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melteaser
Genealogist


4819 Posts
Posted -  04/01/2006  :  13:14

We have decided that I'm going to making the fabric stuff for this new house we've bought, only trouble is I don't own a sewing machine and I haven't threaded a needle since junior school.

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine make and model that is suitable for a beginner. I don't want anything fancy, just something that is going to be easy to load and easy to use for making curtains and the like.




Mel


http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk
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Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart


36804 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2006 : 18:45
Get a secondhand one from someone trading up.  An advert in the local paper should do it.  There must be hundreds out there.


Stanley Challenger Graham




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Ringo
Site Administrator


3793 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2006 : 18:49
Can't you get one off that shopping channel , QVC?


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melteaser
Genealogist


4819 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2006 : 20:23
Probably Ringo but I don't think they have a great lot of choice. I haven't got a clue what I'm looking for either. I had a look on the Singer site and there were loads of different machines!


Mel


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Ringo
Site Administrator


3793 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2006 : 21:36
Maybe it might be an idea to go to a shop and talk to them, they will show you the various machines then you go home to think about it and buy one second hand or QVC.


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Ringo
Site Administrator


3793 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2006 : 21:38

Sewing Machine Centre
243, High St, Tunstall, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 5EG
Tel: 01782 838132

Cotton Conquest Sewing Services
42-44, Heron St, Heron Cross, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 3AS
Tel: 01782 312173

The Sewing Centre
20a, Market St, Longton, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 1BX
Tel: 01782 314296




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Mr. Feb
Regular Member


61 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 04:55

Maz is a whizz on the deadly treadlie - she has 3 I think at the last count - or was that 4?

Anyway I'll get her to fire up the computer when she's free - I'm sure she'll recommend a Janomi or something similar.




Mr. Feb (long suffering husband of Maz!)Go to Top of Page
marilyn
VIP Member


5007 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 05:50

Mel...(Mr Feb is right....I am a whizz....but then I have been sewing since I was in Grade 6, so I guess that is to be expected by now!)

Firstly....I wouldn't spend an arm and a leg for a sewing machine, especially as you sound like you will only need fairly basic functions at this point. I don't see a huge call for one that does computerised button holes for example, or embroiders Mickey Mouse on pillowcases! My advice, is don't buy the cheapest....but do go the next model up in anything you buy. All new machines come with free lessons, so there is nothing to fear.

My first machine was a Bernina...very basic model that does about 6 different stitches. I have had it for 27 years, and I still LOVE that machine. It has made curtains, doona covers, hemmed sheets, made kids clothes and even repaired a canvas tent. Indestructible! It never skips a beat! Can't praise that brand more.

My next machine (around about the same price, but with more features) is my Janome Computer. Another great machine....and in fact the shop keeps offering to buy it back from me whenever I have it serviced. I am suggesting that perhaps if you only intend to do predominantly straight sewing...eg curtains...which lets face it are just big squares or rectangles until you gather them or pinch pleat them...you may be getting something you don't really need. ( but do think ahead Mel, because it could be curtains for the love nest today, and then the triplets come along in a few years time, and you might like to know how to do buttonholes!!!!)

My other machine is more of a passion...a 1938 Pfaff.  It is motorised, but was once a treadle, and I love sewing on it for nostalgia. But again a good machine....they can still service the thing, and it purrs like a kitten.

All good brands....as are Singers, which I think you mentioned.

If you ever need any advice regarding curtains....I can help, and would be happy to "talk you through".

My golden rules with any machine is to change the needle after every 8 hours of sewing...also clean and oil your machine after every project.....buy the best thread you can afford....and have it serviced at least every 12 months.

Happy Decision Making....and do let us know what you end up doing.




get your people to phone my people and we will do lunch...MAZ Go to Top of Page
melteaser
Genealogist


4819 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 06:01

Ringo, you know SoT better than me!

Marilyn, thanks for the useful info....you are now talking my language. I don't think I'll ever need buttonholes for triplets though. There will be no kids in our house!  I am amazed at having to get a sewing machine serviced, I didn't expect that!

I'll have a dig around and send you a PM if that's OK to see if you think I'm heading down the right track.

Thanks guys

 

 




Mel


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marilyn
VIP Member


5007 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 06:32

Doesn't cost much to get a sewing macine serviced.

If I convert dollars to pounds....about 15 pound.

I have an "all make and model" servicer near me, and it is about $40 AUS. Chicken feed! (when I get so much pleasure sewing!)

Have just completed the kitchen curtains for our other place today....went for the retro look this time...kind of "depression era" look. The kitchen in our other place is (wait for it) GREEN laminex....typical 1970's...and as it is all in such great condition we are keeping it and adding to the feature, hence some green gingham curtains...complete with ric-rac braid are quite cute and fittting. I just stood back and sighed........so content was I....




get your people to phone my people and we will do lunch...MAZ Go to Top of Page
marilyn
VIP Member


5007 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 06:36
And Mel....when you have triplets you will need buttonholes so you can button them all together and keep them in one spot!


get your people to phone my people and we will do lunch...MAZ Go to Top of Page
melteaser
Genealogist


4819 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 07:17

Our new kitchen is bright yellow.....so is the bathroom.....and the toilet. With a splash of blue here and there. I think the previous owner had a thing for yellow!

Won't need button holes!!!!!




Mel


http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk Go to Top of Page
marilyn
VIP Member


5007 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 07:59

I like yellow...and blue.

Green though is always a challenge!




get your people to phone my people and we will do lunch...MAZ Go to Top of Page
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart


36804 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 08:03
Isn't OGFB wonderful.  Best advice about sewing machines you could have had.  I'd still look for a secondhand one and have it serviced professionally.


Stanley Challenger Graham




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melteaser
Genealogist


4819 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 08:38
I used to Marilyn. It's very overpowering. Floor to ceiling in the toilet & bathroom...very very bright!


Mel


http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk Go to Top of Page
Another
Traycle Mine Overseer


6250 Posts
Posted - 05/01/2006 : 10:06

14 responses about sewing machines in less than 24 hours - is this a record?  Nolic




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