Replies

1. 
   fabricholic | Apr 17, 2007 05:06am | #1

   I have a friend that bought a Singer and she loves it.Marcy

1. 
   chip3 | Apr 17, 2007 01:58pm | #3

   Thank you for responding. In my haste I went to the local sewing shop and purchased a janome sewist 509. Since I bought there they will give me free lessons...I hope it works alright

1. 
   fabricholic | Apr 17, 2007 05:57pm | #7

   That's great. I'm sure you will be happy with it. Be sure and post pictures of your creations.Marcy

1. 
   chip3 | Apr 17, 2007 06:29pm | #8

   I'm not sure how interested folks would be in unevenly hemmed pants or poorly mended holes...unless there's a special section of examples of what not to do. I am a single male parent of a special needs little girl. She is short so all the pants and jackets I buy her (even petite) are too long. I'm learning the basics so I can hem her clothes without paying $7.00 an item.
   Chip

1. 
   Ralphetta | Apr 17, 2007 07:52pm | #9

   When you learn how to do some basics you will be surprised at how aware you are that most other people should be making small adjustments and just don't know it!  Although it might be more noticeable in your daughter's case, few rtw clothes couldn't be more flattering with a tiny bit of tweaking.  I bet the satisfaction you get with each new skill you learn will make you feel terrific. You'll wonder why everyone doesn't sew. 

    

    

    

     

2. 
   fabricholic | Apr 17, 2007 10:54pm | #10

   That is great that you are willing to do this. Read all you can and we will try to help if you hit a snag. If you don't use a serger, you can stitch 1/4" from the edge of the hem and then press that to the inside, before you fold up the hem and sew or stitch. This helps keep fabric from raveling.Marcy

2. 
   MtnBoy | Apr 17, 2007 01:31pm | #2

   Ditto the basic Singer. I've been a "beginner" sewer for 45 years now and have never used anything else. Mine has several stretch stitches, which will handle any work with knits. It has several basic attachments, and I've bought lots of fancier ones. Came with buttonhole attachment.Can't imagine what more you'd need for basic sewing. Do have it serviced occasionally, but not as often as yearly unless you do a whole lot of mending.

3. 
   Crazy K | Apr 17, 2007 04:19pm | #4

   Have a granddaughter that has a Sewist 509...........good little machine.  Enjoy!

1. 
   chip3 | Apr 17, 2007 04:43pm | #5

   Thank you that's comforting. You never know if the sewing shops are pushing a model because that what they carry.

1. 
   Crazy K | Apr 17, 2007 04:50pm | #6

   I have had several Janome machines......a bit larger than the Sewist but each was good.  I never had an ounce of trouble with any of them. The only reason I no longer have some is that I moved up to a larger machine each time and ultimately embroidery.  I think they're good machines and the basic machines are more reasonably prices than some.  Hope you enjoy.