Threads - for people who love to sew

Help!

Photo has nothing to do with blog. Sorry

I am trying to simply blog and not upload photos; I am in search of purchasing a new machine. I'm new to the sewing world and know absolutely nothing! However, I DO know what I want to do with my machine. I will be sewing decorative pillows, curtains, shower curtains and maybe bedding. My love are fabrics and fringes, etc. I'm planning on eventually do this to make money not just as a hobby and do a project every now and then....so, in saying this...I need advice from experienced sewers on the machine that would be right for me. I've spoken with a Bernina dealer and they advised the 350 or 380? The website however suggested the 240. This will be a big purchase, I however am more worried about purchasing the 'right' machine for me. Please Help! :)

angiea, member
Posted on May 5th, 2011 in reader's closet, sewing machine,

Comments (7)

roxiecoxie writes: Find a good sewing machine shop that does in house servicing. I have been going to the same place since I was 11. I tell them what I'm working on and what I want and they guide me. I have always done well with used machine and trade up when I want something different. They have even called me if they get something in that they think I might want to look at.
Posted: 2:14 pm on May 24th

ereid writes: Take your time and really try out each machine you are considering buying. Sometimes you can rent a desired model for a month. A good durable basic mechanical machine from a top quality maker is more satisfying than a light weight machine with attractive electronic frills that are not really used very often.

RE your future plans, it is difficult to make more than pin money sewing for other people unless you develop original designs aand a clietele who value uniqueness. At that point, you may find it more profitable to do the design work and hire people to do the actual sewing which tends to be minimum wage work. On the other hand, if you really LOVE the actual handling of the fabric, do not hesitate to do eveything yourself. All the best. I am a cnfirmed fabriholic and have loved every minute of my addiction!
Posted: 10:49 am on May 18th

LadyL5068 writes: I have been a Pfaff fan since the early 80's. I have the Creative Vision Embroidery Machine, the Pfaff 2038 I take to classes and just purchased a Viking Sapphire 875. If you are interested in quilting I suggest the Pfaff with the IDT foot. I tried the addon walking foot and just hate it. Pfaff just came out with two new machines this month called the Ambition line. Check out the Babylock machines.

When trying out sewing machines, take a piece of fabric with you and sew different stitches on it (don't forget a buttonhole stitch). Compare the stitches and how good the different sewing machines sew them. This is why I'm a Pfaff lover. I purchased the Viking(same company as Pfaff) because I wanted about 200 decorative stitches to play with for quilting. I still learning about my Creative Vision so with all my machines I can embroidery on one while sewing another project on the other.
Posted: 11:31 am on May 9th

zybet writes: The right serge will be the one that can sew few fabrics together [not only light wight fabrics....]Plus very important for every sewer is to wear safety glasses [needles brakes!].
Posted: 4:35 pm on May 8th

angiea writes: Thank you so much. As of today, I've found a "Brother" brand new that a friend had purchased. It's a long crazy story but she purchased a $1500 machine from an individual and paid $750 for it! Needless to say, it has all the parts etc. and she had spoke with the dealer that sold it to the original purchaser and all is good! She is a sewer herself and felt like this would be a great machine. So, I'm excited! On a side note..someone else also suggested a serger. I've look at a Bernina Serger that was highly recommended. Is that 'commercial' enough? :)
Posted: 11:42 am on May 6th

angiea writes:
Posted: 11:35 am on May 6th

zybet writes: Hi ANGIEA! In my opinion You will need more than one sewing machine for your busines, specially for making curtains very helpful and timesaving will be blindstitch machine plus for heavier weight fabrics you will need comercial machine. I'am please with "BROTHER" so far. Also good comercial serger could be recomended. Good luck.
Posted: 10:18 am on May 6th

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