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12-24-2012 at 6:50 AM
4Speedy
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4Speedy is not online. Last active: 05-13-2013, 5:20 AMSilver

If you know how to use a sewing machine, please come in

I have asked for a sewing machine for Xmas but I do not sew AT ALL.  I want it just for hemming school uniform jumpers (damn those kids who keep growing and need their skirts let out several times a school year!) and the occasional school play costume.  I'm not really a crafty person and I don't really see making clothes from scratch, it would mostly be for repairs, maybe a curtain or two for a play house, etc.

Anyway, as a novice, I told DH not to buy a machine yet.  I wanted to take a class at our fabric store in January and then decide which machine would be a good fit.  I don't want to be overwhelmed with too many features, etc.  the more basic, the better and the less to mess up.  However, I see there are some awesome deals on sewing machines right now.  

can anyone give me thoughts on what the must haves or definitely avoids are for a beginner sewer?  Any particular manufacturers to buy?  What about this machine, is it too much or too little machine for me? 

 http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Affordable-60-Stitch-Computerized-Free-Arm/dp/B000JQM1DE


 
12-24-2012 at 6:58 AM
fredalina
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Joined on 05-03-2006
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fredalina is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 11:00 AMPlatinum
Brother is kind of the started brand, but honestly it is fine. I had a Brother for years. There are more plastic parts than some machines, but you won't be sewing much. I think a basic Brother machine could last you for years.

I would save money though and suggest an even cheaper model, like this: http://www.amazon.com/BrotherXL3750Convertible35StitchFreeArm/dp/B000VGAMU6/ref=sr_1_10?s=artscraftsie=UTF8qid=1356353710sr=110keywords=brothersewingmachine. The other one doesn't give you anything extra that you're likely to use. Then spend the extra 75 on something else for you, like fabric lol.

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12-24-2012 at 6:59 AM
RondackHik...
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RondackHiker is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 12:31 PMSilver
For some reason I'm having trouble following your link. Now, I've been sewing a long time but to me, modern machines are very easy to use. I don't think you'll get "too much" machine. However, if you won't use a lot of fancy features, then don't pay for them.

Features I think make things simpler:
Self threading. My machine threads te needle for me. Simple threading is nice bc it takes very little time. I don't need to raise the thread of my bobbin either.
Simple to use forward and reverse.
When the needle automatically halts in the "up" position.
Fancy stitches. These are fun to use.
Bobbin winder. I do occasionally see machines without them.



I like Brothers and Singers.

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12-24-2012 at 8:44 AM
-auntie-
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Joined on 12-14-2003
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-auntie- is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 10:10 AMPlatinum

It's fine.

For an occasional user an entry-level Brother is a good choice so long as it has a "blind hem" stitch. You'll want someone to show you how to do a blind hem; it's sort of counterintuitive the first couple times.

 
12-24-2012 at 9:05 AM
luckylaure...
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luckylauren14 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 5:20 PMBronze

I have a Kenmore that is about 5 years old and works great. It's very basic but has some fancy stitch options. Once you take a class you'll realize how easy to hem pants and skirts. I think sewing a straight line is the easiest thing!

Have fun sewing!!


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