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Post by babybean on Sept 7, 2020 8:46:07 GMT -6
I have a Singer 7258. I don’t recall what made me decided on it but I researched a fair bit prior to purchase. I mostly use it this time of year for hallowe’en costumes and occasionally will have a burst of little sewing projects like dresses or blankets. I am not very skilled and freehand/eyeball a lot of stuff but I think YouTube would be sufficient for learning.
Brother machines are well loved so I don’t think you’d be going wrong with one.
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jorkzy
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Post by jorkzy on Sept 7, 2020 8:46:21 GMT -6
I have a Brother one similar to what you posted and it’s great for beginner to medium projects. Not great for quilting big projects but those are huge projects anyways. Around the $200 range is great.
YouTube is super helpful for tutorials and skills, and any pattern marked beginner or easy. Are fabric stores open around you? Do you have access to the big pattern books? I like Burda patterns, they’re actually on the trendier side and don’t look “home made”.
Good luck! Show us what you make!
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jorkzy
Emerald
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Post by jorkzy on Sept 7, 2020 8:46:59 GMT -6
Also if you want to make clothes, search Pinterest for free tutorials or free patterns - lots out there.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 8:51:05 GMT -6
Thanks everyone this is so helpful. I have my grandma’s sewing kit so I’m going to go through that today and see if anything is salvageable. At least I have the box to use if nothing else. I was supposed to get her machine too but there was a mixup. Grandma is still with us but doesn’t sew anymore at her age. I’m going to hunt around for the machine a little more and see what’s going on with prices. I’m still going to look for a used one online. maybe I hear you. I have no business taking on a hobby right now but I’m kind of losing myself in this pandemic and need to do something. Especially thinking of winter. So this will have to be a really part time hobby.
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Post by sudokufan on Sept 7, 2020 8:55:43 GMT -6
Oh, another thing I just thought of, since I'm working on some masks right now - you need a pressing station when you're actively sewing. Good sewing surface (a full sized ironing board works), decent iron, and preferably a pressing medium like Best Press. I spend more time cutting and pressing than actually stitching.
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Tlex
Ruby
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Post by Tlex on Sept 7, 2020 8:57:19 GMT -6
I got a basic singer between 1-200 a few years ago and it was enough for me to be a beginner on but could have taken me up to at least intermediate skill level. I sold it before a move and miss it! I’m debating getting one again but sewing is a space intensive hobby (at least how I do it...) I would need a whole storage cupboard to devote to the machine, supplies, fabric....
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origami
Amethyst
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Post by origami on Sept 7, 2020 9:10:45 GMT -6
I got a basic singer between 1-200 a few years ago and it was enough for me to be a beginner on but could have taken me up to at least intermediate skill level. I sold it before a move and miss it! I’m debating getting one again but sewing is a space intensive hobby (at least how I do it...) I would need a whole storage cupboard to devote to the machine, supplies, fabric.... This is really true. I don't sew as much as I used to because it's just so much stuff to get out and then put back away.
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Post by thechickencoop on Sept 7, 2020 9:30:44 GMT -6
Oh, another thing I just thought of, since I'm working on some masks right now - you need a pressing station when you're actively sewing. Good sewing surface (a full sized ironing board works), decent iron, and preferably a pressing medium like Best Press. I spend more time cutting and pressing than actually stitching. Oh! Yes. this. I just use my reg ironing board and iron but I may splurge at some point on a rotary cutter and mat. Those would be super helpful. And they're not that much but I have just never felt like spending the $$$ on them.
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Tlex
Ruby
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Post by Tlex on Sept 7, 2020 9:32:26 GMT -6
I got a basic singer between 1-200 a few years ago and it was enough for me to be a beginner on but could have taken me up to at least intermediate skill level. I sold it before a move and miss it! I’m debating getting one again but sewing is a space intensive hobby (at least how I do it...) I would need a whole storage cupboard to devote to the machine, supplies, fabric.... This is really true. I don't sew as much as I used to because it's just so much stuff to get out and then put back away. Whenever I see old house plans with a dedicated sewing room I’m like “actually tho, yes.”
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Post by lucilleaustero on Sept 7, 2020 9:37:21 GMT -6
Just a thought, I do cross stitch. It is nowhere near as technical as machine sewing, but it is a nice little creative outlet.
