Sewing Machine Deals?

[tiecollector]

I'm looking at getting a basic, but nice sewing machine that I'd like to use for my sewing class, and eventually to perform my own alterations. I'm leaning towards either a Bernina or a Jatome. Anyone know where I can find a good deal on one that is perhaps refurbished or used?

 

[caelte]

Go to a sewing machine repair shop.
They'll have or know of where you can get a good one.

I have a old tailoring machine, an early pro unit I bought from an upholstery shop in the process of upgrading.

A few years ago I had it refurbished, the guy at the repair shop told me it would last another hundred years. It's really old but a great machine. Even though it doesn't have a walking foot, it will deal with leather.

Most sewing machines are built to last

Recentlly, I picked up a really nice portable for twelve dollars at Goodwill.

 

[mizanation]

tiecollector, for your first sewing machine, i suggest either a kenmore or a brother. you mentioned bernina and janome which are top of the line sewing machines, but are quite pricey. for a great place for sewing machine reviews go to: http://sewing.patternreview.com

 

[fashion_newbie]

So, tell me more about this sewing class. What do you learn here? I would also like to do my own alterations but its all just hemming...pants and shirts. Since I am only 5'7, most retail shirts are an inch or so too long for me. I would love to do that myself.

caelte, how big is this portable machine? I don't want a bulky sewing machine in my apartment. Something I can put away when not in use which will be most of the time.
Thanks!

 

[tiecollector]

Class starts today. I have a feeling I will just be learning how to sew a straight line today.

 

[LabelKing]

What about an old Singer?

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

What about an old Singer?

Yeah. I'm not sure when singer hit the fat. I think in the 70s. I'll go to some thrift stores, otherwise I'll just buy a Bernina.

 

[j]

An old Singer will work fine. Just pick it up and if it's heavy, you're good. I see these quite often at the thrift stores, usually with all the attachments sitting right there for under $20.

Also, check craigslist.

 

[tiecollector]

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/hsh/313151821.html

Looks old and heavy though I don't know what "zig zag" means.

 

[j]

Zig-zag in this context just means it does more than just straight stitches. You could probably look that up and see what else it does, but basically you want straight stitch, reverse, zig-zag and hopefully a buttonhole attachment.

Zig-zag stitch moves the needle from left to right as it moves the fabric along, so by adjusting the stitch length you can do stuff like embroidery (very close together) and overcasting, where one side of the stitch goes over the edge of cut fabric to lock it together much like a serger but without the cutting. You want this.

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by j

Zig-zag in this context just means it does more than just straight stitches. You could probably look that up and see what else it does, but basically you want straight stitch, reverse, zig-zag and hopefully a buttonhole attachment.

Zig-zag stitch moves the needle from left to right as it moves the fabric along, so by adjusting the stitch length you can do stuff like embroidery (very close together) and overcasting, where one side of the stitch goes over the edge of cut fabric to lock it together much like a serger but without the cutting. You want this.

Yeah, having trouble finding features on google. I sent the poster an email though.

 

[caelte]

Originally Posted by fashion_newbie

So, tell me more about this sewing class. What do you learn here? I would also like to do my own alterations but its all just hemming...pants and shirts. Since I am only 5'7, most retail shirts are an inch or so too long for me. I would love to do that myself.

caelte, how big is this portable machine? I don't want a bulky sewing machine in my apartment. Something I can put away when not in use which will be most of the time.
Thanks!

Regular table top unit.
The other one I mentioned is a floor model industrial unit.

 

[tiecollector]

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/hsh/312459519.html this one looks promising as well.

 

[j]

I wouldn't get one with cams, they are little widgets you have to insert to get different stitches. The easier ones just have a dial or a lever.

 

[tiecollector]

After talking to my teacher, a nice sewing machine is only a couple hundred, not a thousand, like I thought previously. I might just go to the Janome store and get one of them if they have the features I'm looking for. In the class, we used a Bernina 1008, which is about $500, I heard.

In class today I made the most stylish kleenex holder.