Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
Was that the one that would actually do round buttonhole? Patty since I moved from my mom's early 1950s Singer with the nifty buttonhole foot accessory. That was a wonder! Lynn ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
Yes it did, and I couldn't figure out (then) why anyone would need a round buttonhole. Now I can think of several uses for it. Lynn On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 7:45 AM, Rickard, Patty ricka...@mountunion.eduwrote: Was that the one that would actually do round buttonhole? Patty since I moved from my mom's early 1950s Singer with the nifty buttonhole foot accessory. That was a wonder! Lynn ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
I had one of those assumed that that all machines did it. Woe unto me when I got a new machine had to make eyelet holes by hand. Probably better in any case, but I wasn't a stickler for authenticity in the old days. Patty Yes it did, and I couldn't figure out (then) why anyone would need a round buttonhole. Now I can think of several uses for it. Lynn ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
I still love my 1592 Singer machine, a.k.a. cast-iron boat anchor. Forwards backwards through anything--lightweight cloth no problem, corsets easily built. I learned on my mom's machine of the same sort. Hers came in a cabinet, and had a knee pedal--very useful when one is too short to reach both the machine any floor pedal. Ann in CT From: Katy Bishop katybisho...@gmail.com I have been asked by a friend who has a daughter who wants to learn to sew to make costumes to come to our vintage dances. She asked what would be a good starter machine. Does any one here have recommendations? Thanks. -- Katy Bishop ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
My grandmother taught me to sew on her long bobbin treadle machine. I was given a hand cranked chain stitch machine that year for Christmas which made me cry because, at 12, I didn't consider it real. My mother used a 1939 White Rotary that I was allowed to use when I got glasses. Thanks to my Grandmother's training my mother was surprised to learn that I sewed as well as she. I have had a number of different machines; 1923 Singer portable, 1959 Brother, an old Singer the year of which I don't remember. Presently I have an old Elna straight stitch and a Denim and Silk EuroPro. I think what the beginner needs is a good teacher first and then a simple machine for starters. Something sturdy and tough but gentle. Audy in the high boonies of Central Texas PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] beginner sewing machine
I'd like to second the old Kenmore machines of the late 70's are workhorses. I was given one for my 8th grade graduation. I have sewn many a delicate wedding gown and delicates to tent repairs and leather. It is an all metal workhorse. I have had it actually repaired twice in my life. I just got a new machine with all the bells and whistles more because I wanted it then needed but the repair shop insisted I should hang on to the kenmore because it's a solid machine. Clearly the different years are vastly different and not the same at all. I would recommend one because they are so simple to use. All the new Kenmores are awful, all plastice Oh and Hi everyone :) Tanya ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
Yes, my Kenmore was from 1973 and it has run like iron except when it was new and I didn't oil it. I've had it in once for a timing issue but it's been wonderful ever since. I have a couple of other machines but use this one most. I bought an inexpensive Singer a couple of years ago because it was lightweight and it did an amazing button hole, something no machine I've ever owned has done. I take it to Costume College and pull it out when I need button holes and it's fine. I will never give up my Kenmore; it's like an old VW - it just keeps running. LynnD On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 11:24 AM, lynn tlynn1...@gmail.com wrote: I'd like to second the old Kenmore machines of the late 70's are workhorses. I was given one for my 8th grade graduation. I have sewn many a delicate wedding gown and delicates to tent repairs and leather. It is an all metal workhorse. I have had it actually repaired twice in my life. I just got a new machine with all the bells and whistles more because I wanted it then needed but the repair shop insisted I should hang on to the kenmore because it's a solid machine. Clearly the different years are vastly different and not the same at all. I would recommend one because they are so simple to use. All the new Kenmores are awful, all plastice Oh and Hi everyone :) Tanya ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
So what was the model number of the amazing buttonhole machine? alex seriously considering purchasing a machine just for the buttonhole feature, but still prefers her 1954 Pfaff, another of those workhorses that does sews everything but buttonholes. So much to do and so little attention span to get it done with… On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 2:13 PM, Lynn Downward lynndownw...@gmail.com wrote: I bought an inexpensive Singer a couple of years ago because it was lightweight and it did an amazing button hole, something no machine I've ever owned has done. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
Not at home, so I can't be certain. It's either a Singer Tradition 2250 or 2259 or an Esteem II 2273. They all seem to have the same manual. Actually, the machine was on sale at Target for $69 instead of the usual $89 or $99 and didn't come with a manual; I had to download it from the Singer website - therefore my confusion. It's the first machine I've owned that had a one-step buttonhole since I moved from my mom's early 1950s Singer with the nifty buttonhole foot accessory. That was a wonder! Lynn On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 12:40 PM, Alexandria Doyle garbaho...@gmail.comwrote: So what was the model number of the amazing buttonhole machine? alex seriously considering purchasing a machine just for the buttonhole feature, but still prefers her 1954 Pfaff, another of those workhorses that does sews everything but buttonholes. So much to do and so little attention span to get it done with… On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 2:13 PM, Lynn Downward lynndownw...@gmail.com wrote: I bought an inexpensive Singer a couple of years ago because it was lightweight and it did an amazing button hole, something no machine I've ever owned has done. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
