Recommended book for a beginner?
 

Hello,

Since this is my first post, I'll introduce myself a little before I ask my question. I grew up watching my mother sew, and even made a couple of little bags with her. That was a long time ago, and I have decided to start anew. I have always enjoyed making things, and since my daughter was born I have had the urge to start sewing again. I bought a beautiful older Necchi Nora machine off of craigslist that just needed a little TLC. Well, maybe not a little. I spent an entire weekend with some rubbing alcohol, Q-tips, and a blow drier loosening up all the crusted old oil. The machine came with all the cams and accessories, and runs smooth as silk now. I couldn't be happier with the machine. The problem is the operator.

I don't remember a thing about sewing. I can set the tension, and thread the machine. What I don't know is what to set the tension to, or what needles I should be using for different fabrics, or what stitches/thread would be best for silk, or webbing, etc.

Does anyone have a book recommendation that covers these technical aspects of sewing??

Thank you.

Charlie


Here is a picture of the actual machine I got off of craigslist before I cleaned her up. I will post the cleaned pictures when I get home.

Kudos to you for getting the machine running!

And welcome to the board.

If you didn't get a manual, it looks like you can order one from here:

http://www.necchimanuals.com/Necchi_...on_Manuals.htm

Superior threads website has lots of information on thread.

For Christmas in 1999 Jim gave me a book called "Quilter's Complete Guide". It is packed with information on all aspects of quilting, from tools, to hand quilting. It is by Fons and Porter.

Thank you. I will be ordering this.

Thanks for the kudos. It was actually a lot more work than I thought it would be. If it wasn't for the blow drier, I never would have gotten some parts unstuck. The heat really helps loosen the old oil, however, I didn't discover this until the second day.

Kay, thank you. you're right, they have a lot of information. I will start wading through their website.

Anne, that looks like a great book. The reviews are very positive. That is now at the top of my list. Thank you.

Great job on the machine! Once you learn about your machine have fun!! Cant wait to se your first quit !!

Sewing or quilting you didn't specify which. I like better homes and gardens complete guide to quilting. Sewing is different though

Wow, my Mom had a Necchi in 1958 that looked very much like this one. It was a great machine. I have Quilting For Dummys and it has a lot of information in it about every aspect of quilting.