I want a sewing machine. I can't afford to buy one anytime soon, but I know I'll want to get one as soon as I am able to so I'd like to start figuring out what I want in one.
Unfortunately, I know almost nothing about sewing, so I'll need lots of advice.
Here are the things I plan on using it for, and maybe someone can tell me what features I'll need:
- Sewing materials like PUL, fleece, birdseye/gauze, vinyl, and lots of regular things like flannel and cotton. (I read online that for PUL you want to have a walking foot? Also, is there some sort of specific thing/feature I'll need for sewing really thick layers, other than a thicker needle of course?)
- I plan on using it to make cloth diapers/diaper covers, quiet books, as well as (eventually) Halloween costumes and possibly quilting, since Kate will be forcing me to join her in that when I move to Houston :) I'm sure there will be other things I'll want to make as well, but probably nothing super fancy.
- I need something really user-friendly for beginners; I don't need a whole lot of gadgets and features, just something reliable and simple.
- I don't need a computerized machine. Too pricey, too fancy, and too much hassle.
That's really all I can think of right now. Luckily, I have a mother-in-law who is basically a professional seamstress to help me out, but any and all advice/recommendations on the subject would be welcome!
Bernina 830 is what I have. It is still a top of the line machine. 300ish bucks on ebay. There are two Bernina 830's, one is a super manual, oldschool machine from the 70's and 80's, which is what I have. It's still really awesome. You can get a walking foot that is not "bernina" but fits, for like $40 (a Christmas present Danny got me). There's another Bernina 830, the newer one, which they stole the name of the old one for, because it was pretty much the bestselling sewing machine of all time. What's good about it is that the motor is swiss made, very sturdy, not a lot of flimsy plastic parts.
ReplyDeleteOr you could go with a brother, singer, or something else. I have zero experience with anything else, so I couldn't help you there.
Try an estate sale. I'm sure there are old people in Utah who die whose descendants don't want the sewing machine.