was tremendous.
I would also look for a used machine on Craig's list. I have sewn on some inexpensive big box store machines, and if that was what I had to learn on, I would have quit. I have a smooth sewing 1970's Bernina. I also have a 1960's Singer that sews like a dream. Mine were both inherited, but that is what I would look for. You want something heavy with metal parts, well, at least that is what I want in a sewing machine.
Look for a cheap all metal machine from the 70's or earlier. You can generally pick them up very cheap and then take them to a repair shop and have them tuned up for about $50. It will last you forever. The machine I use most came free with a $10 sewing table I bought. It's a Singer from the 70's.
I agree with all of these posters. My extended family, collectively, has about 14 machines between us - several sergers, a coverstitch machine, and nine assorted sewing machines. We take our sewing seriously, and choose our tools carefully. The sergers are top of the line, $1000++ machines; the coverstitch is also a top dollar item. Yet all but one of the sewing machines are vintage, from the 1970's or earlier (in some cases much earlier). To buy a machine of the same quality as the vintage Singers, New Homes, and Kenmores we have (all but one of which were purchased used from a dealer, thrifted, eBayed, freecycled, or trash-picked), would cost at least $800 new. Yet you can pick them up at thrift stores, or used at independent sewing machine dealers, for under $100. Don't be seduced by the easy purchase and the shiny box from a new machine. Go for the quality of a well-made used model.
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