Sewing Machine

[Shanti]

Thanks, i'll keep all that in mind I might do some shopping around for one on Saturday and ask at different places all about them. see what the ladies say.

[*Efjay*]

thats the best way. I think its a good sign when they know what they are talking about & don't try to sell you something beyond your needs or budget. The lady I spoke with was fantastic.

[ShootingStar]

Hi Renstar!

I got the Modern Living one from Target and its fantastic! Came with a book on how to use everything so thats all i needed. Its pretty easy actually. Ive made a few pram liners and theyve come out brilliant. One for myself and one for a girlfriend and everyone in her mums group thought she bought it! So the machine mustnt be too bad! I reckon any beginner machine would work yes.. i think its more the user who has to have the skill iykwim.

Best of luck!

[Shanti]

Thanks Kell! So did you not have any idea on how to sew before you started? I did sewing in home economics at school but that was 11yrs ago now lol so i can't remember a damn thing!!!!

i hope i can work it out!!!! if u didnt have any idea and you worked it out then hopefully i can! u give me hope!!

[Inertia]

Hi Ladies. It's actually Inertia's DH typing. I Do all the sewing in the family and up till now it's all been by hand. Now I thinking I should have a sewing machine. With so many choices out there I have no idea which to go for. Some advice would be great.
Cheers
Inertia's DH

[Bathsheba]

Yes, I belive the Brother range is popular. But I will tell you what I was told when looking at machines. I orginally went in to buy a Singer. I had looked at teh Brother machine that Spotlight had on Special at the time & when the shop I was in also stocked them the owner (who just happened to be serving me) said that you need to be careful with the Brother machines because they are plastic inside. She said that the bits inside that make it all move up & down are plastic & prone to over heating. She still sells them but didn't recomend them for a machine that is going to get a good work out. She said they are good for those little repair jobs or taking up the hem on pants etc.

THIS IS SO TRUE! Take heed everyone!!! More often than not if you want a really reliable sewing machine you are better off buying an older second-hand one. So many current models are plasticy and just can't handle anything more than easy jobs like Fiona described... don't even think about sewing denim for example! Personally I like to know that my sewing machine can handle almost anything... curtains, corderoy, lambskin, you name it. Now my mother bought me my machine.... over 20 years ago when i was 17. She knew that machines were becoming more and more plasticy so she went to the local sewing machine specialist (much better to buy them from a specialist than a department store) and she bought a 10 year old Toyota. It is virtually ALL metal... the dials are plastic but not much else. The guy that sold it to her said that it was a very basic but very good quality machine and that has proven to be true. I have it serviced every 3/4 years and every service person tells me to hold onto it because they don't make them like that anymore. It cost $100. I can't see myself upgrading anytime soon.... unless I can afford something that is also mainly metal... and these days that probably means paying a few grand.

[HotI]

Y And 2, the Pfaff had more clearance with the press foot. So you know when you lift the foot to place your material, the Pfaff can be lifted more, so its good for the thicker layers you tend to have when sewing MCN's.
I would check out the Pfaff machines. They have been around almost as long as Singer has.

I didn't know you could get higher clearances. That is definately on my list if i ever upgrade.

I agree with Bath too. My sewing machine was my aunty's and before that was my Nan's. It is a Janome. I had it serviced last year, and it is good as gold again. I'm scared when it finally does go how much i'll have to pay to get one that's not plasticky. Might have to check out some second hand ones.