I'm starting from scratch, don't know how to sew but going to learn, hate to buy equipment and then find out I need to buy a different model. If I want to get a sewing machine for things like making a sock or quilts does anyone have suggestions? Will a standard machine work? looking at sewing sillyon and nylon I would think.
I think the general consensus is that the older machines are better. If you have a sewing machine repair shop around they might have one you could pick up for next to nothing.
I know a lot of guys on this forum suggest the Singer 15/91. I've never used one of those. I sew all the hammocks I sell with a New Home Janome that was originally purchased in 1971.
I am in the market as well. I subscribed too this thread.
"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." -D'Signore's, Tide Mill Farm, Edmunds, Maine.
My wife has a Necchi model 535FA, I have taken possession ofshe claims this model won't handle the thickness of 2 layers of a PLUQ.
Will the Singer 15/91 or New Home Janome handle everything from stuff sacks to 2 layer PLUQ ? What would be some other used models that an aspiring do-it-yourselfer would look out for ? For those who have the experience of using those models?
Great thread idea !
God bless! Brent
Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage.
-- William Shakespeare
What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other travel. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.
-- Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Check the "guidelines" thread in my sig. Other folks have said it was helpful.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series
Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies
Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint
Thom, What is the model number of your Janome?Originally Posted by Thom
Thanks,
God bless! Brent
Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage.
-- William Shakespeare
What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other travel. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.
-- Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Check Craigs List in your state for an industrial sewing machine w/reverse But expect to spend another couple of hundred for a tune up, right off the bat.
This is my favorite
http://youtu.be/kKmErs1mVPg
Last edited by GT; 06-08-2013 at 09:53.
My >$20 Singer 201 was found at Goodwill 2 years ago. A quick tune up and oiling/greasing and aside from a buildup of lint causing problems occasionally, it sews 1500 yds of thread every week.
Check yard sales also. All metal machines are highly prized in the DIY world.
I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."
Underquilts.com
reverse is helpful but not absolutely required. There are work arounds. Many industrial machines were not equipped with reverse until relatively recently. You might find some on the market without it. Don't let that dissuade you if everything else (price, condition etc) are to your liking. But, yes... you will need to have work done it almost certainly. Industrials are often used until they drop and the manufacturer decides to upgrade. Usually the replaced machine is sold "as is" and can be a real "pig in a poke". But they can almost always be fixed up as long as you can find a mechanic who can do it.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series
Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies
Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint
If you're interested in an older, quality machine, here's 3 CL listings in your area. I would expect to need to clean and oil all of these and it is not unusual for the wiring to need replaced.
These are all straight stitch only machines with reverse (or "back tack").
Singer 66
Singer 301
If I was looking for another 15-91...I would be on my way to buy this one instead of posting...Singer 15-91
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