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Posted by Kate XXXXXX on January 12, 2007, 6:36 pm
bringmewater@gmail.com wrote:
> I'll try asking one other way. First some information.
>
> I will only buy a new, good quality machine.
> I need it to do only the most basic mending tasks.
> I want to buy locally in my town where I can touch it and see it.
>
> I have 3 questions please:
> How much should that machine cost?
>
> What model would it be?
>
> Where can I buy it locally?
>
> Thanks for any information.
>
First, read the FAQ: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
Second, decide what types of fabrics you are MOST LIKELY to sew, and how
often.
This is VERY IMPORTANT because it makes a HUGE difference to the type of
machine you buy. For example, I sew lots and I sew everything from
cobweb fine silk chiffon to upholstery fabric (I make wedding finery and
costumes mostly, but have and will make curtains, have made spray decks
for kayaks, and all sorts of other stuff! I also quilt). My mum sews a
little and sews light weight stuff... Nothing heavier than skirt
fabric. I use a selection of machinery (I have 18 in the house at the
moment!), but my main sewing machine is a Husqvarna Lily 550 that I've
had since 1999. I have two sergers, the main one a Bernina 1150 MDA.
My main machines cost £1100 (list price at the time) and £475. During
2005 I bought my mum a new light weight sewing machine, as Singer F117
Featherweight II. Hers was under £200. I could almost sew plate armour
on mine, and as far as mending goes, it had no difficulty replacing the
heavy duty zips in two Polartec Windblock fleece jackets last week. I
wouldn't even attempt to sew this combination on the machine I bought
Mum. No way would it go through the plastic tab at the bottom of the
zip tape and up to 4 layers of laminated 3 layer fleece!
Just before Christmas I bought (on behalf of a friend on this group) a
Brother XL5021, gently pre loved, for £60. In it's class, an impressive
LIGHT WEIGHT machine, ideal as a first machine for its 12 YO recipient,
who will make clothes and fun projects.
These were both LIGHT machines, and while very good in their class, and
probably within your original budget, neither is one I would set to
mending denim or like fabrics. Oh, they'll SEW it - but not for long!
If you want to mend coats, anything denim like jeans, or anything else
with multiple layers or thick fabrics, you are going to need a stronger
machine than you would for mending yer silk undies, for example.
'Simple Mending' covers anything from replacing a zip on a maountain
jacket to a hem down on a silk chiffon skirt!
For a dead simple machine that has a limited number of excellent quality
household/utility stitches, but will almost sew anything short of shoe
leather (and I include tin cans in this, having done it on one of this
machine's predecessors) there is little in the domestic market that will
beat the Bernina 1008. See here: http://tinyurl.com/y6hndo
Prices and where to buy locally I cannot help with, but I strongly
advise looking up a local shop that does their own repairs and has a
good rep amongst local sewists. A good local shop is worth 10 box
empires! I know who *I'd* go to round here (and do - having bought
several from a couple of local shops over the last 20 years). And I
cannot say LOUDLY ENOUGH not LONG ENOUGH that you need to go with an
OPEN mind, a rough idea of your absolute upper limit (and ask for things
about $50 - $100 under that limit to give yourself some leeway!), and a
bunch of the type of things you want to sew, and TEST THE MACHINES
YOURSELF! Just walk away from any place that does a hard sell and won't
let you do your own tests! Test the straight stitch, blind hem and
buttonhole, and try threading.
OK... This horse has got so high I think I need a stepladder! Just out
of curiosity, what have you against pre-loved machines? I was given two
last night, and spent today getting them going. The 1939 Singer 28K
(straight stitch & reverse only, hand crank) took ten minutes, a few
drops of oil, and a quick fiddle with the tension... The 1974 Singer
367 took the rest of the afternoon to free up, but looks like it might
be a useful addition to the flock now I've freed up the main drive shaft
and swing needle operation, reset the timing, and hubby has fixed the
foot control! I love my machines I bought new, and was VERY fussy about
what I bought, but the old ones also have a charm of their own, and some
of them are so good they'll still be sewing for my grand kids when the
new electric ones are long gone to landfill and recycling!
