Gadgets & Technology
rosa_hdz_808
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Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Sewing Machine...
I want to start making my own clothes, purses, drapery, etc...
What sewing machine do you recommend? 
Re: Sewing Machine...
You should be able to do everything you mentioned with a basic machine. I love Singer machines, but I have a Kenmore that I've used for years, too.
Make sure it can do straight and zig-zag stitches and has a buttonhole feature. There should also be a presser-foot for each of those stitches. If you're making clothes, a zipper presserfoot will be helpful. It should also have adjustable stitch length (and width) for zig-zag. A lot of machines have a lot more features now, but unless you think you'll be wanting decorative stitches or want it to do embroidery for you, you won't need to spend much to pick one up.
Let me know if you have other specific questions. You could try cross posting on the Crafts board to get recommendations on specific machines.
I got a Shark sewing machine for Christmas a couple of years ago, and while it does the job now that I've kind of figured it out on my own, the directions one how to set it up, thread the machanine, and use special features like the button hole maker are about as clear as mud (or non existant), and it's super frustrating for a newbie sewer like I was.
So I wouldn't recomend one!
I just went through this process and I got the Brother CE5000 Project Runway Edition (though the PR had nothing to do with why I bought it). I got it refurbished on overstock.com and I love it. It is easy to use once you get the hang of it. My life blog (siggy) has some pictures of the pillows I made using it.
Here's the link to the machine I got:
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-CE5000-Project-Runway-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/4254548/product.html
5 whole feet of unsuccessful decision making
Blog: Loki's Kitchen*Loki Life*All About BMR
Wisely and Slow (My Husband's Running Blog)