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I am wanting to get into sewing and would love to know what I need to look for in a machine and what ones you have and how much you spent :)
I am wanting to learn how to quilt, make aprons, wraps etc to sell at the local market. So just basic things really and I would love to know what sort of machine I will need. I have a local sewing shop where I am but am just after a bit of an idea before I head in there tomorrow!
Any help is greatly appreciated :)
I have a Janome, not sure what model. I have had it about 2 years and no problems whatsoever. If I remember correctly, I paid about $280 for it and got a quilting foot as well (for free).
I also have an overlocker which I got for my 15th birthday and it is also going well. Not sure what brand that one is.
Your local sewing shop should offer a couple of free classes teaching you how to use the machine you buy. Most of the smaller, local sewing shops do that.
I would suggest you by a mid-range sewing machine, not the cheapest and certainly not the most expensive. You need to determine exactly what you want to use the machine for and look at the accessories that come with the machine (i.e. quilting foot, invisible zipper foot etc). Just a hint though, be careful if you go for a machine with computerised features as I have heard they are not as reliable in the long run. At least that was what I was told two years ago, they may have improved.
Good luck and have fun!
Thanks for the info Courtney.
I was thinking a mid-range one would be good too!
Does anyone know about the computerised features and if they play up much?
oh computerised machines scare the pooh out of me!!!
ive got a janome gold that runs like a dream and a janome 184D overlocker that can me a cow on the best of days...also a brother 190D embroidery machine that is currently in getting fixed as I broke the shank that holds the embroidery foot (dont ask)
Sammi (raven) just got a new quilting machine....PM her is you want ot know babe
I got a brother QC 1000 RRP $2199 but I got it at the Quilters fair for $1600. yes a lot of money but DH had just gone and bought himself about the equiv. in scuba gear and lessons and it's very rare I actually ask for anything expensive like this.
I LOVE THIS MACHINE!
I did have a mid range brother before hand and it did a good job but quilting with this machine is effortless! Makes stippling and quilting in general just a breeze, I just can't descibe it! I love the computerised functions and can do a very small amount of embroidery (small letters and pictures in single colour thread) It can also do overlocking stitch and cutting (although you need an extra foot for the cutting) and came with an extention table which is a blessing when quilting a heavy quilt. It also has an on off button rather than foot control which gives me a much more even stitch length when quilting and appliquing.
I have a janomi too cost about 550. sounds like to me you NEED one that can to quilting make sure you get a quilting presser foot. Good luck, Myn does just basic things and a few extra styles, if money is no issue i would get one that does embroidery too like one of the machines you can down load images to. I wish i had one of these other wise just a basic model should do you fine.
I brought a Janome at the start of the month. It was one of the ones where they were donating some to breast cancer. Dont ask me how good it is, or how to use it, because I have absolutely no idea as I havent been game enough to use it. I paid just under $400.