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  • Help I was given a sewing machine BUT

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    Old 01-21-2015, 04:11 AM
      #11  
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    Just think of the fun you will have, or I personally consider sewing fun, I have always enjoyed sewing. As was stated before it is only a machine and you are in charge. Many folks consider themselves "expert" in various fields, but these folks were once beginners too, and most have had years of experience everyone learns from trial and errors, no one started out as an "expert" and many are self taught . Some have a natural gift for any field. Great if you can get a manual that will give you help understanding what all this machine will or won't do and what each button is for. I would recommend that you purchase some inexpensive white or light solid colored cotton fabric and some colored thread so you can see the different stitches and just start practicing with all of the various stitches to see what they will look like. Perhaps you can find a friend who sews or someone who can help you and give you some advice in different areas. There are tons of info. on the internet about sewing that is free, just start searching. Just don't be intimidated by this machine, think of it as your computer it will only do what it is capable of and what you as the driver tells it to do. Just enjoy the trip. Experience is the best teacher most of the time.

    Last edited by Gerbie; 01-21-2015 at 04:14 AM.
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    Old 01-21-2015, 05:08 AM
      #12  
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    Take your machine in to a local dealer and ask them if they know about the machine and if there are any free sewing classes. Is there a local quilt guild? Attend a meeting and when they ask about new business raise your hand and tell them about this. I bet someone will have some ideas. You certainly cannot go wrong asking questions. I have seen the machine that was in one of the responses and it does take some getting used to but is great. There are also sewing groups all over so there may be one in your area--ask the library, or the chamber of commerce. Good luck.
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    Old 01-21-2015, 05:18 AM
      #13  
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    Originally Posted by [email protected]
    hello everyone, I am in great hopes of acquiring some knowledge from all you experienced quilters. :-) I am learning so much and I have an old Brother portable machine and it doesn't do anything but sew forward and backwards. No fancy stitch seam allowance feet or lowering of presser foot, etc. Not sure I understand all that anyway. But now, someone that does sales for people, gave me a sewing machine and I have no clue anything about this machine. All I can find on it is this: Tailor Professional Stretch Stitch It has a LOT of buttons and knobs on it for all kinds of stitches. I am certain it is an older machine. Brand seems to be Tailor. It is in a white carry case, it wasn't stored too well, as the clasps on the case are all rusty, but the machine inside looks clean. I am a little intimidated by this machine also. LOL I don't know if I can learn all this fancy stuff. Does anyone have any suggestions or help with this? I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I am so used to my plain old machine. LOL I am just learning and I only taught myself to sew recently, nothing fancy going on here. But I would like to at least learn how to zigzag stitch now so I can make my daughter some nice mug rugs. :-)
    Thank you all for any info you might be able to give to me.
    Get some old scrap fabric or something that isn't very good any more and try all those buttons and knobs and see what they do first hand. Don't be afraid, you will be just fine. Enjoy!
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    Old 01-21-2015, 07:28 AM
      #14  
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    Also the missouri star quilt company has many many free classes on basic sewing and tips you can use. Also, you tube has so many sewing videos, I'm sure you can find what you need there too
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    Old 01-21-2015, 07:32 AM
      #15  
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    Where are you in NJ? Maybe I can help you.
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    Old 01-21-2015, 07:55 AM
      #16  
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    Originally Posted by Onebyone
    Be sure the foot has a wide space for the needle to do zig zag. Some feet are made for straight stitch only and the needle will hit the foot and break. Just put some fabric under the needle, and start experimenting with the different stitches.
    You also need to make sure the foot plate has both a straight stitch and zig zag hole. Otherwise, you will break a needle too.
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    Old 01-21-2015, 11:38 AM
      #17  
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    Welcome. There is no question that is silly! How would any of us learn if we didn't ask questions!
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    Old 01-21-2015, 01:08 PM
      #18  
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    thank you again for the wonderful suggestions, I will certainly go home and watch some of these videos It's snowing here now so by the time I get home, I will be ready to hit the couch and watch sewing videos
    EBarb, I live in South Jersey, south of Williamstown, a bit far from you :-)
    I am making list of all the sites mentioned to go watch all the sewing videos. I have tried to find close quilting guild but no luck, but going to get library card and start checking out quilting books. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE AND HELP I love this board. :-)
    Rachel

    Last edited by shayarene; 01-21-2015 at 01:13 PM.
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    Old 01-21-2015, 05:06 PM
      #19  
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    There are two quilting rules you must follow.
    1. Keep your fingers away from the needle.
    2. There are no other rules, so play safe and ask lots of questions!
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    Old 01-21-2015, 05:30 PM
      #20  
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    Shay,

    You are a quilter. All you need is straight stitches! We don't need no stinkin' fancy zig zag! And tape a piece of cardboard down 1/4 inch from the needle!

    *LOL*

    tim who never uses anything but straight stitches on his Bernina.
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