It's simple, easy to use, inexpensive, and still has enough functions to do what you need and then some. I've made clothing for my kids, curtains, blankets and quilts, and other little crafty things with mine.
I would go to your local sew and vac store and try out some of the machines - the staff members are usually super helpful and want to make sure you find the right machine for your needs. They also do "trade ups" so it could be possible that they have a used one that is refurbished for a discount.
I'd lend you mine (poor Pfaff is collecting dust as we speak) but IDK how close to Seattle/Bellevue, WA you are lol. I promise I'll use mine soon, just building up the confidence.
The only "craft" type store we have in town is Michaels and it doesn't have sewing supplies or fabric. The only place to buy a machine within a three hour drive is Wal-Mart :(
I am in the back woods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan :(
There are some good ones online or at Walmart, sometimes Sears, for under $150. A friend of mine was looking at the Project Runway models, and they looked pretty good.
But, you may be able to rent time on a machine at your local sewing shop, who can also help you decide what you need if you want to go that way. But, I'm not sure how affordable they are, since I don't know how the entry-level models run. I have a student machine my mom bought me, so I have no idea how bad it was.
But, there's not really anything special about a quilting machine, unless you want one to do fancy patterns. What matters is the needle.
I'm also planning to do my own bedding. I'm going with space stuff. I'm excited.
Aww space stuff is going to be so cool!! I am going with tropical fish and sea shells :)
Unfortunately we don't have a local sewing shop or anything like that around here. Wal-Mart is the only place to go within a three hour drive.
I am thinking that once I get started I will probably be addicted and subsequently want to get a machine that will last me learning "new" sewing skills once I move past the basics. Any time I have started to learn anything crafty - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking I've gotten completely obsessed.
Well, most of Walmart's machines are site-to-store, so that'll cut out shipping costs.
And, I love my plastic sewing machine box, for the record. I have that white one they sell. It's fantastic at keeping the cats and small hands out of the needles and such. My friend's two year old LOVES trying to eat straight pins. *dies*
The ones they sell at walmart are actually quite good. When i was planning to buy mine I was looking at walmart because they are pretty great for the prices (my dad is a fashion designer and he actually recommended a couple of the walmart ones around that price range as a starter sewing machine).
I ended up getting a semi-professional one as a gift before I could buy anything though, and love it, but it is closer to around $800.
I had a top of the line one that I hated. Too many bells and whistles can make it intimidating to use. I inherited a simple Brother machine and it's been perfect for all my needs. Any of the basic machines sold at Wal*Mart should work just fine for your needs.
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It's simple, easy to use, inexpensive, and still has enough functions to do what you need and then some. I've made clothing for my kids, curtains, blankets and quilts, and other little crafty things with mine.
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I'd lend you mine (poor Pfaff is collecting dust as we speak) but IDK how close to Seattle/Bellevue, WA you are lol. I promise I'll use mine soon, just building up the confidence.
Reply
I am in the back woods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan :(
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But, you may be able to rent time on a machine at your local sewing shop, who can also help you decide what you need if you want to go that way. But, I'm not sure how affordable they are, since I don't know how the entry-level models run. I have a student machine my mom bought me, so I have no idea how bad it was.
But, there's not really anything special about a quilting machine, unless you want one to do fancy patterns. What matters is the needle.
I'm also planning to do my own bedding. I'm going with space stuff. I'm excited.
Reply
Unfortunately we don't have a local sewing shop or anything like that around here. Wal-Mart is the only place to go within a three hour drive.
I am thinking that once I get started I will probably be addicted and subsequently want to get a machine that will last me learning "new" sewing skills once I move past the basics. Any time I have started to learn anything crafty - knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking I've gotten completely obsessed.
Reply
And, I love my plastic sewing machine box, for the record. I have that white one they sell. It's fantastic at keeping the cats and small hands out of the needles and such. My friend's two year old LOVES trying to eat straight pins. *dies*
Reply
I ended up getting a semi-professional one as a gift before I could buy anything though, and love it, but it is closer to around $800.
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