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Intro and a Question
So I have been lurking quite a bit lately. Apparently, being pregnant has brought my craftiness back to the surface! I am married and soon to be FTM. I plan to SAH for a while and have a ton of project ideas for those rare moments when LO is sleeping and I can craft.
My question is more of a recommendation. My mom gave me her old sewing machine a few months ago. When I say old, I mean from the 70's. It is a Kenmore and still works pretty well. Some of the features don't work anymore (like dropping the feed and a few of the stitch features). It is hard for me to do certain sewing projects when some of the features needed don't work. I am trying to convince DH that it is time for a new one since I have proven to him that it will get lots of use. What are you ladies using for your sewing/quilting projects? I don't need the Caddy of all sewing machines, just one that is durable and had a little more than just the basics.
TIA!
Re: Intro and a Question
the FAQs up top will have some ideas for you.
If the machine is still sound, you may want to look into having it serviced before you replace it.
I have a brother innovis nx-250 that I really like, wish I hadn't paid so much for it, but knowing I got it from a dealer & have somewhere to go when/if I have a problem with the machine is comforting.
Which stitches don't work? If you have a straight stitch and a zig zag, I would bet you can do 99% of what you'd like to do. The only time you drop the feed dogs is for freehand quilting - is that what you plan to do? 90% of my sewing is a straight stitch, with the occasional zig zag. Once in a blue moon I use the blind stitch to hem.
Personally, I'm team DH here. Service that machine, sew on it for awhile, and use that to figure out what you really need. A sewing machine to rival that old Kenmore will run you several hundred dollars, and I hate to see people spend that when they are starting (or getting back into it). What if it becomes a passing fancy and you don't end up keeping it up long term?
But, I'm a lover of old machines. My workhorse is an early 70s Kenmore, with my 50s-era Atlas when I really need umph. My only new machine is a Brother embroidery machine.
My mom told me that she had attempted to have it serviced but there was a part that was no longer available and it would have cost as much as a new machine (basic sewing only) to fix. It is over 40 years old so I would say that my dad got his money's worth out of it! My moms new machine is a brother and she loves it. I can still make basics on it but I wanted to make a few projects that have different stitches, which this machine doesn't have.
I am trying to find a local sewing machine store or dealer in my area but I have a feeling I may have to drive to a bigger city.
Zig zag stitch and stretch stitch are the 2 that I have wanted to use and can't. I have actually made quite a few blankets, burp cloths, small stuffed turtles, ear warmers, and scarves. I really want to start quilting and since most of that is straight stitch to put together, I could always hand stitch the design in. ( My MIL does her quilts this way). I really want to supplement my income by making and selling blankets and quilts (once I learn to quilt well!) It's a lofty goal, I know, but I am very motivated to SAH with my LO.
I'm a huge fan of older/vintage machines. Have you taken the Kenmore for a service to see about the features that don't work?
My first machine was a 70s Brother. I am still upset that I killed it, but I was really rough on it learning. My current machine is a New Home from the 80s that I paid $25 for it at a yard sale. My biggest complaint is that the reverse is a little inconsistent, but otherwise it's a great slightly upgraded machine. I'm also drooling over a 1958 Singer 401A that looks to be almost my perfect machine. A service from my sewing machine guy is around $50 and he's a very valuable resource for me with my vintage machines.
I do caution, if you get bit by a vintage bug, you may end up collecting them. My grandma's Necchi from 1954 will be mine this summer.
ETA: Sorry I missed your update. My new home has both a great variety of zig zag stitches and stretch stitches. A good sewing/vac place that has machines for sale would have a few options. And mine is in a town of 6000 people.
I'm new to sewing and my husband bought me this machine for my birthday. It was recommended by someone on here.
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-SQ9000-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/6095504/product.html
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this machine. It does everything. I had my heart set on the $600 Viking I used at a sewing class, but this one does just as much as that.