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The Kitchen Table

Getting a new sewing machine

Rose Pekelnicky

8 years ago

I have always wanted an embroidery machine and I decided to finally just buy one. I have 2 vintage Kenmore machines, a newer Singer and a serger so what's one more. My daughter in law brought hers over so I could try it. The only actual thing I have done was for my son. He wanted to know if I could embroider his name on his work jacket. It was challenging due to the heavy fabric but I got it done.

Featured Answer

happy2b…gw

8 years ago

Andy has a nice looking jacket and a good mom. Enjoy your new machine.

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Comments (9)

plllog
8 years ago
Do you know what kind of machine you want? Computer interface? Multicolor? Big hoop?
Rose Pekelnicky
Original Author
8 years ago
I am just getting a Brother 770. It fits my budget. I will probably buy a large hoop at some point. It's available but not included. You can add designs and update the software with a flash drive.
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I received a new machine a couple years ago from my son's family. Love having a newer one but I do still use my older one, too. At Christmas I made each of my sisters-in-laws and nieces an apron. I made 22 of them and only had to buy one small piece of fabric. I am trying to use up what I have. Then I go into Joann's and picked up some more on sale. I love joann fabrics tutti frutti fabric. Loads of coordinating prints. It is kind of like the seersucker from years ago. Wonderful prints for little girls. It washes so nice. They have it on sale a lot. I always check out the red tag clearance section. I found a 6 yard piece for $2.50. With 6 young granddaughters I sew a lot. All six have birthdays in the next couple months. Speaking of Joann's we have a really large store close by. They used to have 3 cutting areas but went to one. What a nightmare this is. They have the number system. The first time I went in on a big sale day I took a number and there were 35 people ahead of me. People were walking off and just leaving fabric in carts and such. I put my fabric back and left, too. I went back a couple days later and the same lady was working the cutting table. I was telling her I was there on Saturday and what I experienced. She said they were sold and the new people made the changes. She told me they didn't want them to spend anymore then 4 minutes per customer. They didn't want then leaving the cutting table to help with thread, zippers and such. Now, if you are an experienced sewer you don't need the extra help but if not 4 minutes isn't enough time. She was really sad about the whole thing. I wrote the corporate office and they just responded with the same ole standard letter. The lady at the closest store to me told me they didn't want anymore then 2 workers at a time working. If iit isn't a sale it is ok but on a good sale they need 2 cutting fabric. Our Walmart has a very small fabric department and Hobby Lobby fabric tends to be really high priced.
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Is this just because i have a cheap machine??
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Comments (9)
It might help if you make a row of stitches, about 8" long and look at both sides closely. When looking at the underside, if it appears that the stitch in the form of a loop is loose, the top tension needs tightened. This will work in reverse for the top side. I have a Euro-Pro now and I don't have any problems making adjustments, but for years I sewed with a no-name, first making curtains for our house, baby clothes, casual clothes and later I sewed for other people, making anything from casual to bridesmaid gowns and wedding gowns, etc. It served me well, but the one I have now has a lot of features and stitches the other one did not, and I am now back only sewing for my home and family. My husband was an industrial sewing machine mechanic for years, and people also had him check their home machines. I know this sounds so basic, but the very first thing he checked was if the machine was threaded properly. I have sometimes been in a hurry and threaded it wrong myself. My first machine had a boddin case that you could adjust the tension on. It takes practice, but give the thread a pull, and if the bobbin feels real free (like it spins the bobbin), tighten it slightly. For the top tension make sure the pressure foot is down and then pull the thread. It should be free enough to pull without a struggle. Sorry I got so long. I started sewing in 4-H when I was 10 years old and really have enjoyed it ever since. Good luck. Jane
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Those machines probably just need some minor servicing. Perhaps a new bobbin winder tire (that is only a 50 cent part) for the Kenmore. Anyhow, there are folks that will fix them up and keep them out of the landfill, so dontaing them to GoodWill or the Salvation Army or [perhaps aChurch rummage sale are great ideas. You could also list it on your local freecycle list. (www.freecycle.org) JennyG
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I'm familiar with the Husqvarna Viking line which should be accommodate much of your wishes. The latest issue of the HV Epic or its sister Pfaff machine (don't know the model name) both have larger throats, but they won't be taller. They're large and aren't the kind you put away each time you use it. Also,be prepared for sticker shock. Best idea is to visit local major sewing machine brand dealers to test drive machines and sometimes they have good promotions or decent prices on 2nd hand machines. I would stay out of Walmart if you want a sturdy, dependable machine.
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plllog
8 years ago
Sounds great! I like the idea of using a flash drive. Back in the Bronze Age, I had a Pfaff that had gizmo for inputting designs that only an engineer could love. It also had a patch cable to the computer, and worked okay with a laptop, but that still meant it couldn't be used in a sewing table. That is, cool, but not very convenient. :)

Wishing you much happiness with your new machine!
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
8 years ago
I have a babyloc computerized machine that does embroidery, takes little memory cards with the various programs. I did have a custom fashion design company and have quite a few machines still. I have given a few away to family and friends. I don't do much anymore. I have a big sewing room here that seriously needs some decluttering projects. I have bins and bins of fabric. I need to find a home for some of it.

I am sure you will really enjoy your new toy!
Marilyn Sue McClintock
8 years ago
Yes, what kind of machine are you going to buy? I bought myself a new machine just before Christmas. I did not go for one that "smart". It is computerized and I am still learning on it. I do like the embroidery stitches it has. I have many sewing machines and enjoy them all. I like the vintage ones too. Enjoy your new machine.

Sue
joyfulguy
8 years ago
Now that the snow's on the ground, outside ... I'd better get the (plain, old) machine out ... to apply some fresh (well, more or less so) denim to the holey places in my garden jeans.

Plus some lighter material over the holes at the elbows of my garden shirts.

ole joyful
Rose Pekelnicky
Original Author
8 years ago
I am buying the Brother PE770 an embroidery only machine. With 3 other machines I have most other things covered. It isn't real fancy but fits my budget.
User
8 years ago
Wish I lived next door to Raven! I got a new machine about 15+ years ago. I have to get the book out almost every time I do something other than a straight stitch. Back in the day I sewed every stitch of clothing we wore but now wearing jeans and shirts all the time, there's no need to sew clothes so I quilt for the church. I've quit watching the sewing shows on PBS because those fancy machines have nothing in common with mine. I still regret giving my 1965 New Home away when I got the new one. Should never have done that. I've collected 3 machines for the church; nothing real fancy but they work. Forward, backward, zig zag. We hand tie so we don't need a quilting machine.

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