Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sewing...

Even though my birthday is over a month away, I've asked my mom for something. I want a sewing machine! I never dreamed that I would ever want one of those, but after my bridesmaid dress fiasco, and the time I had to hem hubby's suit pants, I think it's time. Luckily my mother-in-love doesn't live too far away and is a mean seamstress and she helped finished all my projects for me. But I want to do them myself, and I have a few creative (maybe overly creative?) ideas floating around in my head that I want to give a whirl.

So here's my question, how do you pick one? I mean what do you look for? What options are an absolute must, what is useless? Mom and I looked at a few at Sears when we were shopping this weekend and it was overwhelming. I mean we saw one that basically was a computer screen on the front, one that sewed in cute little flower patterns, and they both cost a pretty penny. I'm not looking for anything fancy, I just want something that is user friendly. They aren't an item that show up in yard sales, and if they do, they are typically antiques that I wouldn't dream of touching for fear of breaking them.Brother LS-2125 - this one has high rankings and is only $79
Singer 8280 - it has a higher price tag at $130, and a better name, but I seem to see more negative reviews in the mix.

I really don't know what I'm looking for in specs, any help?
  • with or without easy button hole?
  • with or without endless bobbin?
  • computer interface? (i think this is unnecessary, but what do i know)
  • type and amount of built in stitches
  • twin needles?
  • auto or manual threading?
  • auto or manual thread cutting?
I feel super clueless, so if you have a sewing machine, or know anything about them, please let me know! Thanks :-)

4 comments:

Brooke said...

i'm clueless - i have one, but my only "spec" was that it would sew a straight line!

Sarala said...

I think a plain stitch is all you really need anyway! My sister found one at Target (can't remember what brand) for like just under $100. All she wanted was something that would sew a straight line. I think especially for someone just starting out with the sewing bug that's all you'd need. If you decide you want to get intricate later then you can get a fancier one.

Serendipity said...

I stole a sewing machine that my boss was getting ready to throw out, a brand new one. But I haven't even tried to look at it! This post might have inspired me to try it out!

Simplelivin' said...

Thanks girls! I don't want anything fancy either, just something easy to use... :-)

@Serendipity - FREE!?!?! That's so sweet! When I get mine we should be sewing buddies!