jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 6, 2020 21:44:48 GMT -6
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Post by mrsweasley on Sept 6, 2020 21:59:33 GMT -6
That Janome one is basically for kids. I have a Brother that I really like, although I haven't used it much lately. It's pretty easy to use and there are a lot of online resources if you need help.
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origami
Amethyst
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Post by origami on Sept 6, 2020 22:13:28 GMT -6
I love my Janome mechanical machine. I wouldn't buy one that is under 100 bucks though since they tend to feel more like a toy and just not work that great.
Mine is my second machine and it was about 300.
I started sewing with the books small stash sewing and one yard wonders. They both use pretty basic patterns and stitches and use between a fat quarter and a yard of fabric.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 6, 2020 22:21:52 GMT -6
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,215 Likes: 219,436
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Post by jaygee on Sept 6, 2020 22:22:29 GMT -6
I’m also looking online for a used one in my area but not having much luck.
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Post by mrsweasley on Sept 6, 2020 22:26:06 GMT -6
My Brother one has a very similar setup. Either this or that first Brother you posted would be good options, especially since you have some basic sewing experience
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Post by mrsweasley on Sept 6, 2020 22:32:30 GMT -6
If you can stand to wait, I'm pretty sure you can get a better price on that Brother one. Like, I'm pretty sure I've seen it for just under $100. But we also live in crazy COVID times and everything seems jacked up and hard to find so who knows what the future holds.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 23:11:11 GMT -6
I taught myself how to sew & do machine embroidery from YouTube videos! Totally doable
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Post by elephantastic on Sept 7, 2020 3:46:16 GMT -6
Sewing is fun and relaxing. A great hobby. A little bit of $ First getting started. You’ll be thankful for good tools. I’ve sewed on/off since high school with my mom’s machine. When I was pregnant with my first 6 years ago I bought an inexpensive Brother for around $50. It’s louder than some of the nicer machines and has less options for stitches but it gets the job done and is all I’ve needed so far. I’ve made bags, clothes, mended. I just bought some patterns online recently in a sale and I’ve been going a little nuts: My point is you don’t need an expensive machine! Just get a well known brand. Other things to get started: If you buy a sewing kit (like one of the larger boxes) it will have a lot of “starters” for you. You definitely want the box, a good pair of large scissors (that you just keep for sewing so they don’t get dull on other things, seam ripper, pins with a flat head (you can sew over these easily and take them out later), a magnetic pin cushion (much better than the traditional pin cushion because the magnet keeps them from getting disorganized), a rotary cutter, a self healing mat (get the biggest one you can afford, a clear ruler (or two), fabric pens. If you’re going to make clothes I also suggest a cheap printer if you don’t have one so you can print patterns from the internet. Tracing paper is also good for making/modifying your own patterns. YouTube is awesome for showing you how to do things especially if you are following a pattern and the written directions aren’t clear (like how to insert a zipper, etc). Sewing groups on Facebook can be helpful for troubleshooting and also getting ideas.
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Post by elephantastic on Sept 7, 2020 3:51:26 GMT -6
This is the exact machine I have. I got mine at Walmart for $50. I’m not sure what is up with the prices. I guess COVID? Anyway. It’s a basic but good machine. Not too many things for you to get lost.
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piratecat
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Post by piratecat on Sept 7, 2020 5:34:46 GMT -6
I had one similar to the first one you linked for years and it was fine but if I were starting out now at this age I would get a full sized one. I now have a basic Singer which is not any more complicated to use but is heavier duty. I haven’t really had time to expand skills and would consider myself just above beginner and it has suited me well. I feel like the worst thing about being a beginner is your sewing machine screwing up so having solid machine is really helpful. Otherwise once you figure out the basics there is a lot you can do. This is the one I have. www.singer.com/Heavy-Duty-4452-Sewing-Machine
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maybe
Sapphire
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Post by maybe on Sept 7, 2020 6:06:33 GMT -6
This is my hobby dream too! I don’t have the mental space for it now but pls take notes for me for when I catch up!
