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emms
Stylin' SIS (248)
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# Posted: 23 Apr 2008 20:35
So everytime I see a lo with a sewing technique, my jaw drops-it's an awesome technique. The only problem is, the last time I used a sewing machine was in home economics class back in high school over ten years ago! I would not even know how to turn a sewing machine on today-those things are scary!! Sooooo, I have decided that I am going to be a big girl and get over my "sewing machine fear" and purchase one and learn to sew on paper-finally!
I would like to know what type do you all recommend, or which brand, you know, all that good stuff. Also, I think it is best to stick with a simple & not so expensive one since I don't know how this will work. Is there even one for just paper, other than the 20.00 one that went back to the store, I think it was by Provo Craft? Thanks for all the advice ladies, 'cause I definitely need it.
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candiMANDI
SISter Elle (1843)
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# Posted: 23 Apr 2008 22:16
Ummm I always used to use my mom's sewing machine, till I moved out. But my grandma just died and she had THREE count em THREE sewing machines. My cousins got the first pick, I got the one that was left.
It was made in the 50s and I just now figured out how to adjust the tension and stuff.... but really all I use it for it simple stitches.
I guess what I'm trying to say is if you are just using it for paper and simple stuff, you shouldn't spend a lot. But read customer reviews before you buy so you know if it's gonna break or hold up for ya.
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toomuchcoffeegirl
Model SISter (2376)
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# Posted: 23 Apr 2008 22:19
I have seen a lot of people use that cute little Janome sewing machine. But for what I've seen, it retails for around $80.
My sewing machine is an old singer from the 1960's.
I had no idea what to do with it, but luckily my boyfriend's mom is very much into quilting. I'd reccomend going to a quilt shop and I am sure there will be some really nice ladies there to help you out IRL.
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lydiajane
Favorite SISter (6838)
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# Posted: 23 Apr 2008 22:25
You can probably find a cheap one in the classifieds, or craigslist.com. If you're only going to be using it for scrapping, probably don't need the computerized one with 10,000 stitches and embroidery patterns--saw some cute hello kitty ones at target for under $100. Good luck with your search--I am contemplating one too!
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Kim Langston
Style Maven (531)
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# Posted: 23 Apr 2008 23:30
Highly recommend Overstock.com. I bought a Brother machine from Overstock and love it... course it is like my third machine. You can get a decent machine from their for a very reasonable price. I think mine actually was a retail value of about $180-200 for $50.
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amytangerine
Vogue SISter (3242)
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2008 17:11
sewing on paper is soo much easier than sewing clothing (in my opinion)- and honestly i like the idea of craigslist or something cheap like that!!
good luck- can't wait to see stitching on your layouts!
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staceyfike
Favorite SISter (7064)
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2008 17:14
i bought the cheapest one that walmart had and it works perfect for me.
and i hadn't sewed since 8th grade (coughcough1988coughcough) and amazingly enough i still remembered how to thread the thing and all....it's pretty easy!
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tattooedptomom
Little SISter (48)
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2008 18:21 - Edited by: tattooedptomom
I used to quilt and from time to time I still make other things with my machine but I usually use it for scrapping now. If I had to buy a new one though for my LO's I'd just get a cheap one from walmart too. That's actually where I got my first machine when I started sewing and it worked just fine! Good Luck!
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kylissa
Model SISter (2029)
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2008 18:39
I just recently got one for my birthday. Target runs a sale every so often on a "Singer" (top brand) regular $89.99 on sale for $69.99. It rocks! It also comes with a VERY handy DVD that talks you through step by step on everything. It has been wonderful. AND my good friend's mother is an avid quilter and has a VERY expensive sewing machine/detailed machine and she prefers to use this very simple inexpensive sewing machine because it is easier to use.
I would definitely recommend it! Good Luck!
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Wilna
Model SISter (2920)
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# Posted: 27 Apr 2008 15:11
I use a BRother sewing machine that I bought at walmart for $89.
Works perfectly.
Smiles
Wilna
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Krista
Haute SISter (876)
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2008 15:21
lots of good ideas for inexpensive machines
i had my mom's old one - older than me too!
but it finally gave up the ghost when she was here working on something for me. we ended up going to walmart for a replacement. got it for around $100 i think. for what i used it for it's perfect. i'd like some really cool, fancy stitches but it just didn't seem to make any sense to pay that much more for a few cool stitches
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kateb
Baby SISter (4)
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# Posted: 6 May 2008 23:29
I bought one of the Janome Sew Petite which works great. I have another home so I bought a Singer machine for there too. I like the Singer one better because it has a light by the needle so that makes it easier to thread. But otherwise they both work great for sewing on layouts or repairing clothes.
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kateb
Baby SISter (4)
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# Posted: 6 May 2008 23:29
Forgot to say they were both under $100, on sale.
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scrappinpixie
Model SISter (2611)
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# Posted: 6 May 2008 23:33
cute hello kitty ones at target for under $100
I got this one on sale for about $65. I'd never sewn before getting it; needless to say, it is exclusively for scrapping. LOL. ANYHOW, it was super easy to setup and I haven't had to ask my mom to come over to help me figure it out yet!
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coloredsprinkles
Style Addict (1039)
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# Posted: 6 May 2008 23:36
I have a Brothers, they rock!
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sarahwilly
Fashion Plate (499)
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# Posted: 6 May 2008 23:53
I am so glad you asked this, I too would love to sew on pages but must admit 7th grade sewing....well um I paid my friend to sew all my stuff!
NOW I wish I had paid attention...seeing LO's with stitching makes my heart go pitter patter and don't even get me started on the sewing talent on etsy! I have a sewing machine from QVC still in the box that my MIL gave me for christmas years ago. I may just have to try it soon!
i will be watching this thread.
PS
Sassafras Lass make super cute clear acrylic stamps that look like stitches...hee hee that is what I use for now!
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pamala
Stylin' SIS (136)
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# Posted: 12 May 2008 20:55
I have been sewing for a bazzillion and a half years, and on my LOs forever. I love to sew! Picking a fairly inexpensive machine is the best idea, sewing on multiple layers of paper is a wee bit hard on machines actually because of the fiber and dust. If you clean it pretty regularly you will be fine though. I work in a quilt store and whenever I bring in LOs that I have stitched on I never tell them which of my machines I used to stitch things. he he, I don't want to hear the lecture, if you kwim.
The $20 machine is not a good idea though, you can get a real one at a garage sale for that price, or some of the places suggested in this thread.
The stamps are great too, quick and easy, but real sewing is soooooooo nice.
I have had my eye on a new sewing machine, but it is over $6,000 and I didn't pay that much money for several of my cars. ;)
Have fun!!!
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FunAuntSherry
Big SIS (4956)
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# Posted: 12 May 2008 21:47
I got mine from Sears for just under 100. It has a few stitch options and though I don't sew a lot, it's a good machine for when i do.
I've done a little layout stitching as well as curtain making on it. Good luck in your search!
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Chelle
Fashion Plate (417)
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# Posted: 14 May 2008 22:27
Oh man I LOVE to see stitching on layouts too! I have NO CLUE on how to sew...middle school was light years ago! LOL!
I NEED to get a sewing machine...reading this confirms it! Thanks for all the tips!
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JokeBK
Little SISter (11)
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# Posted: 15 May 2008 04:06
I have an old sewing machine bu it works great. the brand is "Bernina". I used to make mostly all my daughters clothes with it and now I sew with it on my layouts.
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