tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post3014009602729481037..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: I Find Another Sewing Machine in the TrashPeter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-17513676404176803432020-11-21T19:21:04.673-05:002020-11-21T19:21:04.673-05:00Glad I read this. Someone is trying to sell me one...Glad I read this. Someone is trying to sell me one for $100. As a beginner. I don't need the frustration. Share with me the best one I should be looking for. Please! Thank you much. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261529849643127818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-51964550373301744622020-01-31T11:48:53.126-05:002020-01-31T11:48:53.126-05:00I taught myself to sew on a Singer 403, after fail...I taught myself to sew on a Singer 403, after failing to learn in Home Ec classes. Love that machine, bought one for my niece when she wanted to learn to sew, and still have my original one as my primary machine.Monster Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12907812358470495673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-58223541757881022362019-02-12T13:14:16.217-05:002019-02-12T13:14:16.217-05:00I've been dealing with the same issue -- you m...I've been dealing with the same issue -- you might try Craigslist if you're comfortable taking a digital photo and posting it on the site. I'm finding that as much as I love to know the fabric is finding a good home, sometimes it's a higher priority to just get it out of the house and not to worry about where it ends up.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-36271991730424800082019-02-10T10:54:03.285-05:002019-02-10T10:54:03.285-05:00Interesting to read all the comments from sewers. ...Interesting to read all the comments from sewers. I learned when I was 7 yrs old and my mother (who worked in the garment industry) had an old Singer in a cabinet. I made all my clothes and in Jr. H.S. economics class ended up teaching the teacher a few things, like how to put a zipper into a skirt. I went to F.I.T. when it was just a new concept in NYC, where we had to take apart a machine and put it back together before we could sew on it. When I married, we had an empty living room, but my darling, understanding husband gifted me with a top end Singer in a desk cabinet, that cost him about 10 months of Rent for our apartment. I have made all the clothes for all my children and also suits for my husband who appreciated a well fitting garment. I currently have a New Home straight and zigzag with embroidery stitches and a 20 yr. old White Serger I would not part with. I'm now 88 yrs old and the last of the sewers in the family ( and any one else I know.) Trying to get rid of closet full of fabric. Any suggestions??NJ GiGihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14386989164525513448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-80955587754213783822016-04-11T13:39:05.839-04:002016-04-11T13:39:05.839-04:00As a sewing instructor, I had students come to cla...As a sewing instructor, I had students come to class with a variety of machines that ran the gamut from useless (hello toy sewing machine!) to higher end (for the newbie with extra cash to burn).<br /><br />What I told them all at the beginning of class is this: I don't care what machine you buy/own. The bare minimum is a straight stitch and zig zag stitch with fully adjustable stitch width and length. All the other stuff is fluff and unnecessary.<br /><br />"But it has all these decorative stitches!" some would say with hope in their eyes. "I've been sewing for over 30 years and in all that time, I've used decorative stitches a handful of times", was my reply.<br /><br />I echo Peter's sentiment that a good, well maintained vintage machine is a great first choice, but if that isn't doable for whatever reason, then a more modern machine will have to do. I've owned a variety of machines from treadle-based to fully computerized embroidery machines (It's what I do for a living). I've found that you aren't going to get a really great machine that will last a while unless you spend some money.<br /><br />I've owned three "big box store" type machines: White, Brother Project Runway (purchased on the recommendation of a sewing instructor) and a Singer Esteem II for my daughter. Of the three, the last one is the only one worth it's weight. The other two were doorstops. The Singer Esteem II is around $130 at Target right now and it's what I call a decent entry level machine. No bells and whistles, but it does have an "automatic" buttonhole capability and fully adjustable stitch width and length.Nina Suluhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08616884472638151080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-39687103196573016272016-02-15T09:17:28.115-05:002016-02-15T09:17:28.115-05:00Thanks for sharing your memories, Anonymous!Thanks for sharing your memories, Anonymous!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-32279171811480747162016-02-09T11:41:34.815-05:002016-02-09T11:41:34.815-05:00Peter,