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snowyowl
Amethyst
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 7, 2020 9:46:53 GMT -6
Just a thought, I do cross stitch. It is nowhere near as technical as machine sewing, but it is a nice little creative outlet. Same. Super easy to pick up and and a very cheap craft compared to some others.
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STP
Diamond
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Post by STP on Sept 7, 2020 9:51:13 GMT -6
I truly think you can teach yourself anything through YouTube. It’s how I learned to knit.
If you can find a sewing group on line, that helps too. My murderino knitters group helps me with specific stuff I get stuck on.
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STP
Diamond
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Post by STP on Sept 7, 2020 9:52:08 GMT -6
I got a basic singer between 1-200 a few years ago and it was enough for me to be a beginner on but could have taken me up to at least intermediate skill level. I sold it before a move and miss it! I’m debating getting one again but sewing is a space intensive hobby (at least how I do it...) I would need a whole storage cupboard to devote to the machine, supplies, fabric.... Yes. The yarn has taken over, here.
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Tlex
Ruby
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Post by Tlex on Sept 7, 2020 10:23:07 GMT -6
I got a basic singer between 1-200 a few years ago and it was enough for me to be a beginner on but could have taken me up to at least intermediate skill level. I sold it before a move and miss it! I’m debating getting one again but sewing is a space intensive hobby (at least how I do it...) I would need a whole storage cupboard to devote to the machine, supplies, fabric.... Yes. The yarn has taken over, here. The yarn breeds with itself and multiplies, just like children’s toys. But I can still control it better than I could sewing. I also agree you can teach yourself any of these hobbies through YouTube, that’s where I go for any stitch or technique I want to learn! There’s something so rewarding about a hobby where you end with a finished product. I am half seriously considering trying out whittling.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 10:34:12 GMT -6
This is a good thinking point about the space. I have the space but you know how H and I feel about clutter so I need to be thoughtful about where I set up shop. I think I could actually have a nice space in the basement or maybe garage after our planned rearranging project to turn our garage from tandem to side by side.
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STP
Diamond
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Post by STP on Sept 7, 2020 10:34:42 GMT -6
Yes. The yarn has taken over, here. The yarn breeds with itself and multiplies, just like children’s toys. But I can still control it better than I could sewing. I also agree you can teach yourself any of these hobbies through YouTube, that’s where I go for any stitch or technique I want to learn! There’s something so rewarding about a hobby where you end with a finished product. I am half seriously considering trying out whittling. Every time I bind off I feel like a stalwart pioneer woman on the frontier. Without the whole stealing land from rightful people. You know.
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senneth
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Post by senneth on Sept 7, 2020 10:37:53 GMT -6
I don’t cross stitch because I hate counting, but I enjoy surface embroidery, and it’s pretty inexpensive. I use hoops instead of frames, and a lot of times pre COVID I’d put my embroidery project in my work bag and work on it during my lunch break.
ETA: Mary Corbet’s needlenthread website is a great resource. If you’re interested in thread painting, google Trish Burr. Her work is gorgeous.
ETA 2: English paper piecing (EPP) is another quilting option that doesn’t take up quite as much space on a day to day basis.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 10:43:19 GMT -6
So I found this machine at a local sewing shop for $10 cheaper than Amazon. They are closed today but I’m going to call tomorrow to see if they have it in stock and what they think of it for my needs.
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AmyG
Ruby
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Post by AmyG on Sept 7, 2020 12:36:15 GMT -6
I don't make a heck of a lot of stuff, lately masks masks masks. I'm currently using my mil's dressmaker sewing machine, all metal heavier than heck from the 60s I believe. It's a beast, but it has like 15 stitch choices.
But I rarely use a stitch besides straight and zig zag. Tea towels at christmas I might use the fancier embroidery looking stitches, there's a hem stitch that's nice for the boys pants (except now they are so tall I rarely hem any pants anymore), and the occassional buttonhole. If you get too many different stitches, those things tend to be what breaks on your machine.
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Post by sudokufan on Sept 7, 2020 13:27:16 GMT -6
This is really true. I don't sew as much as I used to because it's just so much stuff to get out and then put back away. Whenever I see old house plans with a dedicated sewing room I’m like “actually tho, yes.” One of the selling points when we bought our old house is that it had 2 tiny bedrooms downstairs; one is my H's office, one is my office/sewing room and I LOVE it. The downside is that someday my DS is going to take over both of these rooms as his and I'll probably lose my dedicated sewing space. Still, it's been 10 years so far that I've gotten to enjoy it.
