Sewing machines

[FrenchHen]

My machine has a satin stitch (not a zig-zag) that I use for appliqué. I love making super hero shirts for little boys with their intial instead of the Superman "S." I know that quilters us that same technique for some types of blocks.

It's also nice if the machine will do a finishing stitch, a hem stitch, and a reinforced stitch if you're really into making garments.

They're not necessary, but they make things easier and neater.

 

[Judy]

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Good advice, though finding a new machine without plastic parts is a challenge. If you can actually find a sewing machine repair shop, which I cannot any more, that is an excellent source. And I would go with an old looking but functional Goodwill machine before I bought a new one, if I could fine one.

We have probably all bought gadgets, and even appliances, that simply did not work. Sewing machines are no exception. Infuriates me.

 

[Judy]

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Mine is a Kenmore, and works well, have used it for maybe 10 years. I went through three lousy machines before it. Thing about Kenmore is, being Sears, they do not make anything, they buy from others so you never know what you are getting. I was thinking I bought this one at a WalMart, but may be wrong, might have inherited it. Would not think Kenmore would be sold at WalMart.

My son and DIL are big believers in Kenmore. I would never buy an appliance from Sears. I like the service and willingness to stand behind their products that I get at the local furniture store.

 

[FrenchHen]

It's kind of a hard thing! I got my Viking on eBay for a good deal. It's a computer model, but a very basic one. I hope it never dies.

 

[quiltnchik]

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I have a Brother machine from Walmart (one of my 15 working machines at the moment - another "hazard" of quilting! lol) that also has that lip. When I use that machine, I just put a piece of scotch tape over the lip and my quilt pieces don't get hung up on it any more

 

[quiltnchik]

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No kidding! Great point. They freak me out- think about untangling THAT mess. LOL I am such a klutz, too

Those are sergers, and though you can make quilts with them, that's not what they're designed for

 

[quiltnchik]

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Absolutely agree. If you spend over $100 on a machine for quilting, you are getting ripped off!

Just looked around a bit on the web. WalMart has a Brother for just under $70 that is probably what I would buy if mine died.

Please don't tell my DH that, since he spent $900 on one of my machines and $1700 on another a few years ago, not to mention the $350 Featherweight he bought me

 

[Judy]

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Right. Could not come up with the word. Lots of money for really nothing, IMHO.

 

[halo]

Would this one work for a super beginner?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4764723

Im just looking for the bells and whistles that I really NEED to start sewing, but I dont know what bells and whistles I really need. What do you think?

 

[FrenchHen]

That one looks good for a super beginner. You'll be able to do what you want with it, and in a couple of years, if you REALLY like the hobby, you'll know what you want in an upgrade.
Otherwise, it'll be fine for light to medium hobby use.

Drop in bobbins are awesome.