Does Anyone Sew?

[Chamomile]

I'm thinking about starting to sew my own clothes and maybe other things, too. I really don't know how to sew but there are classes nearby and people I can ask.

Does anyone here sew their own clothes? What type of machine should a beginner get? What's best for clothing construction (versus just mending or other things)? I sort of would like to start quilting, too, so if there's a machine that would be good for clothes and quilting, that would be ideal.

I can't spend massive amounts of money, so I don't want something with random features that I wouldn't use. But definitely something that isn't going to fall apart and is somewhat easy to use.

Thanks!

[MithLuin]

Husquevarna (Viking) makes nice machines (especially for quilting) but they are pricey. You should be able to get a good basic machine for $200-$300. If you are a beginner and don't know how to sew, I would recommend getting a second hand machine for cheap so that you will not be all worried about breaking it. Do not buy a cheap ($50) new machine - it will be useless. If it's really light when you pick it up, that means it's made of plastic and not so durable. The heavier ones are a nuisance to lug around but have longer lasting metal parts. look at how much space exists between the needle and the rest of the machine - you'll have to shove the entire garment/quilt through there, so if it's too small, it's annoying.

I'm a beginner myself - I tend to make costumes and have made a few garments to wear and curtains and such. I have a Juki.

[HopefulBride]

I do not sew (I used to but have completely forgotten how to) but I have been meaning to start again. I would love to hear the recommendations. Thanks for the tips Mith!

[Chamomile]

[quote name='MithLuin' timestamp='1304448613' post='2236423']
Husquevarna (Viking) makes nice machines (especially for quilting) but they are pricey. You should be able to get a good basic machine for $200-$300. If you are a beginner and don't know how to sew, I would recommend getting a second hand machine for cheap so that you will not be all worried about breaking it. Do not buy a cheap ($50) new machine - it will be useless. If it's really light when you pick it up, that means it's made of plastic and not so durable. The heavier ones are a nuisance to lug around but have longer lasting metal parts. look at how much space exists between the needle and the rest of the machine - you'll have to shove the entire garment/quilt through there, so if it's too small, it's annoying.

I'm a beginner myself - I tend to make costumes and have made a few garments to wear and curtains and such. I have a Juki.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info! I don't know where I could get a reliable second-hand sewing machine, though. There is one sewing store in the area, so I'll check there. I don't feel comfortable buying off Craigslist or really anywhere except a sewing store since I don't know much about machines to begin with.

Sewing with a machine called a Viking sounds like I would be making warrior garments But their machines look really nice...

[Groo the Wanderer]

one of these.....very reliable. plus you get a free lower-body workout when you sew

[img]http://www.spokesmanreview.com/stories/2004/jun/25/25inl2_06-25-2004_2N1T14D.jpg[/img]

[Amppax]

[quote name='Groo the Wanderer' timestamp='1304461981' post='2236563']
one of these.....very reliable. plus you get a free lower-body workout when you sew

[img]http://www.spokesmanreview.com/stories/2004/jun/25/25inl2_06-25-2004_2N1T14D.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

Haha classic. If you want one of these, my parents collect antiques and have a couple, i'm sure they'd be willing to sell one[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/like.gif[/img]. As far as any knowledge of sewing goes, i have none, but from my experience with musical instruments, it pays to buy a quality used one for your first, and after practice go onto bigger and better things, i'm sure this would apply for most things.

[CatherineM]

I've been sewing for over 40 years. I have a Bernina. An older one, that is actually made out of metal. They aren't cheap, but I've gotten 40 years of service out of it. Besides routine maintenance, I've only needed it to be repaired once, and that was because I didn't pack it good enough for the move to Canada.

My best advice is to buy a used machine, but from a large sewing store. They will give you free sewing lessons with the purchase. I've learned a lot of stuff over the years by watching sewing shows on PBS, and reading sewing books from the library. To start, get Simplicity or McCalls patterns, some of their 30 minute to 3 hour patterns. Don't try a Butterick or Vogue until you have sewn for awhile. Buy really cheap fabric to practice on. Old sheets are also a good source for cheap practice fabric.

Get a good basic sewing book, if for no other reason than to understand some of the terms that the patterns will use. Reader's Digest has a good one, as does Better Homes and Gardens. You can often find some at a used book store, or even the local thrift store. Sometimes the older books are actually better, especially if you want to make clothes. Most people these days sew for quilts or crafts, and not for clothes. I take pride in being able to make my own clothes.

Don't scrimp on decent pins and a good pair of scissors. Most importantly, have fun. Ask around at church to see if there is an older woman who used to sew who might be willing to make you a deal on her stash of fabric, patterns, and notions. At a certain age, people stop sewing because of eyesight issues, or dexterity. That's why so much stuff ends up in thrift stores.

[Chamomile]

I actually might have free access to two used sewing machines - including one that is within a desk! I don't think it's as epic and vintage as the one pictured above, but should still be good. Hopefully, they still work.

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I want to just do simple skirts and and possibly tops right now.

I've seen so much neat fabric at thrift stores, CatherineM! And my mom has some vintage-looking fabric (probably from the 70's), too.

Yay home economics!

[AccountDeleted]

Groo - I would love that sewing machine! I don't have electricity and thought it would be great to have a treadle, but they are such antiques now that I wouldn't be able to afford one - and they aren't all in working condition either. My sister has a Singer that used be a treadle but was converted to electricty, and it is nice to use - all metal , very solid. It has the table and all.

I was more practical and bought a simple Janome for $199 - but since I only have a generator for power, I only use it in the evenings when I turn the gennie on. At least it is low enough in watts to be able to run on the generator - a microwave wouldn't!