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Post by sudokufan on Sept 7, 2020 6:45:30 GMT -6
I could talk sewing for hours <3 Here's my current machine: I have 4 machines total, with another on the way. 1930's machine - it works, but it's hard to find needles for, and it's built into a table that I don't have room to open fully, so I mostly just use it as a table. 1970's Kenmore - this was my Dad's Mom's machine, it's a gross green color, and it weighs 40lbs. It'll sew through anything, but the non straight stitches are harder to use because you have the plastic cam disks you have to switch in and out. 2000's Brother - LOVE this machine, H bought it for me one Christmas when we were first dating. Unfortunately, it needs servicing because I abused it too much. And then my current Brother - a very good sewing machine, lots of stitches available at the push of a button. Features my new machine has that I can't live without: Speed regulator which means I won't go too fast Can run without the foot pedal Up/down needle button raises or lowers the needle without advancing the fabric One step button holes Easy to find accessories for it (I add this because finding new feet for vintage machines can mean ebay; stuff that works for my Brother is easily and cheaply available on Amazon) Aside from the machine, you can see mine is sitting on a cutting mat, which I highly recommend. Mine is 2' by 3'. I have quilting rulers in a bunch of sizes, and a number of rotary cutters.
and there are a ton of sewing/quilting Facebook groups
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jsgrl
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Post by jsgrl on Sept 7, 2020 6:54:55 GMT -6
I used to sew a lot, before I had a kid, when I had space and time. Haha. I mostly did quilts with some baby clothes thrown in.
I was mostly self taught, and used online tutorials and books to get going. I found it was mostly just trial and error.
I don't have a specific machine rec. If you get something in the 200 range it'll probably be fine. I prefer simpler machines generally because I rarely use all the fancy stitches and it's just more things to break.
Get good tools, though. A good sized cutting mat, rotary cutter, and scissors that are reserved for fabric. Good thread,too.
Fair warning, I got kind of addicted to fabric and sank..... A lot of money into it.
I think I got a cheap quilt kit to start that came with the fabric and pattern. It wasn't very cute but it was a good way to get the hang of it.
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jsgrl
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Post by jsgrl on Sept 7, 2020 6:56:37 GMT -6
Oh, one rec re: machine, if you're doing quilting especially, get something with a longer arm. Like the space between the big part and where the needle is. It gets tricky when you have to bunch up a bulky quilt.
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Post by tapdancer on Sept 7, 2020 6:58:46 GMT -6
There is already a lot of good stuff here that I won’t repeat except make sure you have a good seam ripper because it will get a lot of work. When I got my machine a few years ago I found these tutorials. She also links projects with each tutorial and most are simple and easy. crazylittleprojects.com/learn-to-sew-online-sewing-classes/I’d also say if you are looking for an easy first project that you could make masks. There are a bazillion tutorials out there. Plus it would be something super useful right now.
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Post by tapdancer on Sept 7, 2020 6:59:36 GMT -6
Also a good tip for fabric on the cheap especially when you just want to practice is to buy sheets from your local thrift shop.
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Post by canteverremember on Sept 7, 2020 7:08:37 GMT -6
Following this because I just bought a small sewing machine last week on amazon because I can’t stop myself from shopping so I figured I better use this thing.
I told one of my daughters I would try to use clothes they’ve outgrown to make clothes for their our generation dolls so now I’m like why did I say that I don’t even know if I can turn this thing on.
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Post by Sweetjane on Sept 7, 2020 7:18:36 GMT -6
Following this because I just bought a small sewing machine last week on amazon because I can’t stop myself from shopping so I figured I better use this thing. I told one of my daughters I would try to use clothes they’ve outgrown to make clothes for their our generation dolls so now I’m like why did I say that I don’t even know if I can turn this thing on. My mom has been making masks out of the same fabrics she made my kids baby clothes. It such a sweet trip down memory lane.
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coconutbacon
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Post by coconutbacon on Sept 7, 2020 7:20:48 GMT -6
I had one similar to the first one you linked for years and it was fine but if I were starting out now at this age I would get a full sized one. I now have a basic Singer which is not any more complicated to use but is heavier duty. I haven’t really had time to expand skills and would consider myself just above beginner and it has suited me well. I feel like the worst thing about being a beginner is your sewing machine screwing up so having solid machine is really helpful. Otherwise once you figure out the basics there is a lot you can do. This is the one I have. www.singer.com/Heavy-Duty-4452-Sewing-MachineThis is the same machine I have and I’ve been really happy with it.
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Post by canteverremember on Sept 7, 2020 7:25:00 GMT -6
Following this because I just bought a small sewing machine last week on amazon because I can’t stop myself from shopping so I figured I better use this thing. I told one of my daughters I would try to use clothes they’ve outgrown to make clothes for their our generation dolls so now I’m like why did I say that I don’t even know if I can turn this thing on. My mom has been making masks out of the same fabrics she made my kids baby clothes. It such a sweet trip down memory lane. Oh that’s so sweet! This might be the next half empty promise I make to them lol
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Post by canteverremember on Sept 7, 2020 7:26:25 GMT -6
I’ve been on these forums for about 12 years and have no clue, can I save a post? Or will I have to search each time I want to read this? Slightly hungover and don’t want to have to focus too much brain right now ha.
