I am in the market for a sewing machine. I need something that is easy to use since my entire sewing experience involves making one very ugly wrap around skirt (leopard print, even....what was I thinking?) and a lopsided pair of pajama pants (which I happen to love). But I also want a machine that will grow with me. Meaning I hope to improve my sewing skills and don't want to regret buying such a cheap machine that it no longer fits my needs a couple years from now. Make sense?
So...who has suggestions? I'll take any advice I can get: recommendations for specific models, useful features I should look for, things I should stay away from.
Thanks, y'all!
You forgot your Indian princess dress. You sewed that with me.
ReplyDeleteI have no sewing machine recomendations, but I do know that a good machine can be pretty expensive, and unless you are really sure you want to go into this, I don't know that a fancy machine is what you need.
So, I just want you to know that every time you say (or write) "y'all", it just takes me straight back to freshman year. You are really the only Texan I've ever gotten to know well.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the sewing machine goes, I have a babylock (the basic level I think). It is less expensive than a Bernina (which my mother swears by) but she says that it is just about as good as her entry level Bernina. The good news is that it is about half the price. I like it a lot. It has handled some tough projects like denim and curtain fabrics. Good luck! What are you planning to make?
When I was looking for one, I talked to several people that have some of the very basic models and they've all been fine with their machines--janome, brother, singer. I think it may make a bigger difference the more sewing you do, but I don't know. I have a Singer Advance. Generally it's been fine, but I did have problems with the bobin winder. (now fixed.)
ReplyDeleteMy two favorite features are:
Features that I like on mine
1) Being Able to change the needle position. You don't need this feature, but I like it. It won't be on the cheapest models or older machines.
2) I have a hem stitch on mine, which is a great feature. Much more polished than doing it by hand, at least for me.
Mine also does button holes. I've only used it on one project-my duvet cover. It wasn't easy to use, but I don't know if it was me or the machine, or the material or some combination of them. This is definitely a plus feature.
Mine also has a needle threader. I don't care for this feature even on the fancy machines. It's faster for me to thread it by hand.
Sorry, uber long comment.
Happy Sewing
p.s. I have heard the same thing that nothing beats a bernina and that people who have them love them. I know my Mom loves her berninas.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they have an inexpensive model.