I want to get a sewing machine so that I can start making my own costumes. I've been wanting to do this sort of thing for a while but I needed a sewing machine to really get started
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From what I can remember, the sky is the limit with this sort of thing. If you can get someone to drive you, the best place to look around is Ottawa Street in Hamilton. It's considered one of the biggest, if not THE biggest textile district in Canada. They have a couple of stores dealing just in sewing machines, not just in new ones but in refurbished ones as well. It's also a great place to look for replacement parts. But, it's a pain to get to without a car, since it's far from the GO station but close to the QEW.
Moving onto the machines themselves, you'll want to avoid completely any cute little handheld or portable models. They're shit. If you to go all out, there's sergers. These will produce the overlock stitch that you see in clothes that you buy in stores. However, I wouldn't suggest getting a serger as your first machine, as they're fairly advanced. Likewise, avoid the ones with the built in embroidery computers. It's just a lot more money for something you won't use right away.
For a basic machine, you'll want to look into how it feels to use - is the foot pedel stiff or uncomfortable, etc. When you start, you'll probably be using a lock stitch and most machines will do that. It's pretty basic. I'd stick with a decent brand, just so you won't have the motor burn out on you. Needles and other parts can be bought at a good store. Of the top of my head, the needles themselves are what's going to make or break you. You'll want to buy the right needle for the material. Sounds simple, but I remember kids back in middle school trying to sew denim with normal needles. 0_0
I don't want to sounds like an ass, but the machine itself is pretty much a tool and most suckage comes from the lack of skill on the user's part. I'm not really skilled at sewing myself, but I can pick out faults in sewed costumes and stuff. Also, get a good iron and and ironing board, but that's expected.
From what I can remember, the sky is the limit with this sort of thing. If you can get someone to drive you, the best place to look around is Ottawa Street in Hamilton. It's considered one of the biggest, if not THE biggest textile district in Canada. They have a couple of stores dealing just in sewing machines, not just in new ones but in refurbished ones as well. It's also a great place to look for replacement parts. But, it's a pain to get to without a car, since it's far from the GO station but close to the QEW.
Moving onto the machines themselves, you'll want to avoid completely any cute little handheld or portable models. They're shit. If you to go all out, there's sergers. These will produce the overlock stitch that you see in clothes that you buy in stores. However, I wouldn't suggest getting a serger as your first machine, as they're fairly advanced. Likewise, avoid the ones with the built in embroidery computers. It's just a lot more money for something you won't use right away.
For a basic machine, you'll want to look into how it feels to use - is the foot pedel stiff or uncomfortable, etc. When you start, you'll probably be using a lock stitch and most machines will do that. It's pretty basic. I'd stick with a decent brand, just so you won't have the motor burn out on you. Needles and other parts can be bought at a good store. Of the top of my head, the needles themselves are what's going to make or break you. You'll want to buy the right needle for the material. Sounds simple, but I remember kids back in middle school trying to sew denim with normal needles. 0_0
I don't want to sounds like an ass, but the machine itself is pretty much a tool and most suckage comes from the lack of skill on the user's part. I'm not really skilled at sewing myself, but I can pick out faults in sewed costumes and stuff. Also, get a good iron and and ironing board, but that's expected.
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