Why oh why did I turn down Mum's machine?

[drunken_hedghog]

 To any of the sewing-minded peeps on my f-list, do you have any advice re: sewing machines?

I'm thinking about something cheap and cheerful, but are there any features that you couldn't live without? Any brands that you'd avoid? Tips and tricks are more than welcome.

Comments

[ionicaq]

OK, seriously mad at myself for getting rid of my sewing machine when I moved. I mean, it weighed like 9 billion pounds since it was from like 1965 and still made of metal, but I totally should have figured out how to bring it with me. Anyway, that said

[drunken_hedghog]

Funnily enough, that's similar if not the same to the Brother machine that I've been eyeing up. Thank you for the list. It's reassured me that I'm not being greedy, but that these things are necessities. Especially if I'm trying to sew a reproduction Napoleonic uniform.

I'd be tempted to get a metal one, but I don't think we have a table in the house capable of carrying it. Our dining room table is collapsible, so I'll be limited to plastic.

[ionicaq]

Ooh, if you're doing heavy material make sure you get one with an adjustable presser foot. Or look for something that says it can do heavy fabrics. Otherwise once you have a double thickness of fabric you may have an issue sewing through it

[drunken_hedghog]

I have done a GCSE in textiles which would put me up to, maybe high-school standard? Do you get taught sewing and that sort of thing in high-school? Either way, I'm not a novice, but it's been quite a while since I wielded needle and thread for anything more intricate than repairs

just dropping by to say

[psyfic]

Re: just dropping by to say

[drunken_hedghog]

Oh god, I've only just seen this! Thank you so much, I love the gif.