I've suddenly taken an interest in sewing, even tho I haven't touched a sewing machine in years! I have only a very basic knowledge, but plan to attend some sort of sewing classes.
I have about $500 to spend on a machine...does anyone have any recommendations? Particular brand? What to look out for? What to avoid? Oh, and do I need an overlocker?
At the moment I am interested in making baby blankets, burp cloths, etc. But may branch out into something more involved like bags and clothes down the track.
I don't know if I am going to be of much help, I have only every had a sewing machine that I inherited from an Auntie which did forward and back, straight and zigzag!
Having said that it was an awesome little workhorse. I have been sewing since a child and have completed many projects on it from clothes to home furnishings. I have recently begun quilting too. I don't even know the brand it is so obscure. The point is, a simple machine is a good place to start to get the hang of the basics. I am a fan of old school machines though, they just feel so sturdy and reliable. I hate the plastic feel of cheap new ones!
Recently I decided to 'upgrade' and bought a 1960's Janome Memory Craft on ebay for under $100. It was such a great buy and I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the little benefits of a better machine such as push button reverse . Maybe ebay is a good place to start with a cheap old machine to get you going before you work out what you want to spend your $500 on?? It will get you sewing!
Re: overlockers. No, strictly speaking you don't need one. I have survived 20 years sewing without one and just done a zigzag or used pinking shears where necessary.
I did recently get one - again on ebay from the same woman I got the Janome. I only got it because it was available from the same seller - ease of pickup - and meant I was getting a machine and overlocker for less than $150. It certainly has been nice, but still not "necessary" for my sewing. I am planning on making some baby wipes and I think It will come in handy for those though.
Hopefully someone else will have some more up to date advice about machines out there... otherwise, maybe you could pop into a store for demos or visit a service store for a chat about reconditioned models?
Thank you jackrose, I wasn't really sure what an overlocker did! I prolly won't need one then
I must say I agree with not liking the plastic-y machines these days! I prefer an older one with knobs and stuff, not a computerised one. Anyhoo, I might go to the local sewing centre and have a chat with them.
Beginner here - Sewing Machine Recommendations
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. Maybe ebay is a good place to start with a cheap old machine to get you going before you work out what you want to spend your $500 on?? It will get you sewing!
I prolly won't need one then 
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