Nimota and Other Sewers: Sewing Machine help.

faseda · 04-09-2007, 10:18 PM

There are two sewing machines I've been stalking for a while on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Comput...366036-7363032

For $207

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...366036-7363032

For $142.

Now obviously number 1 has more accessories.

But i want to make sure I'm not overbuying with respect to what it is i need for my level of sewing.

I want to sew the lace for my friend's wedding in August. Thats my goal.

I'd appreciate help in picking a good one.

Thanks

Funred55 · 04-10-2007, 12:30 AM

Gosh y'all are inspiring me to get sewing lessons

Nimotalai · 04-10-2007, 08:21 AM

Faseda...I'm not an expert, but I am leaning more towards #1. It seems to have better reviews than the 2nd and better and more convenient features which is really nice when you are still learning.

I saw in on Walmart.com for cheaper than amazon ($185)
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4764726

Word of caution, brother sewing machines don't have the best reputation for being reliable so it might pack up on you after maybe 3 or 4 years, but for a 1st machine it's still a good choice for a decent price.

I vote for #1. Good luck!

Nimotalai · 04-10-2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faseda

Nimotalai how hard is it to sew lace. And do u think i can learn to sew skirt and blouse by July?

I have never used lace to sew...so I'm not sure whether it's easy or difficult to sew. Sapphire is probably a better person to ask about that.

You can definitely learn by July. Skirts are a lot easier (for me anyway) than blouses. As a beginner, I find it easier to buy a simple paper pattern (Simplicity, New Look, McCalls, Butterick etc) and then follow the directions.

Check out their websites for their patterns to get some ideas. Try to start with simple styles. If you find a simple style you like, then use a cheap fabric to sew a sample skirt first. This will really help you work out any problems before cutting and using your real fabric.

My must haves for sewing:
-seam ripper (to undo mistakes in stitching)
-Good Iron (to iron down seams)
-Pins and pin cushions (to pin together seams I need to sew. I pin first, iron if necessary, and then start sewing. I take out the pins as I'm sewing, so i don't sew over them. This helps keep my fabric together nicely and neatly)

sapphire · 04-10-2007, 08:52 AM

I'm really feeling #1 because it has button hole stitch, you have no idea how I'm suffering trying to use zig-zag stictch to make button holes!

lol Nimo i don't know how to sew lace either!
but the tips you gave are excellent that's what i do except for the ironing, i use my fingernails to iron lol...lazy way out i know but it cuts down on time.

Skirts are definitely easier to sew than blouses. I've actually attempted to make two blouses, the first one was years ago and it was a little too tight around the chest area, i think it's cos of how much i took in with my darts.
The second was december, i got so frustrated with it i took it apart and i haven't had the courage to try at it again. this was cos of the fabric i used, it's really slinky/stretchy.

So definitely start out making skirts. I suggest you go to the sale section of your local fabric store and pick out cotton fabric you could wear casually, so even if you mess it up you can still use it as lounge wear

but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine. The best way to learn is by trial and error. I wish we lived close by to each other cos all the tips i picked up were from my teacher in sec sch (i used to dislike that lady

) and my first boss.

faseda · 04-11-2007, 02:07 AM

Thank you ladies so much. Nimo I've got a $200 gift certificate on AMazon that's why I've got to buy it there. I'm kinda scared of brother also.

So Maybe you guys can take a look at this third one for me. .

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009O1...pf_rd_i=507846

Thank you so much I appreciate the help.

04-11-2007, 03:03 AM

subscribing

sapphire · 04-11-2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faseda

Thank you ladies so much. Nimo I've got a $200 gift certificate on AMazon that's why I've got to buy it there. I'm kinda scared of brother also.

So Maybe you guys can take a look at this third one for me. .

