Saturday, July 12, 2014

Sew Much Fun!


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I haven't had a sewing machine since around 1988.  When I grew up we had a (very) old singer sewing machine, circa 1950s I think.  It was a beast to lift and to sew with and the bobbins were always getting tangled.



editorial aside: even as I wrote bobbin, I had only a modest level of certainty that what I was describing was, in fact, a bobbin.  When I checked online, I was right.


In my early twenties, my friend Joyce bought a new sewing machine and I inherited hers, which I used with great enthusiasm for about 6 years.

But I am feeling the siren call of sewing again.

I went to the local fabric shop in search of new curtains and was gobsmacked by the variety of materials.  In a giddy fit, I ordered new cushion covers to be made for my sitting room and bought new material to make fresh curtains for under my kitchen sink.

However, that material sits unsewn (well really, it's only been a week...) as I begin to look around at possible contenders for my new sewing machine.

I am unlikely to begin making my own clothing again, but one never knows, and so I am unsure as to how much sewing machine a person like me needs.  On the other hand, I see the beautiful things that Dina makes over at her blog My Superfluities and think "hmmmm"....

I mean how much fun to sew this and then make a matching opera coat?

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Oh and I have a hankering to make slip covers for the tweed couch's cushions..


Do I need 30 kinds of stitches?  Do I need to spend hundreds of dollars or can I get a sturdy little machine for less than $200?

Mostly,  I want to be able to do the odd homekeeping task, clothing repair, etc. 

But I am kind of hankering after learning to sew again.  I was never a great sewer but now that I have time, I think it would be fun to try again!

So I would love any advice you might have about sewing machines!  And your experience if you are just getting back into sewing!

Thanks in advance!


28 comments:

  1. I'm the same kind of casual sewer. I have a small Kenmore that does the job when I need it. I used to sew some clothes, even a coat once, but I'm not into it any more. I think if someone could recommend a sturdy lower-end machine, that would be your best bet. Then if you end up loving sewing or just sewing a lot, you could upgrade. On the other hand, a cheap machine can definitely cause enough frustration that it could turn a person off to sewing... so I guess just get a good recommendation! I think Dina's projects are great too. Have fun!

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    1. cate, agree with you that a too cheap, bad machine that doesn't have a good foot pedal can be off putting. Wow, you made a COAT, impressed. I can manage basics, aprons, even a skirt. But things with too many pattern pieces make me nervy about laying and cutting it out. That part is too nerve wracking for me.

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  2. Did you get rid of the old one? I have a similar 1961 first Slant-o Matic, heavy as a bastard, but indestructible and the sewing machine fix-it guy loves it. No you don't know need ANY fancy stitches as you are not gonna embroider those curtains with any little do dad thingys. I can hem on mine without much hassle--no, not with a push of the button, but I don't need a feeding tube yet either--and made lots of clothes on mine when a starving grad student. I taught my girls how to make dirndl skirts when they were little. I would not give up your old machine if you still have it and don't get one of those computerized gigs unless you are going to start the next Everlane!

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    1. It has been long gone. It rusted out and was awful!

      Hmmm - the next everlane...

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  3. Wendy I think you would love to have a sewing machine to use. I have a Janome basic model and it's great for sewing up tablecloths and napkins, which is about all I use it for. Oh also linen tea towels, well you know me, as long as it's a straight line I can do it. I'm planning on sewing up lots of linen tea towels this winter in anticipation of my new kitchen.
    My mother, Nana and great-grandmother were all seamstresses but they didn't pass on their skills, I wasn't allowed near my mother's sewing machine growing up, I was a scrappy kid and she probably thought I would break the thing.
    I love Dina's sewing posts! She makes some beautiful things and has a great eye for fabric.

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    1. Janome? Have never heard of this? My mother was not a seamstress - when I had trouble during home ec she sent me around the corner to our neighbour Julie!

