Free Embroidery Designs

Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http:// tinyurl. com /l5rzu6 now. (paste back together– yahoo is being strange)

What I want for beginners in sewing:

– a machine that doesn’t scare you

– a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

– very good straight stitch

– good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

– accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

– blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

– triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think) (and you can build up some interesting decorative bands from the common utility stitches), as well as make them look different with bobbin work:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4978/crazy-patchwork-by-machine

– electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).
References :
50 years of sewing

For used machines you can start looking at thrift stores, yard sales, look on craigslist. I got my singer touch and sew on craigslist for $75 with shipping included. I found it in another state instead of where I live. You can look on your search engine.
If your looking for a basic machine, you could get a new one at joann fabric, or hancock.The best deals on a new machine will be Friday after Thanksgiving.
The ones I would recommend are: Singer, Sears. The only one I would not get is Brother. I have a brother and I’ve had a lot of problems with it.

I hope I have been some help.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
References :

Buying used machines on Craigslist or in thrift shops can be a great way to get an older machine very cheaply, but you have to be prepared for the possibility that the machine may not be in good working order and may be expensive to repair. At the very least it will require some basic maintenance before you use it (oiling, cleaning, etc.). A great option for you is to buy a used machine from a local sewing machine dealer (they often do trade-ins on new machines and have often quite recent models for a reasonable price). A used machine from a dealer will have been tuned-up and will generally be guaranteed against defects for 30 or 90 days. Also, a dealer will be able to help you figure out what features you really need in a machine. If you’re an inexperience sewist I would recommend looking for a good mechanical machine rather than electronic because they generally require less maintenance, are quite indestructible and are cheaper than electronic models and make a good back-up machine when you decide to move up to a more expensive model.

If you decide to go with a new machine I would seriously consider a Kenmore/New Home from Sears. Their machines are manufactured by Janome, are essentially the same as some of the Janome models but at a lower price point. Their lower end mechanical models are generally a good value. Sometimes they don’t make great buttonholes (quite common with cheaper models) but you can easily overcome that by buying an inexpensive, older SInger/Greist buttonholer off of eBay. Definitely don’t go with a Singer if you’re buying new, the quality of their machines has really suffered over the past few years, especially the lower-priced models.

Cheers.
References :

check out your local thrift shops…got my sears kenmore free-arm with all the attachments,etc for $10!! it has been a great machine!!

I also have a 1928 White that I picked up at a mon $1.29 furniture 1 hr only sale, I was standing next to it when they announced the sale over the PA, my hand never left that item until someone came with a hand truck for my purchase!!

My first sewing machine was a singer that I purchased at a yard sale for $20 over thirty years ago!!

in your area there should be a free cycle group, could list on their site of wanting a machine, free in the paper, and the wonderful thrift shops…

have been sewing since I was a kid so I learned to clean it and service it as part of the things you do when you sew. check out the machines and can take it to a local sew shop for a check up.

just had to come back and add this in for where to pick up a sewing machine…haha…after I answered this I cleaned up the kitchen and took out the trash..in the dumpster was a neechi sewing machine!! rescued the poor thing and wiped it off…nothing wrong with it!! so keep your eyes out you might trip over one!

I did not need another machine but could not see any reason for it to go to the land fill when there is a thrift shop 4 miles from here!!
References :

Consider going to a Sew/Vac center and buying a used machine that had been serviced. You may get better quality at a lower price than new. Plus you know where you can get it serviced when needed.

My recommendation for a budget-priced new machine is a Kenmore from Sears, they are made by Janome at a little less than the brand name cost. Stay away from the super-cheap models at Walmart, ect. They would probably only frustrate you.
References :

This site sell old items and new ones. They have different products sold at an auction price. Try to visit this site and you might found the one your looking for. You can see different sewing machines that are comfortable to carry / movable, less weight, and with unique design. I hope this will help you.

http://www.bid4rares.com/sewing+machine
References :
http://www.bid4rares.com