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009O1...pf_rd_i=507846

Thank you so much I appreciate the help.

you can never go wrong with Singer

faseda · 04-11-2007, 04:29 AM

but are the features comparable?

sapphire · 04-11-2007, 04:36 AM

well it has 72 stitches and the button hole stitch...lol i know i keep going on about that but trust and believe me, when you want to start venturing into different stuff you'd value it.
Besides from that...it has all the main functions you need in a sewing machine, and threading it should not be that difficult.

faseda · 04-12-2007, 03:36 AM

Bought number 3. LOL I actually Did a Spreadsheet of the the different Features and the only thing number 3 didn't have were 1) The LCD 2) 5 more Styles of Automatic Button Hole 4) A Hood for covering the Machine when not in use. 4) A Start and Reverse press button.

Hope this works.

Maybe we can have some sewalongs in the future

sapphire · 04-12-2007, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faseda

Bought number 3. LOL I actually Did a Spreadsheet of the the different Features and the only thing number 3 didn't have were 1) The LCD 2) 5 more Styles of Automatic Button Hole 4) A Hood for covering the Machine when not in use. 4) A Start and Reverse press button.

Hope this works.

Maybe we can have some sewalongs in the future

I'd like that, I'll let you know when I get an itch to work on something and I know it's pretty soon

04-09-2007, 10:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
faseda Veteran Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 0 and 1 bit purgatory Posts: 17,705 Points: 22,213.60 Bank: 3,525,575.88 Total Points: 3,547,789.48 Donate Rep Power: 2663350	Nimota and Other Sewers: Sewing Machine help. There are two sewing machines I've been stalking for a while on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Comput...366036-7363032 For $207 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...366036-7363032 For $142. Now obviously number 1 has more accessories. But i want to make sure I'm not overbuying with respect to what it is i need for my level of sewing. I want to sew the lace for my friend's wedding in August. Thats my goal. I'd appreciate help in picking a good one. Thanks __________________ ARiya's E-Boo since summer 2007.... Last edited by faseda; 04-09-2007 at 10:34 PM..

04-10-2007, 12:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
Funred55 Elder Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: In love land ;) Posts: 11,670 Points: 175.00 Bank: 772,222.26 Total Points: 772,397.26 Donate Rep Power: 121282	Gosh y'all are inspiring me to get sewing lessons __________________ The devil needs fear the way God needs FAITH! think about it Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. ~~~~~~~~~~ It was worth the wait!! ...God is good! ~~~~~~~~~~ she said she wants her hair to be just like mine when she gets to heaven. Turgidity like whoa! FYI! A small serving of fries at McDonald's has 220 calories, while a large serving has 400 calories. If you eat large fries three times each week for a year, that's an additional 8 pounds of fat you're packing on your body. Ultimately, losing weight comes down to calories.

04-10-2007, 08:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Nimotalai Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lurking Posts: 988 Points: 3,475.20 Bank: 220,806.61 Total Points: 224,281.81 Donate Rep Power: 116650	Faseda...I'm not an expert, but I am leaning more towards #1. It seems to have better reviews than the 2nd and better and more convenient features which is really nice when you are still learning. I saw in on Walmart.com for cheaper than amazon ($185) http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4764726 Word of caution, brother sewing machines don't have the best reputation for being reliable so it might pack up on you after maybe 3 or 4 years, but for a 1st machine it's still a good choice for a decent price. I vote for #1. Good luck! __________________ Don't Blame it on the Sunshine! Don't Blame it on the Moonlight! Don't Blame it on Good Times! BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE!!!!! I just can't I just can't I just can't control my feet!

