Recommended "beginner DIY'er" equipment?

[Certain]

I'm in awe of all you DIY'ers and think this is the year that I should join the club. Has anyone posted a thread/article on what type of sewing machine/needle set-up is good for a newb DIY'er? I see myself making stuff sacks first to get the hang of sewing and then I want to start making my own hammocks as my skills improve.

I've got a fabric/sewing store in my town that offers sewing lessons that I think I'll need to take just to get started as I nearly failed Home Economics way back when because I sucked at sewing (seriously). Anyone know of existing threads on this topic? Thanks.

[Junebugdawn]

Check out this one.

[MAD777]

Good choice Junebugdawn.
RamblinRev has a series of beginner sewing videos linked in his signature line. Very helpful and geared toward what we need as DIY gear makers.

[Ramblinrev]

I always encourage people take sewing lessons in person. You learn a lot that you wouldn't pick up otherwise. Avoid the cheapo new machines. They can be junk. For the gear maker all you _really_ need is a straight stitch. Any thing else has a work around. For garment sewing I recommend the best new machine you can possibly afford. They are not cheap. But for modern garment sewing you need a broader range of stitches. If all you are going to do is gear making then the old faithful used market is probably where you want to look. See what the shop has for used machines and go from there.

[WV]

Ramblin Rev rules.

The lessons at the local sewing center sound like a good idea. Ask them about used machines. (Tell the technician you can work on cars and trucks, so you understand maintenance.) I took my wife's Kenmore to a shop for service, saw a used, reconditioned Singer 15-91, and bought it. I love it.

[old4hats]

I understand that you refer to sewing, but for splicing lessons there are things you will need also, not to mention stove making classes, and then the ultimate goal of trail baking. All great DIY activities and all help to make hammock camping fun. You were successful in getting hammock donated, perhaps you can also get some donations of amsteel for splicing classes.

[Junebugdawn]

Good choice Junebugdawn.
RamblinRev has a series of beginner sewing videos linked in his signature line. Very helpful and geared toward what we need as DIY gear makers.

Thank you. They have helped me, too.

[joanwest]

I always encourage people take sewing lessons in person.

+1 on the in-person sewing lessons at local sewing shops. Added bonus of lessons was trying out a bunch of different machines. That way I could tell which ones worked well for me.

[samjaynes]

Recommendations... simply have fun, and be relaxed in doing it. There are many ways to make a hammock, different suspensions, ridgelines, tarps, etc which can be confusing (and not adding gram measuring to the mix).

For myself, I enjoy (have the bug) DIY stuff, but in doing so, you have to understand that in some cases, your product will cost more than one from our many supporting vendors here. But that is ok, the accomplishment most likely out weighs the expense.

Don't get caught up in the variety of patterns, etc - find something that is appealing and make it a goal.

Find yah a sewing machine - new or old as RamblinRev mentioned; classifieds are great. Find a 50% coupon at your local fabric shop, and get 4 yards of ripstop and try it out.

Enjoy -

[wayniac]

I took my hand me down Singer 15 clone down to the local sewing machine repairman to be serviced.. He had a ton of solid used machines for sale for very reasonable... I'm sure this is the case with most service shops... and you know they've been serviced....