I learned to sew on a treadle sewing machi...Peter, <br />I learned to sew on a treadle sewing machine when home economics classes were part of the curriculum at my secondary school in Mexico (1978). My teacher, who I already forget her name; but I remember her very well, taught us during the first semester hand stitching. We had to make a sampler which took me forever to complete. I was very clumsy but I was 11 years old. I have that excuse. The following semester was dedicated to fabric and textile recognition, threads, measurements, and pattern drafting. (We were not allowed to use purchased patterns) so we worked in our patterns until they fitted. We started to use the sewing machine during the 3rd semester. I could never accomplish much because we had to share the machines with the other students, so I only had 10 to 15 minutes for sewing my garments. The fact that we shared the machines and they were in poor conditions brought me a lot of frustration. I was always behind in my projects because I did now own a sewing machine at home. I remember that other girls did beautiful projects and mine were not great, but in the end I pass the course. So I totally agree that some one who is learning needs a machine that works smoothly to avoid the frustrations of beginning a project and stop it to figure out how to fix the sewing machine. <br /><br />I wish a had found a sewing machine in the trash back then, though. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-25437711145423566362016-01-27T13:42:58.562-05:002016-01-27T13:42:58.562-05:00My daughter is learning on my Brother machine. It...My daughter is learning on my Brother machine. It has three sewing speeds and she is learning on the slow one. It does loads of decorative stitches which she loves, and has perfect straight stitiching. I don't like vintage sewing machines, but that is my personal preference because they don't have what I need for my projects. I learned to sew on a treadle singer machine which had a rocket like bobbin. I did not like it at all. However, it was great for those who loved quilting. I do have a vintage Bernina which I gave to a relative and a Kenmore which my cousin uses. Both like vintage machines. Josettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17470039217443534947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-20439965633363732512016-01-27T12:09:45.931-05:002016-01-27T12:09:45.931-05:00Agree with poster's donation suggestion. NYC s...Agree with poster's donation suggestion. NYC schools must have a need for a spare machine-what with prom coming up, there could be someone helping students out with sewing outfits...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-34163517614191859002016-01-26T07:59:11.273-05:002016-01-26T07:59:11.273-05:00I frequently get asked by other moms if I could &q...I frequently get asked by other moms if I could "sew with (their daughter's name)" so I have a list of places to take sewing lessons on file in my head. If it's a child in a non-sewing family I advise them to let the child take lessons for a year before buying a machine, because otherwise there's a machine kicking around making everyone feel guilty. Or get them one of those 5-pound "Sew Mini" machines for $50 that make pajama bottoms just fine, then upgrade if they get into it. Adults should also take lessons, then if they get hooked buy the best machine that fits their budget, new or used.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-46678514327092172822016-01-21T11:43:36.013-05:002016-01-21T11:43:36.013-05:00I learned to sew on a Featherweight. Was given an...I learned to sew on a Featherweight. Was given an incredible lemon of a Singer; then discovered a vintage Bernina that was the love of my life. I think by "mechanical" many of you mean vintage quality mechanical--there are a lot of metal mechanical toys out there that are really, really awful machines. Some of the 1970s electronic machines have the best of both worlds, great feel and fine tuning. I have a New Home machine that is lovely to use. For beginners, simplicity is helpful, and reminders that proper threading is very consistent and often the key to happy sewing. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-3040573500103284622016-01-20T13:34:14.600-05:002016-01-20T13:34:14.600-05:00This is the machine I have and currently use most ...This is the machine I have and currently use most of the time. It used to be my mother-in-law's, but she sewed one item on it and gave up sewing completely, but not because of the machine. I agree that it isn't the greatest machine, but it does the job.Pricklypearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04757637235066418306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-6590545224726384572016-01-20T12:33:26.477-05:002016-01-20T12:33:26.477-05:00Each one teach one...find a 9 year old and give th...Each one teach one...find a 9 year old and give them the gift of a life time!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-91951906641341865132016-01-19T09:46:34.896-05:002016-01-19T09:46:34.896-05:00I learned to sew on a 1960's Brother with a kn...I learned to sew on a 1960's Brother with a knee pedal; it never failed but did occasionally have bobbin issues. I own several machines, but my 1961 Singer Slant-O-Matic Rocketeer is my workhorse. I LOVE her! I agree with Peter; a mechanical machine is the way to go!! I also own a 1950's era White but haven't had a chance to really work on her yet; she has a belt but is a heavy metal machine. My new Janome is rarely used....I can just feel the plastic parts shimmy and rattle, and I can't stand the way it feels. I say any basic, mechanical machine for a beginner is the way to go!!Susan Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05704795615344081338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-79591700164023456672016-01-18T14:02:17.090-05:002016-01-18T14:02:17.090-05:00At 51, I'm learning to sew on my mom's vin...At 51, I'm learning to sew on my mom's vintage Bernina! (thru trial and error, mainly error) And I'm only learning so I can make myself and my horse a show costume! Definitely makes me appreciate all my mom did for me.Tammynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-59274003561504984322016-01-18T12:47:04.493-05:002016-01-18T12:47:04.493-05:00I'd say a beginner is better to learn on a bas...I'd say a beginner is better to learn on a basic, noisy machine. I learned on the basic, cheapest Brother I could find and when I finally upgraded 8-9 years later, all of the available machines felt great. I also found I could troubleshoot for just about anyone afterward.Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11452366492486662984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-42370456350732586002016-01-17T18:42:34.512-05:002016-01-17T18:42:34.512-05:00Peter I need to talk to you. Can you email me priv...Peter I need to talk to you. Can you email me privately at knitmachinequeen@aol.com . TIA Rachelle Greenknitmachinequeen (KMQ)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06905640436931172793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-39785746539874821992016-01-17T10:04:21.151-05:002016-01-17T10:04:21.151-05:00Could be timing, but I have a feeling it is just o...Could be timing, but I have a feeling it is just old oil and needs more lubrication. I would try oil and heat and repeat before I would try to re-time it. Just sayin' But then I hate to time anything other than a Singer 66.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285943308096103980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-52701368352655525632016-01-17T06:02:56.891-05:002016-01-17T06:02:56.891-05:00I learned to sew on abused crappy machines at high...I learned to sew on abused crappy machines at high school and it didn't suppress my enthusiasm. 45 years later I still love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55176521391339921322016-01-16T19:33:07.488-05:002016-01-16T19:33:07.488-05:00Can you believe that I once found a perfectly func...Can you believe that I once found a perfectly functioning Singer Featherweight in the trash? All parts, even intruction manual was there. I already have a Featherweight, so I gifted it to my sewing friend. Best present in my opinion!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05732569840859229459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-9643627015465244962016-01-16T18:43:32.894-05:002016-01-16T18:43:32.894-05:00Please donate the machine to a thrift store, Peter...Please donate the machine to a thrift store, Peter. There is definitely a demand for these basic, vintage machines. drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16748261338750863540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-122184184491728672016-01-16T17:55:56.118-05:002016-01-16T17:55:56.118-05:00Donate it to a homeless shelter... it can be used ...Donate it to a homeless shelter... it can be used to mend clothing.Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09155989557718044667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-38713260605800378872016-01-16T14:37:57.743-05:002016-01-16T14:37:57.743-05:00Oops, I miswrote "plastic Brother" even ...Oops, I miswrote "plastic Brother" even though you said it was metal. Wasn't thinking and couldn't read properly!Madelinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-68991088584221348902016-01-16T14:32:39.437-05:002016-01-16T14:32:39.437-05:00Please don't set this machine back outside! Yo...Please don't set this machine back outside! You never know if someone is looking for one, they might really want it. I collect certain models which I've seen get trashed by others. You could donate it to a thrift store, list it for sale online or maybe give it to a senior center or community education? Please don't let it get destroyed!!!<br /><br />I would say a beginner should start with which a machine that inspires them. I love vintage machines from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I learned to sew on a 70's/80's Kenmore!<br /><br />That little plastic Brother might just inspire somebody... It is rather cool looking!Madelinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-14915596638139315372016-01-16T14:10:25.963-05:002016-01-16T14:10:25.963-05:00I agree that a beginner would do well with a solid...I agree that a beginner would do well with a solid, metal, no-nonsense straight machine that can maybe zigzag. They don't need fancy bits.<br /><br />That being said, many beginners start with a terrible plastic machine (myself included!). When you've been sewing untold hours on your beginner machine, you learn its quirks and foibles. You also learn that having quirks is a common thing for a sewing machine. I also think that everyone should actually take a lesson or two in how to sew, and have the teacher try out your machine. Having someone who knows what they're doing run a machine is very different from opening up the box and trying to figure it out as a beginner.<br /><br />My least favorite beginner machine? The Singer One. It's computerized enough to have opinions, and not computerized enough to tell you what they are. Also the simplified threading system makes me nervous because I can't tell what gets confubbled as easily as a normal machine. The plus side to the Singer One? Singer's hotline. Excellent service and very knowledgable.Teganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15174485685438721780noreply@blogger.com