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Post by mrshester on Aug 6, 2008 22:04:22 GMT -5
I have begun looking for a sewing machine and I'm not exactly sure on what I ought to buy. We don't have a whole lot of money to spend right now, probably no more than $200 for a machine. I was wondering if there was a brand or model that would be better for a beginner? I can do little more than mend a hem or two and reattach a button right now, but I want to learn to sew clothing (I really want to make my own dresses and skirts) and different projects for the home. I'm a fairly quick learner so if there are any good learner books (Sewing for Dummies?lol) I might be able to look into those too. Thank you ladies!!
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tbhas6
Senior Member
Posts: 1,146
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Post by tbhas6 on Aug 7, 2008 22:03:54 GMT -5
My sewing machines were passed down to me from my grandmother and mother. All of them are VERY old. The oldest is a treadle singer and the newest is a 1950's Kingston. I love all my machines & they still work wonderfully. I only wish I had more time to use them.
tb
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Post by mrshester on Aug 8, 2008 0:02:30 GMT -5
So Singer is a really good brand, it sounds. I've been looking at craigslist.com and there are *alot* of antique Singer machines there, they're very attractive machines. How complicated is the upkeep on the older machines and how hard would it be to have something repaired? I've never used them before
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tbhas6
Senior Member
Posts: 1,146
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Post by tbhas6 on Aug 8, 2008 1:48:41 GMT -5
I am really blessed to have a good repair shop near my home. They carry the belts & harvested parts for the electric machines. www.lehmans.com carries belts for the treadle machine. I have a few little tools (brush, tiny screwdriver, oil, etc.) that I use to keep them clean and oiled. Anything beyond that, I have to carry them down to the repair shop - as I am not a mechanically inclined person. Fortunately, my mother & grandmothers took excellent care of their machines & I've had very little trouble with them. Now that I'm thinking about it, you may want to look in your town's phone book for sewing machine repair shops. Some of them may have some good used machines for sale at reasonable prices. Since my machines are older, they do not do all the fancy stitching and are not computerized as many of today's new machines are. But all the parts in my machines are made of metal not plastic, I think this has added to their longevity. tb
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keeperofthehome
Senior Member
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her...She will do him good & not evil..."
Posts: 840
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Post by keeperofthehome on Aug 8, 2008 16:14:04 GMT -5
I have a Kenmore sewing machine that I bought at Sears oh, maybe 9-11years ago. Since I am not a big time seamstress or sewing guru it's in great condition. I can sew just about any crooked line I want. *grin* If I play my cards right I might even get a few straight lines here and there.
I like mine and haven't had any complaints about it.
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Post by sistermona on Aug 9, 2008 14:49:47 GMT -5
My first machine was a singer from walmart...if it had not been stolen I would still have it and I believe they are only around $130. That's really all you need starting out. I myself have not had luck with used machines. Happy sewing!
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Post by mrshester on Aug 10, 2008 17:16:40 GMT -5
Thank you ladies!! I will probably end up getting one from Wal-Mart. I may be able to get it sooner than I thought too, we're remodeling the house we just bought and have about 20,000 to basically redo from top to bottom and it looks like (if we shop around and get the very best deals) we'll be left with just enough to get those appliances I would love to have! Yay!
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Post by keflavik on Aug 10, 2008 18:47:58 GMT -5
If you are wanting to get serious about sewing, then I would certainly shop around. Buying the cheapest may actually cost you more in the long run. I've taught sewing and have seen some really cheaply made machines. I liken it to shopping for a car. Buy the best quality you can afford. Service is a must so make sure you can easily get parts and repairs. It may behoove you to buy a used one at a dealer rather than at Walmart where service is nil.
Palmer-Pletch makes a really good basic sewing book and that is what I used in the classes I taught.
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