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Hi! :)
Would really love to start making my own MCN, wipes, etc, but do not have a machine (don't fancy hand sewing them either)
However, I have not used a sewing machine since Year 9 textiles! lol
I need a machine that is easy to use and not too exxy...maybe $250? I have found a couple of "beginner" singer models...
Any suggestions??
Please!
I am interested in a good basic model too, nothing too flash and around the same price range as LimeSlice. Any suggestions?
If you are anywhere in Melb near Fountain Gate, the Janome store are having a massive sale until the 30th May, Im going in on Sunday or Tuesday to get an overlocker (makes nappy making easier). Otherwise, when I was in SL yesterday they had a basic Brother sewing machine (with 4 buttonhole options) for $199 plus a free labeler.
You are best getting a base model well named machine, ie brother, janome, singer, etc
With Mothers day coming up there would be deals galore! Check out some of the smaller sewing or quilting stores as I discovered that as far as service (especially after sales I would imagine) goes they walk over big stores like SL.
My Janome is about 15 years old and was almost the cheapest model at around $250.
Yep - Sam is right - cheapest time of year to buy sewing machines is right now - before Mothers Day.
And is you go to smaller stores and explain what you want they normally have them set up there for you to try out and show you how to work it. Most also offer some sort of beginners "hour" where you go along and they teach a class the basics as part of the sale price.
I have two "Brothers" one is pretty high end and I use for all sorts of things and the other is a real cheapie that I can drag out at a moments notice and do quick mends and things like that. They produce pretty much the same quality job (although the cheapie - I think it was $150 on special - isn't so good with heavy fabrics like Denim - it doesn't have the grunt)
Apart from the most basic of stitches the useful things on a machine for making MCNs etc would be:
* tripple zig zag - where it takes 3 stitches to do a zig or a zag rather than just one (this is great for elastics but also fleece and knits)
* button hole option (and make sure they show you how to use it)
* a walking foot (this will probably be extra but may be thrown in for Mothers day specially if you buy it at a quilting shop) - it is very useful when you are sewing sandwiched layers together as it means that the fabric at the top and bottom both feed through at the same speed.
When deciding on a brand have a look in the shop and see what accessories they stock. It may be that you want other feet and things later and it makes it easier if you know where to find them.
Hope this helps, and have fun - I love my sewing machines.
Thans for that girls!! :)
Definately will have a look with all the mothers day sales, but also putting deposits on for house and land in teh next few eeks, so cant spend too much :( Have to see if I can squeeze it in now! lol
Thanks for the tips Taffy!
I have Jamone here and am very happy. Good to buy from a store that is easy for you to get to incase you need extra tuition or supplies. I always found the needles cheaper at the Janome store than at Spotlight or Lincraft, plus I could always double check with the salesperson what I needed to get. I have just moved, so have to find our local Janome place, I hope there is one.
agree with all the above and just want to add one word of warning:
DO NOT buy a KMART or Aldi or one of thembrand ones all i have heard is bad reports on those cheap store brands ones.
TOO TRUE - do not buy the Homemaker brand. I just returned one, but luckily I got a Brother basic machine for $170 last week at Target.
If you look around and take your time you will find something good without shelling out the bucks.
I'm just about to start my 'practice curtains' !!