Your Sewing Machine?
02-17-2011, 03:13 AM
#41
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
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Originally Posted by boysmomoflabs
Originally Posted by Central Ohio Quilter
I have two machines that I use - my mom's Singer 301A from the 50s and my Singer that my Mom and Dad gave me for graduating high school in 1969. I love them both. I have considered getting a new fancy one, but I haven't. I would rather spend the money for fabric!
I do have a very nice Viking, but the 301 is awesome!
02-17-2011, 03:34 AM
#42
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Airmont, NY
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I went through a similar experience taking classes with my Kenmore sewing machine. Everyone had a Pfaff or Babylock or Bernina etc and there I was with my Kenmore-my only machine that I had bought when $ were really tight. Now don't get me wrong I would LOVE a computerized sewing embroidery machine one day but I have to tell you-my machine is an absolute workhorse-sews ANYTHING I throw at it. I even quilted a queen size quilt on it before I had a clue what I was doing. I have to admit I love my little Kenmore geared for quilting which cost me around $129 on sale.
02-17-2011, 03:46 AM
#43
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,456
Last year, I bought a Singer Stylist computerized machine. I thought it was time to upgrade. I took it to a FMQ class and had more trouble with the thing and got really frustrated, was working on another project and it was skipping stitches like crazy. So I pulled out the manual, did everything it said to do and it still skipped stitches, it didn't like the thread I was using, I was breaking needles, etc. Finally, I just pulled out my old trusty Kenmore because I just needed to sew and whattayaknow....she just sailed right on through and I was so excited. I just recently oiled it and cleaned it (under the throat plate and all) where I found what looked like felted material :lol: and she still works like a dream....I'll figure out what's up with my fancy Singer eventually, but in the meantime, my Kenmore does me just fine!!!
02-17-2011, 03:48 AM
#44
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North Carolina
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Originally Posted by blondeslave
I went through a similar experience taking classes with my Kenmore sewing machine. Everyone had a Pfaff or Babylock or Bernina etc and there I was with my Kenmore-my only machine that I had bought when $ were really tight. Now don't get me wrong I would LOVE a computerized sewing embroidery machine one day but I have to tell you-my machine is an absolute workhorse-sews ANYTHING I throw at it. I even quilted a queen size quilt on it before I had a clue what I was doing. I have to admit I love my little Kenmore geared for quilting which cost me around $129 on sale.
Me too!!! I pieced my avatar on it, I made several big quilts on it and all kinds of stuff....I love my Kenmore.... And mine was a gift...it didn't cost me anything!!
02-17-2011, 05:00 AM
#45
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
if your machine does the job then don't worry. I worry about students who come to class with machines that can't do the projects - like the Gems for a free motion class. Although I've done free motion on featherweights but projects were small. So find out what the project will be.
If the smaller macines make good stitches and even and consistent then that is all you need.
If the smaller macines make good stitches and even and consistent then that is all you need.
02-17-2011, 05:26 AM
#47
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
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I have a featherweight and she is adorable with a great stitch, BUT, my dinky cheap Brother is my go-to machine. Never had a problem. It isn't fussy about thread. So enjoy your little Brother and the great quilts you can make on it.
02-17-2011, 05:58 AM
#48
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 853
If anyone says any thing, tell them it is your carry around machine, you other one is at home. They dont need to know. LOL. lots of folks have a smaller, cheaper machine to carry around. DH uses a cheap Jenome, it sews great.
02-17-2011, 06:00 AM
#49
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Join Date: Apr 2010
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Originally Posted by Millstream Mom
I was at a sewing class, and was suddenly aware that everyone had fancy expensive computerized sewing machines. I was unexpectedly very embarrassed of my ~$100 Brother machine that I had gotten at Walmart a few years ago. :oops: Which was odd - because I normally don't concern myself with "material things" - no pun intended!
My original machine was a Kenmore that I'd had for about 25yrs - and had fixed 4 times during the last 2 yrs. Finally I kicked it to the curb, and bought the Brother. It seems fine for my needs - basic stitches, but impossible to sew button holes with.
So hopefully I'll get over being prideful until my machine dies a slow and natural demise! In the meantime - can anyone point me in the direction of a reasonably priced product that they would recommend?
My original machine was a Kenmore that I'd had for about 25yrs - and had fixed 4 times during the last 2 yrs. Finally I kicked it to the curb, and bought the Brother. It seems fine for my needs - basic stitches, but impossible to sew button holes with.
So hopefully I'll get over being prideful until my machine dies a slow and natural demise! In the meantime - can anyone point me in the direction of a reasonably priced product that they would recommend?
You should never feel embarrased about anything you have! I wouldn't dare take my so called good machines to a class. You define good machines as you see fit. We are all at different stages with our machines, sewing and quilting.
I would advise you just first decide what you can afford for a machine that would serve your pupose and then go from there. Then look at the capabilities of the machine...straight stitch, buttonholes, fancy stitches, embroidery etc., then you will be more able to determine which is best for you. What are you interested in for now and the future will be your best determining factor. If you think you would enjoy getting into more than basic sewing then look at ones with more features, if not then look at the ones that are tried and true for the features you desire. You just need to worry about what you need and what provides that need and NOT what others think about whatever machine you may have....
02-17-2011, 06:06 AM
#50
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hoosick Falls, NY
Posts: 2,076
Originally Posted by Millstream Mom
I was at a sewing class, and was suddenly aware that everyone had fancy expensive computerized sewing machines. I was unexpectedly very embarrassed of my ~$100 Brother machine that I had gotten at Walmart a few years ago. :oops: Which was odd - because I normally don't concern myself with "material things" - no pun intended!
My original machine was a Kenmore that I'd had for about 25yrs - and had fixed 4 times during the last 2 yrs. Finally I kicked it to the curb, and bought the Brother. It seems fine for my needs - basic stitches, but impossible to sew button holes with.
So hopefully I'll get over being prideful until my machine dies a slow and natural demise! In the meantime - can anyone point me in the direction of a reasonably priced product that they would recommend?
My original machine was a Kenmore that I'd had for about 25yrs - and had fixed 4 times during the last 2 yrs. Finally I kicked it to the curb, and bought the Brother. It seems fine for my needs - basic stitches, but impossible to sew button holes with.
So hopefully I'll get over being prideful until my machine dies a slow and natural demise! In the meantime - can anyone point me in the direction of a reasonably priced product that they would recommend?
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