Buying a sewing machine....

[Knotty]

I agree with staying clear of nylon at first. Practice on less fussy fabrics to get a feel for the machine and the various hemming techniques.

If I could pass along just one tip for working with nylon (or any other fabric) it's this...insert the fabric under the presser foot far enough that the first stitch isn't at the very edge of the material. Helps prevent the fabric from getting sucked into the machine and causing an instant jam.

[freefall]

Been busy the last couple of days but wow! some great tips. Thanks all.

Tried to talk my Mom out of her Singer (its 50+ years old and still going strong) but no luck. I'm probably just going to pick up a Brother for around $100, just to get started. Then pick up some poly blend scraps to practice on before trying nylon.

[nacra533]

Been busy the last couple of days but wow! some great tips. Thanks all.

Tried to talk my Mom out of her Singer (its 50+ years old and still going strong) but no luck. I'm probably just going to pick up a Brother for around $100, just to get started. Then pick up some poly blend scraps to practice on before trying nylon.

If your talking about buying a new cheap machine from the local Wallyworld, I would check craigslist or another classified site in your area. There are a lot of deals out there to be had. Have the seller demo it for you to make sure everything works. You could get a decent older machine for $100 if you know what you're looking for or a cheaper for way less than $100.

Keep trying to get your mom's Singer

[Knotty]

I know it's not a last a lifetime machine but the Brother CE-5000PRW for under $140 is looking pretty good.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-50...Runway/8798084
Read a favorable review from a woman who does about 30hrs a week of sewing from home and she's happy after 6 months of use. That's more time than I'll ever put on it.

nacra533's suggestion of finding a decent older machine is right on but like he says you have to know what you're looking for, which newbies like me don't.

[spidennis]

I just got a wallyworld singer "simple" with absolutely no idea on how to run a sewing machine. I finally got it going but it sure would be nice to have someone show me how to have it setup the first time and put it through actual operations. presently I'm making quite the mess but I got a few projects already done, but it's not pretty.