looking for a sewing machine to make crib bedding...

[mommy_someday]

I recently purchased a Simplicity pattern to make my own crib bedding, diaper stacker, valances, etc. but I haven't sewn since home ec in junior high. The most complicated part in the pattern is the ruffled edge on the comforter. I'm wondering what sewing machine model would be the most user-friendly for a very green seamstress since there are so many options available. Thanks for your feedback!

Erica B.

[egoldber]

Here's a link to a thread we had a little while ago about sewing. Several machines were discussed.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dcforum/DCForumID30/933.html

Decide on a budget and then get the best machine you can afford. Sometimes that means a used, several year old machine from a "better" brand. Lots of people trade in perfectly good machines, just to get the latest, greatest thing.

If you are really just starting out, then I would try to buy from a place that will give you good support. A machine does you no good if you find it to be too frustrating to use. If you buy from a smaller sewing machine dealer (or a fabric or quilt shop that sells machines) they often have a lot of machines that they have taken in as trade-ins that are great machines. And they will often offer classes on how to use your machine.

HTH,

[heidi_timms]

I think that Costco sells a sewing machine for a pretty good price. I got mine as a present, but I believe that it came from Sears and I think that they often have sales on machines.

~Heidi
Mom to Kailey Ashlin
4/27/03

[suzska]

I can't say how it is, but here's a machine that alot of my online quilting friends are thinking about buying as a "back-up" or "portable" machine. Joann's is selling it right now for $189. If you look around you can probably find a free shipping code at one of the coupon sites.

http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=53008&PRODID=71953

Here's a link to another site that lists all its features:

http://www.allsewing.com/products/viewproduct.asp?sku=smwh1740


The machine I have is a Singer 5040C. It's just a basic machine, but pretty easy to use. No electronic bells and whistles, but a few decorative stitches. And it's pretty easy to thread and all that. I don't remember what I paid for it, but I got it a few years ago at Service Merchandise. Amazon sells it for $169. I don't know if that's a good price.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005NWQV/qid=1052113935/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-3454435-8282209?v=glance&s=kitchen&n=507846

But I just paid $50 to get the 1/4" foot, walking foot, and free motion foot for my machine. Part of me wishes I had just put the money into the new (but still inexpensive) machine. But oh, well.


If you still have questions, I'd really check out the Joann's boards (http://www.joann.com , they click on bulletin boards). I believe there's a general sewing board. I'm always on the quilting boards.

I wanted to add that I have sewn a few halloween costumes and other simple things with my sewing machine, not just piecing quilt tops.

[Jen841]

I just received a basic Sear's one, not the cheapest for the second cheapest. I had a OLD Sear's model that I received second hand that died, so I was excited to get a replacement. Now I just need to learn how to use it! I am a very BASIC seamstress.

My sister-in-law's both have Sears ones to.