Epinions.com 
Join Epinions | Learn More! | Sign In   
           
HomeHome and GardenSewing MachinesChoosing a Sewing Machine
Member Advice Summary
The machine of my dreams (my checkbook's worst nightmare!)
by karielle | Apr 04 '00
I went through this just a few years ago, and even though I am an accomplished seamstress, I found the abundance of machines out on the market to be mind boggling. I've often wondered what new sewers go through in trying to find a machine.

If...

Return to opinion



Have something to say?
Write your own comment on this review!
Comments on The machine of my dreams (my checkbook's worst nightmare!)" (12 total)  
  Comment Sorted by
Date Written
Great opinion (Reply to this comment)
by bumper65
I would like to take the time to thank you for all your great information.
I am searching for a budget machine for my future daughter-in-law. She is a beginner that does alot of craft type projects and would use the machine quite abit.
I didn't realize there were so many machines out there and how expensive they could get.
Thank you again karielle.

Bumper65
Dec 03 '00
11:22 am PST

Re: =) (Reply to this comment)
by karielle
Hi!

My first machine was a little 12 stitch Kenmore. It worked like a charm and went through heavy denim fabric. Believe it or not, for a machine to go through heavy material, a lot depends on the type of needle you use. Always use a needle suitable for the type of fabric you are using.

The best machine for a lot of heavy-weight sewing would be a machine with a special foot that is power driven meaning that the drive of the needle will be the same if you are going fast or slow. (Some machines you have to rev up to go through heavier material!) Wow! You're probably wishing you hadn't asked! hehee!

I hope that I have answered your questions. If not, don't hesitate to contact me via email!

Good luck!

Karielle
Jul 20 '00
5:03 pm PDT

=) (Reply to this comment)
by coltrane
hello! thanks for the great advice. i'm in for my first... i now may consider a used machine.

would you recommend a certain brand to a beginner? i won't totally go on your word, but a point in the right direction would help.

i need something that will go through tough material. what feature do i check for?


thanks so much!

<3, coltrane.
Jul 19 '00
6:19 pm PDT

Re: Great Advice (Reply to this comment)
by velvet42
I definitely agree with Karielle's statement about sewing with it first. My sewing machine (now in the closet collecting more dust) is an old 1970 Elna. I swear the thing is possessed!! I ended up fighting with it more often than not, which is why it's now in the closet! *LOL*

Great review, Karielle!!
Jun 13 '00
9:35 am PDT

Re: Your Review (Reply to this comment)
by karielle
Thank you for letting me know that you found the review helpful. I appreciate feedback of any sort, but good is better! :-)
Apr 28 '00
2:15 pm PDT

Your Review (Reply to this comment)
by Lark729_89
Thanks for the warning on the sales people. Excellent well written and descriptive review.

Thanks for sharing this with us.
Apr 06 '00
6:40 pm PDT

Re: High fivers! (Reply to this comment)
by karielle
Thank you! I gave my machine to my mother. I would never sell it.....too many memories...hehee! Only a fellow seamstress would understand that!
Apr 05 '00
12:25 pm PDT

Re: Great review! (Reply to this comment)
by karielle
Thank-you ever so very muches......hbhh!!!!

Apr 05 '00
12:23 pm PDT

Re: Great Advice (Reply to this comment)
by karielle
I just had to reply to your comment...if you are doing even a tiny bit of quilting, then you NEED a walking foot. If you need more information about this type of foot, just let me know, and I can write to you about it, okay?

I'm glad that I helped you!

Karielle
Apr 05 '00
12:22 pm PDT

High fivers! (Reply to this comment)
by RidgesMom1
A few years ago when I discovered I had a few extra dollars, I, too decided to invest in a good sewing machine. The first element I looked for (surprise!) was a quick and easy buttonhole feature! The fact that it had a few decorative stitches was a bonus! Great info here for making an informed decision!

Lisa
P.S. I still have the first machine I ever bought 27 years ago!
Apr 04 '00
11:14 pm PDT

Great Advice (Reply to this comment)
by afton
I never thought of getting a used machine before. That might be just the thing for me. I consider myself a begining sewer, just because I taught myself and don't understand some of the terminology (walking foot, for example). However, I just pieced together my second bed quilt and do quite a bit of craft and home dec. sewing. I've been "borrowing" my mother-in-law's sewing machine for almost 2 years now and each time I feel guilty and decide it's time to return it, I come up with one more project I need to complete before I do so.

Anyway, my mind is boggled by the different machines out there and I know the suggestions you've made here will help me find my own machine one day.

Afton
Apr 04 '00
11:07 pm PDT

Great review! (Reply to this comment)
by hikini
Hello Karielle,

What a great review - your knowledge of sewing and machines really shines through here. Thanks for taking the time to write this one!

Your fellow epinionator, hbhh
Apr 04 '00
11:06 pm PDT
   

Help | Member Center | Message Boards | Site Rules | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Site Index | Topic Index  
About Epinions | Careers | Contact Epinions | Advertising  

Epinions | Shopping.com | Rent.com | Free Classifieds | Price Comparison UK

Shopping.com Network © 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc. Trademark Notice

Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources,
so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.