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  4. A STITCH IN TIME I agree with Lane that you don't need any fancy stitches. Haven't had a machine since we moved to AB. Definitely miss it for the simple stuff that, like DBP, I can handle - pillow covers, hemming casual stuff etc. That said, I have a family crush on a couple of the more basic Bernina models, lightweight but sturdy, streamlined and easy to use, but still lots of stitch options. Somehow the Europeans just seem to make sleeker appliances than the current Singer-Kenmore look. Of course, you do pay for features/ design, depends on if you will leave it out much, how much you will use it etc. Maybe start with something basic or new-to-you, then upgrade if you stick with it?

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    1. Well I think I will stick with it as I am looking for basic for things!!!

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  5. God Almighty, I loathe sewing machines, I used to find them quite terrifying, the needle, that hideous noise - only the brave can approach them.

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    1. Funny Tabs, I guess it depends on the machine. But I kind of find it a pleasing, productive, busy whirr, whirr.

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  6. Oh but I do fancy an opera coat.

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    1. Does it come with an opera box and champagne?

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  7. Loved your post, Wendy. I don't know how to use a sewing machine at all! I can use a needle and thread like nobody's business. I bought a plaid coat from Ebay back in January. The pic looked fine, but when it came the lining was completely RIPPED out! I was so frustrated. But then I started to play around with how to line the coat. To have it lined by a pro would be $150; that more than the price of the coat. So I did my homework on how to line a coat by hand. I didn't need it to look perfect; I just wanted it to be lined so when I took it off, the seams and threads, etc aren't for the whole world to see. Anyway, I end up sewing the lining by hand and it turned out pretty ok; not the best job, but decent enough.

    Have a great weekend!

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    1. Wendy, I wish I had practiced with my nan more to have those good hand sewing skills. I can slipstitch and do a basic blind hem. But coats and linings with lots of seams! You and cate have me so impressed.

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  8. I would love to learn how! There's a show on the bbc called the great British sewing bee and it's about sewing clothes and I wish I was made to learn! I can sew holes in socks.

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    1. Naomi, it has been so long since I sewed I will feel quite the beginner again, but I confident that with the help of YouTube, it will be much easier than when my home ec teacher taught me in 1976!

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  9. I have an old sears model from when I was first married. I think it was $99. I have also thought of upgrading since the damn thing literally laughs at me every time I pull it out. Let me know what you end up getting.

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    1. SInce I know how long you have been married, I can relate! I am reading online reviews and am going to visit some spots this week so I will definitely let you know!

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  10. Hi Wendy. When my time freed up after the kids went to college, I took a basic sewing class and made a horribly fitting jacket but I was not totally deterred. I tried a quilting class and fell in love with the modern quilting style. I purchased a cheap machine and then returned it out of frustration. I then did some research and also used this website helpful for sewing machine reviews and to narrow down my choices.
    http://sewing.patternreview.com/

    A lot of the new low end machines are very poorly constructed including some of the entry level Bernina’s. They just don’t “make em like they used to”. I ended up purchasing the Pfaff Ambition 1.0, mainly because it is great for machine quilting but it can also do everything I want and grow with it. It also feels substantial, sturdy just well made. The in store customer support is fantastic if you live near one of their dealers. I can quilt, sew delicate fabrics as well as mend back-packs and work with heavy home decorating fabrics with success. I would have long since given up with the cheap machine. I also enjoy my decorative stitches more than I expected and never regret the extra money that I spent.

    I’d make a list of your priorities and find a good sewing machine shop in your area that has a friendly environment as well as classes and try out a lot of different brands and machines. Use different weights of fabric when trying the machines too. Some machines can’t tackle heavy home decorating fabrics. I bet that Dina could give you some great advice. She has acquired quite a lot of sewing skills and her dresses are impeccable. I'm always impressed.

    I’ve quilted many things. Baby quilts, dog quilts, pillows also make special gifts. I made my son a fleece blanket with his university fabric to take with him to college. Simple stuff, but still nice. I plan on learning how to make a basic shift dress with someone who offered to help me make my own pattern. I love shifts and it would be nice to have something custom made to my height and build. At 5’11” everything in the store is just too short for my taste!

    Good luck. I hope that you enjoy sewing. If I can do it, anyone can. Nobody in my family sewed. I was a home economics class failure in high school but my second go at my simple, humble sewing projects has been very satisfying and creative.