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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Posted by IMS on January 12, 2007, 8:47 pm
On 12 Jan 2007 13:46:38 -0800, "bringmewater@gmail.com"
>I'll try asking one other way. First some information.
Ok...
>
>I will only buy a new, good quality machine.
Why?
>I need it to do only the most basic mending tasks.
Is just straight stitch OK? Or do you want zig zag and some utility
stitches (like a blind hem stitch?)
>I want to buy locally in my town where I can touch it and see it.
Makes sense.
>
>I have 3 questions please:
>How much should that machine cost?
>What model would it be?
>
>Where can I buy it locally?
>
>Thanks for any information.
Only you can answer that question - we don't know what is available
where you live, nor do we know where you live :)
--------------
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20
--Mae West=20
--------------
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Posted by Juno on January 12, 2007, 4:47 pm
I would like to suggest you read the
following:http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
This FAQ was put together by some of us on alt.sewing
It will help you understand the thinking of those of us who contribute
to and look for answers here.
I would also like to tell you that about 17 years ago I bought a sewing
machine for around $200. It was a piece of junk and I almost gave up
sewing. Now 17 years later I think you will find that $200 will buy even
less. You can not expect to find a decent new machine for that kind of
price. If you want a good basic machine you'll do much better with
refurbished. I have one machine that I use frequently that's about 60
years old. I put about $25.00 into it, cleaned it up, oiled it and have
a gem. It goes forward and back, that's it, stitch quality is great. I
also have a small mechanical Viking that I paid between $400- 500 for.
It sews like a dream. I'm not pushing viking, I'm only saying you get
what you pay for.
Juno
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Posted by Pat in Virginia on January 12, 2007, 5:23 pm
At that price range, for a real sturdy
SM, you might consider used models.
Check with local dealers first for
traded-up SM. PAT
bringmewater@gmail.com wrote:
> You know how you can buy a cheap sony or panasonic and the quality is
> usually very good? I"m looking for a sewing machine in the < $200
> range with good quality. Even <$100 would be fine too. We don't need
> features, just basics. The reviews from Walmart and Target are not
> that good but they have a lot of machines.
>
> What is a good basic machine that will last 20 years like our Nelco 605
> did till the crap metal broke on the foot pressor lever and where can
> we easily get it?
>
> Thanks very much.
>
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Posted by IMS on January 12, 2007, 8:44 pm
On 12 Jan 2007 04:54:39 -0800, "bringmewater@gmail.com"
>You know how you can buy a cheap sony or panasonic and the quality is
>usually very good? I"m looking for a sewing machine in the < $200
>range with good quality. Even <$100 would be fine too. We don't need
>features, just basics. The reviews from Walmart and Target are not
>that good but they have a lot of machines.
>
>What is a good basic machine that will last 20 years like our Nelco 605
>did till the crap metal broke on the foot pressor lever and where can
>we easily get it?
>
>Thanks very much.
=46or that $$ you can't unless you consider buying used, particularly the
50s era Singer 400 or 500 series slants, Elnas, Husqvarna Viking, or
Kenmore.=20
A vintage top of the line Singer 401 that has already lasted 50+ years,
and will outlive you with proper care. And it has a boat load of built
in stitches. stitches.
You can find them in flea markets, antique shops, garage sales,
classifieds, for about $10 upwards of $150 - but if you find one you
should take it in for a full service as it likely hasn't been used or
cleaned in decades.
Or, you can try the eBay route - still doesnt mean they have been
serviced, but some are. Be wary of buyers who tout them as "industrial
strength" as these are bascially home models that 'aren't made like that
anymore!' You'll end up paying a lot more because you'll be bidding
against other bidders who think they're getting a machine that's close
to an industrial mode (it isn't). Also be sure your seller KNOWS how to
package a sewing machine for shipment.
A tuned, cleaned and lubed 401 is a joy to sew on. =20
-Irene=20
--------------
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20
--Mae West=20
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