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 13:43:36 GMT -6
Do you have a Costco membership? I was able to get a very nice Brother machine from there at the price of a very basic machine elsewhere
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 13:45:01 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. Using The Sewing Scissors for literally anyone other than fabric was the Highest of Crimes in my house growing up
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 13:48:34 GMT -6
Oh, another thing I just thought of, since I'm working on some masks right now - you need a pressing station when you're actively sewing. Good sewing surface (a full sized ironing board works), decent iron, and preferably a pressing medium like Best Press. I spend more time cutting and pressing than actually stitching. I'm working on building a supply chest with an ironing pad on top. Using my sewing machine or my Cricut requires ironing but my machines and my ironing board live two floors apart. Also I have the same Brother machine you posted the pic of. I find it very easy to work with.
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senneth
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Post by senneth on Sept 7, 2020 14:00:51 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. Using The Sewing Scissors for literally anyone other than fabric was the Highest of Crimes in my house growing up Same here. Don’t touch mom’s orange (Fiskars) scissors is one of the first rules I remember 😂 As we got older, it turned into you can use them if you ask, but don’t you dare use those scissors on anything but fabric. Lol and I don’t have kids, but DH knows not to use my sewing scissors. Someone gave me a pair of Gingher serrated 8 inch scissors for my birthday, and he used them on paper a couple of days later. I just about died. So now he knows not to ever use my orange scissors on anything but fabric, and he doesn’t touch my Gingher scissors.
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 14:17:33 GMT -6
Using The Sewing Scissors for literally anyone other than fabric was the Highest of Crimes in my house growing up Same here. Don’t touch mom’s orange (Fiskars) scissors is one of the first rules I remember 😂 As we got older, it turned into you can use them if you ask, but don’t you dare use those scissors on anything but fabric. Lol and I don’t have kids, but DH knows not to use my sewing scissors. Someone gave me a pair of Gingher serrated 8 inch scissors for my birthday, and he used them on paper a couple of days later. I just about died. So now he knows not to ever use my orange scissors on anything but fabric, and he doesn’t touch my Gingher scissors. My mother's sewing scissors were monogrammed. You do not mess with a woman's monogrammed shears.
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origami
Amethyst
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Post by origami on Sept 7, 2020 14:21:15 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. Using The Sewing Scissors for literally anyone other than fabric was the Highest of Crimes in my house growing up Same. Though they were allowed to cut hair since they were the sharpest scissors but that ended after the great mom bangs incident of 96
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 15:46:52 GMT -6
Do you have a Costco membership? I was able to get a very nice Brother machine from there at the price of a very basic machine elsewhere I do! I just checked and they are all sold out but I’ll keep looking because that’s our preferred store in the JG house.
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jsgrl
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Post by jsgrl on Sept 7, 2020 16:03:17 GMT -6
This is a good thinking point about the space. I have the space but you know how H and I feel about clutter so I need to be thoughtful about where I set up shop. I think I could actually have a nice space in the basement or maybe garage after our planned rearranging project to turn our garage from tandem to side by side. I would recommend a dedicated space. I hate having to set up everything and then put it away in the midst of a project. It was really great to have a whole room for it where I could just shut the door. Not trying to discourage but it's really a pain if you have to pack up everything and put it away every time you want to do some sewing. Especially working on larger projects.
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jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 16:12:43 GMT -6
This is a good thinking point about the space. I have the space but you know how H and I feel about clutter so I need to be thoughtful about where I set up shop. I think I could actually have a nice space in the basement or maybe garage after our planned rearranging project to turn our garage from tandem to side by side. I would recommend a dedicated space. I hate having to set up everything and then put it away in the midst of a project. It was really great to have a whole room for it where I could just shut the door. Not trying to discourage but it's really a pain if you have to pack up everything and put it away every time you want to do some sewing. Especially working on larger projects. Oh no, I appreciate the heads up. I need to know what I’m getting in to. I think I can make it work but will just have to do some thinking. As I told H we are running low on work spaces these days. Lol.
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 16:31:07 GMT -6
Do you have a Costco membership? I was able to get a very nice Brother machine from there at the price of a very basic machine elsewhere I do! I just checked and they are all sold out but I’ll keep looking because that’s our preferred store in the JG house. They often have great deals on them around the holidays as they make good gifts (mine was actually a gift from IL's)
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