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    1. Thanks for the great advice!!!! I agree - if I could make a simple shift dress I would be happy indeed! Great advice about seeking out a local spot. There are only two such spots here, but I will hit them both this week, as I think that local support is preferable! I used to make little quilted pillows many years ago, just like I used to needlepoint and knit. I want to get back into these things as I always found them so satisfying!

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  11. I have a lightweight Janome which I only use for making quilts. It really isn't suited for much more. I have a medium level Bernina which is the better machine for clothes making. I would say that I really don't use the decorative stitches for anything. For many years I really enjoyed making clothes and hunted around fabric stores continuously. But the fabric stores have disappeared for the most part and the cost to make an item outpaced the cost of purchasing the garment. So I now sew very infrequently. But it is something I should return to since I really enjoyed the creativity.

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    1. thanks Teacups! I will definitely check out the bernina. I want to make the odd curtain, tablecloth, dress, etc. so I want some versatility. When I ordered my pillow covers I was quite happy as they were unique - I picked out the piping, the materials, etc and it felt more like me. Now that I have the beautiful material for under the kitchen sink I am anxious to get going!

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  12. I use my Mum's 30 year old Pfaff sewing machine, so no advice on the new machines… but I do think the ones that do a buttonhole where you just stick the button in the holder and it works out how big to make it are pretty nifty!
    I bought some fabric this week to make PJ's out of… now just have to get the motivation to drag out the machine and start sewing… this could take a while… xx

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  13. Oh that vintage machine is so beautiful. I was at a museum here in Greensboro, NC yesterday called Elsewhere and they had a gorgeous green machine from a line called Sovereign. I wanted to buy it, lol. (I am in Greensboro because I am on vacation visiting friends and family, I haven't moved.) :)

    PLEASE start sewing again, I would love to see your creations. I would even join you in a Marfy sewalong, since I am a bit freaked out by their patterns but think they are just the most luxurious patterns EVER!

    Oh, and the shoutout? Thank you, that was so sweet! I am smiling here!

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    1. Oh my god, if you are freaked out, imagine me!!!! I think I have a learning disability about reading sewing patterns! But I am off to go chat with some folks this week! I have a beautiful floral print dying to be sewn up....Actually, it would make a great old-style JC dress....I have seen almost nothing I like there these days so must take the matter into my own hands! Have fun in Greensboro!

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  14. Wendy,
    Sorry I'm late to this board.I am so sorry about your storm situation. We have 3 wicked storms here over the past few years- and each, including Hurricane Sandy left us with out power for a week. I get a manic urge to scrub before a storm, because I am always fearful of not being prepared!
    Anyway. I used to sew all of the time- from the most delicate predominantly hand sewn and embroidered Swiss batiste christening gowns to re upholstering sofas. I do not have a fancy machine, but have access to a relatives magnificent HUsqvarna Viking computerized machine.
    I can tell you, that as far as I am concerned, simpler is better. You do want a good, even straight stitch, easy tension control , and a nice zigzag. If you are afraid of buttonholes, leave that for the tailor. I wouldn't get too delicate a miachine if drapes and cushions are your goal. I would make sure it can make straight narrow seams- harder than you think. A walking foot is very nice, particularly for quilting.
    But, even though I am a machine snob, I myself would try Craigslist first. You can have any machine serviced and maintained. Sewing machines are so costly, and you need to find what suits you and your style best.
    Good luck!

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  15. I have a basic Kenmore machine I purchased exactly 27 years ago. I had an old Singer from my mother and the bobbin stitches were loose, tight and everything in-between, and impossible! It has sewn clothing for my 3 daughters, myself as well as my husband (he loves wearing Kaftans around the house). Many an intricate Halloween costume - my children's favorites - which cost much more than a store bought, but were so much better!! I have made roman shades, curtains, quilts, heirloom sewn baby garments, doll clothes - you name it. I take it every 10 years or so for a 'check up' and it has never needed much, and I learned how to keep it oiled myself. Many times my husband has offered to purchase the new computer compatible machines, but I said I love my machine - it is simple and easy to use!!! Good luck!!! I can't wait to see what you get!!

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