Monday, May 16, 2011

The Time Has Come to Tell You..


Welp.
I think it's finally time to share..
I think I'm getting a baby.

No, not that kind of baby (well, at least not yet..).
This kinda baby..



 Neener, Neener, fooled you!
BUT if you've been wondering about the tire tube around my middle, it IS the result of my newly acquired, convenient A.M. donut run. I mean, who doesn't love a vanilla with sprinkles in the morning?

I digress.

 So obviously, I've been checking out sewing machines. They've been on my mind for a few weeks, now. My "ideas and schemes" list has grown so much, and many of the projects involve a sewing machine.


Mom offered to give me hers:


Ummm.
That's ok.
Thanks, though.

So here is my problem.
I don't have the FOGGIEST on how to operate a sewing machine. Like, not a clue.

Always the optimist, here is what I CAN do:
1- Sew a button.
2- Thread a needle.
3- Use a ruler.
4- Cut in a semi-straight line.
5- Hot glue like a champ.

Each time I've popped into my Wal-mart, I've made a lap down the sewing machine aisle. Stitch numbers, bobbins, and plates?
HELP!
I am looking to buy a basic machine. Doesn't have to be all fancy, doesn't have to be a $100, even. I mean what if I don't like sewing as much as I think I will??

Check this bad boy out.


Please don't laugh- this is the one I am actually thinking about ONLY because it come with an instructional video. And removable covers.


And what about preferences on

VS.

Gah- so many choices! Sewing-sensory overload!

Sewing machiners-  what did you start with? Here's your chance to help a sister.
Ready.
Go.

 

5 comments:

Daphne said...

Honestly, I'm not sure what brand mine is... I think it's a Singer, I know it's not a Brother, but I do know it's a name brand. I will say this, go with a high quality (not necessarily expensive) machine, and maybe splurge on a class at Jo Ann's or something. I learned in home ec, but knowing all the parts and the care of the machine is just as important as knowing how to operate it, because if you don't, and something goes haywire in your sewing, it's likely involved with the parts of the machine and it's best to know how to fix it rather than give up all together. That makes it sound hard and complicated, but I promise, it's not, and it's well worth the effort to learn now - it's a life skill you'll use forever, even if it is sparingly! (I sew maybe 3 times a year, but hey - I do it!)
Good luck and happy creating!

Emily Ledford said...

Baby comment not funny. Forehead in trunk.. hilarious :)

Jenny Beth said...

umm come over with your new machine and i will gladly teach you how to use it!!!! i honestly sew at least 4 times a week!! mine is a brother. my advice is buy a super cheapo... or, you can borrow one of my 2 and see if you even like one before you take the plunge at all... lemme know.

Unknown said...

I have a Singer that embroiders as well... and I like it a lot. The lady I took lessons from down here in Jackson, MS does not care for the Brother brand, but if you know someone who has a certain model that she has liked, then I say go for it. As far as the cheapo ones go... you get what you pay for along with the headaches if it doesn't work correctly, breaks, etc. I recommend borrowing from your friend and definitely take a class either that you pay for or a lesson that a friend is willing to give. If you get a cheapo one and you constantly get frustrated with it, then you won't like sewing and you'll quit (waste of money no matter how cheap!). But if you get a decent one then you'll be happy with the ease of use and quality and you'll keep sewing. It will come in handy when the real deal baby comes along, too! ;)

Lara said...

Hey! I've been scrolling through your blog (love it) and just saw this!

I have a very simple Brother machine that I got from Sears. Sears will repair things, have access to all the parts, etc, so that's why I went there.

Mine doesn't have any fancy digital displays or embroidery features. It does a bunch of stitches and that's about it.

Machines come with great manuals. They will tell you how to use everything and there are a ton of videos on youtube so, I wouldn't worry.

The main problem you will have is your bobbin getting jammed. Happens to everyone.

Just keep the dust out and keep it oiled (run a scrap through after oiling) and you'll be good to go.

All you need is an extra pack of machine needles (dif ones for dif types of fabric) and I have a bunch of extra bobbins in a little case for a bunch of my dif color threads so I don't have to wind one up every time I sew.

There will be accessories that come with, like zipper feet and button hole attachments. I still haven't used half of mine in 10 years.

There are arrows on the machine to guide you when threading it. That become second nature after a while.

Just follow the guides on the plate to keep a straight line, start off slow and you'll do great!

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