04-10-2007, 08:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
sapphire Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: ha! Posts: 2,589 Points: 10,014.60 Bank: 604.82 Total Points: 10,619.42 Donate Rep Power: 215999	I'm really feeling #1 because it has button hole stitch, you have no idea how I'm suffering trying to use zig-zag stictch to make button holes! lol Nimo i don't know how to sew lace either! but the tips you gave are excellent that's what i do except for the ironing, i use my fingernails to iron lol...lazy way out i know but it cuts down on time. Skirts are definitely easier to sew than blouses. I've actually attempted to make two blouses, the first one was years ago and it was a little too tight around the chest area, i think it's cos of how much i took in with my darts. The second was december, i got so frustrated with it i took it apart and i haven't had the courage to try at it again. this was cos of the fabric i used, it's really slinky/stretchy. So definitely start out making skirts. I suggest you go to the sale section of your local fabric store and pick out cotton fabric you could wear casually, so even if you mess it up you can still use it as lounge wear but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine. The best way to learn is by trial and error. I wish we lived close by to each other cos all the tips i picked up were from my teacher in sec sch (i used to dislike that lady ) and my first boss. __________________ If my father has stolen, I will... Attend the very best school in the world and walk shoulder high (Educational Investment) Organize charity fund just like the 'better life For Rural Women' and government officials will contribute more (...talk about the rich getting richer) Own properties in choice countries/ locations and drive 'tear rubber' vehicles (property Investment) Be the toast of the town where musician will sing praise me (Social well being) Owning a jet or airplane wouldn't be an issue (Ease of transportation) Streets/avenues will be named after me (grass root investment) Arrange prayers for my father in churches and mosques to ward off evil spirit and untimely death (Spiritual upliftment) Advice my father to marry more wives and take more chieftaincy tittles across the board (evenly distribution of wealth) Donate 'chairs' to tertiary institutions for under privilege children Have shares in blue chips companies ** Wouldn't have to struggle in life But my father didn't have the opportunity to steal otherwise I wouldn't be in diaspora searching for the proverbial green pastures. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/...s-a-thief.html

04-11-2007, 02:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
faseda Veteran Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 0 and 1 bit purgatory Posts: 17,705 Points: 22,213.60 Bank: 3,525,575.88 Total Points: 3,547,789.48 Donate Rep Power: 2663350	Thank you ladies so much. Nimo I've got a $200 gift certificate on AMazon that's why I've got to buy it there. I'm kinda scared of brother also. So Maybe you guys can take a look at this third one for me. . http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009O1...pf_rd_i=507846 Thank you so much I appreciate the help. __________________ ARiya's E-Boo since summer 2007....

04-11-2007, 03:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
d4dude Posts: n/a Points: 0 Bank: 0 Total Points: 0 Donate	subscribing

04-11-2007, 04:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
faseda Veteran Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 0 and 1 bit purgatory Posts: 17,705 Points: 22,213.60 Bank: 3,525,575.88 Total Points: 3,547,789.48 Donate Rep Power: 2663350	but are the features comparable? __________________ ARiya's E-Boo since summer 2007....

04-11-2007, 04:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
sapphire Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: ha! Posts: 2,589 Points: 10,014.60 Bank: 604.82 Total Points: 10,619.42 Donate Rep Power: 215999	well it has 72 stitches and the button hole stitch...lol i know i keep going on about that but trust and believe me, when you want to start venturing into different stuff you'd value it. Besides from that...it has all the main functions you need in a sewing machine, and threading it should not be that difficult. __________________ If my father has stolen, I will... Attend the very best school in the world and walk shoulder high (Educational Investment) Organize charity fund just like the 'better life For Rural Women' and government officials will contribute more (...talk about the rich getting richer) Own properties in choice countries/ locations and drive 'tear rubber' vehicles (property Investment) Be the toast of the town where musician will sing praise me (Social well being) Owning a jet or airplane wouldn't be an issue (Ease of transportation) Streets/avenues will be named after me (grass root investment) Arrange prayers for my father in churches and mosques to ward off evil spirit and untimely death (Spiritual upliftment) Advice my father to marry more wives and take more chieftaincy tittles across the board (evenly distribution of wealth) Donate 'chairs' to tertiary institutions for under privilege children Have shares in blue chips companies ** Wouldn't have to struggle in life But my father didn't have the opportunity to steal otherwise I wouldn't be in diaspora searching for the proverbial green pastures. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/...s-a-thief.html

04-12-2007, 03:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
faseda Veteran Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 0 and 1 bit purgatory Posts: 17,705 Points: 22,213.60 Bank: 3,525,575.88 Total Points: 3,547,789.48 Donate Rep Power: 2663350	Bought number 3. LOL I actually Did a Spreadsheet of the the different Features and the only thing number 3 didn't have were 1) The LCD 2) 5 more Styles of Automatic Button Hole 4) A Hood for covering the Machine when not in use. 4) A Start and Reverse press button. Hope this works. Maybe we can have some sewalongs in the future __________________ ARiya's E-Boo since summer 2007....

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