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lizblue
Sapphire
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Post by lizblue on Sept 7, 2020 7:28:08 GMT -6
beatch this is the thread for your Barbie wardrobe needs!
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piratecat
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Post by piratecat on Sept 7, 2020 7:31:30 GMT -6
I’ve been on these forums for about 12 years and have no clue, can I save a post? Or will I have to search each time I want to read this? Slightly hungover and don’t want to have to focus too much brain right now ha. On Tapatalk you can bookmark threads.
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Post by AnnPerkins on Sept 7, 2020 7:32:35 GMT -6
I've had a 70s-80s Kenmore that my grandma gave me when I moved away from home in the back of my various closets for over a decade now. I finally took it out a few months ago in the hopes of making some small crafts. It's just sort of been sitting on my art desk since. I'm ready to leech off some of your motivation whenever you get set up!
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Post by Sweetjane on Sept 7, 2020 7:33:31 GMT -6
I’ve been on these forums for about 12 years and have no clue, can I save a post? Or will I have to search each time I want to read this? Slightly hungover and don’t want to have to focus too much brain right now ha. I think you can bookmark the thread at the top left under thread options. It's a drop down. I'm not on tapa for reference.
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Post by canteverremember on Sept 7, 2020 7:35:14 GMT -6
Thank you and piratecat I am not on tapatalk but it was so easy to find I’m embarrassed ha. There was a drop down top left and in the replies there’s a click box to “bookmark this thread”. Damn I’m slow this morning!
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senneth
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Post by senneth on Sept 7, 2020 7:50:05 GMT -6
For quilting, you really want as much space between the needle and the sewing machine as possible (I know there’s a technical term for that space, but I can’t remember it).
My primary sewing machine is a Brother PQ1500, and I love it. It’s a straight stitch only machine.
My secondary machine is also a Brother - it was in the $150 range, and I like it, but you can definitely feel the difference between machines when sewing - it doesn’t feel as stable. But I really only bought it for the zig zag stitch. I use my primary machine for everything that’s straight stitch. Sometimes I use this one for zippers, because my PQ1500 is a high shank machine, so I have to get out a screwdriver to change the feet, and if I’m in the middle of something sometimes it’s just easier to use this machine to insert the zipper and then go back to the other one to finish the project.
You need some good scissors for fabric only, pins, a pin cushion/holder (I like the magnetic ones), a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a couple of clear rulers. I love the clover wonder clips, but they’re definitely not a need - I just like them. The list of accessories you can buy that are fun is almost unlimited, but I’d start with the basics.
I mostly learned from online resources, but one of my good friends quilts. My mom doesn’t quilt, but she can sew just about anything. So if I get stuck, I call one of them.
For quilting, I like having a walking foot, and if you’re planning on free motion quilting, it’s easier with some types of feet. I wouldn’t say those are absolutely necessary sewing machine features, but if you’re planning on quilting I’d see if you can buy those feet for your machine model if they don’t come with it.
Having the setting that lets you automatically end with the needle down isn’t necessary, but it’s really nice to have.
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Post by thechickencoop on Sept 7, 2020 8:09:58 GMT -6
I agree w others on the machine. You don't need a million bells and whistles but a basic full size one would be good. I have a singer basic one that is prob 20 years old and still going strong.
Didn't we talk about this last year too? I remember making a list of must-have sewing extras before 🤔🤔🤔
I'd prob avoid the kits of threads and whatnot. They usually have a lot of extra stuff.
Here's my essentials:
*Really nice scissors *Stitch puller *Extra bobbins (but BE SURE they are for your model. I had a pack for singer but a diff model before and they were giving me all sorts of problems 🤬) *Maybe 3 or 4 diff colors of high-quality thread.
I'm sure I'll think of more. I dont do anything fancy so I don't know about quilting stuff or whatever.
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wasabi
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Post by wasabi on Sept 7, 2020 8:30:57 GMT -6
I bought that Brother one you have linked for Maya last christmas. I definitely did not pay that price though, I paid I think $85ish.
I'm not much help because I'm not too experienced, all I've done is make masks and cloth wipes and a couple other small projects. But I have no complaints, it's been a good machine to learn on. I'm mostly just here to say don't pay that price for it though, lol.
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