Yes, I have an older Kenmore as well - not used much anymore, except for really heavy-duty stuff I don't want to risk my fancy computer machine on. Main reason I went away from it was it was one of that short time period of the Super Hi-Bar foot shank - meaning if Sears didn't make a foot for it, you were SOL. My sewing needs had progressed to where I needed the other feet. Sandy At 01:24 PM 2/7/2012, you wrote: I'd like to second the old Kenmore machines of the late 70's are workhorses. I was given one for my 8th grade graduation. I have sewn many a delicate wedding gown and delicates to tent repairs and leather. It is an all metal workhorse. I have had it actually repaired twice in my life. I just got a new machine with all the bells and whistles more because I wanted it then needed but the repair shop insisted I should hang on to the kenmore because it's a solid machine. Clearly the different years are vastly different and not the same at all. I would recommend one because they are so simple to use. All the new Kenmores are awful, all plastice Oh and Hi everyone :) Tanya ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume International Costumers' Guild Archivist http://www.costume.org/gallery2/main.php Those Who Fail to Learn History Are Doomed to Repeat It; Those Who Fail To Learn History Correctly - Why They Are Simply Doomed. Achemdro'hm The Illusion of Historical Fact -- C. Y. 4971 Andromeda ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] beginner sewing machine
I have been asked by a friend who has a daughter who wants to learn to sew to make costumes to come to our vintage dances. She asked what would be a good starter machine. Does any one here have recommendations? Thanks. -- Katy Bishop, Vintage Victorian katybisho...@gmail.com www.VintageVictorian.com Custom reproduction gowns of the Victorian Era. Publisher of the Vintage Dress Series books. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
If you want to purchase a new machine, I recommend the lower end models of Babylock. I recently went looking on a similar quest and found that for the price they seem to offer the most. Side by side with other machines, they made the least noise. I was really surprised at how clickity clack the Pfaff and Bernina were. This may sound silly, but I figure if my machine is making noises brand new, it can mean nothing but wear and failure over the long haul. My preference however is to work on all metal vintage machines. My newest is a 1947 Kenmore (which was actually made in Germany). I have 2 singers one of which is a Featherweight. Both are from the early 1900s. I am sure you will get LOTS of differing opinions on this however! Sg On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:17 AM, Katy Bishop katybisho...@gmail.com wrote: I have been asked by a friend who has a daughter who wants to learn to sew to make costumes to come to our vintage dances. She asked what would be a good starter machine. Does any one here have recommendations? Thanks. -- Katy Bishop, Vintage Victorian katybisho...@gmail.comwww.VintageVictorian.com Custom reproduction gowns of the Victorian Era. Publisher of the Vintage Dress Series books. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume -- -Sg- ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
I still love my Sears Kenmore (I've had it for 25 years), and I recommend the newer ones as well. They are not expensive and my feeling is that a plain machine that can do straight and zog-zag is more than enough for a beginning sewer. If well-maintained they should work well forever. Yorus in cosutming, LisaA On Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:17:50 -0500 Katy Bishop katybisho...@gmail.com writes: I have been asked by a friend who has a daughter who wants to learn to sew to make costumes to come to our vintage dances. She asked what would be a good starter machine. Does any one here have recommendations? Thanks. -- Katy Bishop, Vintage Victorian katybisho...@gmail.comwww.VintageVictorian.com Custom reproduction gowns of the Victorian Era. Publisher of the Vintage Dress Series books. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
After sewing using my mothers machine, I picked up an older metal machine from St. Vincent De Paul for $7. Swapped out the electrical plug and it works amazingly. Can't determine the brand or year but it's held up better than my mothers machine. Many of the newer machines out there are mostly plastic, unless you go for higher end models. Unless she plans on quilting or doing fancy stitching, stock with a basic zig-zag machine - especially if she plans on sewing historical costumes. I personally would rather put my money into better materials than a fancy new machine where I only use a few stitches on out of the hundred it can do, but that's me. Michael Deibert OAS AAS LLS Sent from my iPhone On Feb 6, 2012, at 11:04, Wicked Frau wickedf...@gmail.com wrote: If you want to purchase a new machine, I recommend the lower end models of Babylock. I recently went looking on a similar quest and found that for the price they seem to offer the most. Side by side with other machines, they made the least noise. I was really surprised at how clickity clack the Pfaff and Bernina were. This may sound silly, but I figure if my machine is making noises brand new, it can mean nothing but wear and failure over the long haul. My preference however is to work on all metal vintage machines. My newest is a 1947 Kenmore (which was actually made in Germany). I have 2 singers one of which is a Featherweight. Both are from the early 1900s. I am sure you will get LOTS of differing opinions on this however! Sg On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:17 AM, Katy Bishop katybisho...@gmail.com wrote: I have been asked by a friend who has a daughter who wants to learn to sew to make costumes to come to our vintage dances. She asked what would be a good starter machine. Does any one here have recommendations? Thanks. -- Katy Bishop, Vintage Victorian katybisho...@gmail.comwww.VintageVictorian.com Custom reproduction gowns of the Victorian Era. Publisher of the Vintage Dress Series books. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume -- -Sg- ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
It's not the number of stitches that's important, it's the quality of the stitch. I have a treadle Singer from the 1920's. It sews a beautiful stitch. But it's definitely NOT easy to use. The beauty of a modern, computerized machine lies in its user-friendly features, such as needle-stop down, and electronic stitch control in the presser foot. I really use the knee lever on my Bernina to raise and lower the presser foot, too. It's like having a 3rd hand. I'm sorry to say that most sewing machine retailers remind me of snake oil salesmen. (NOTE: I did say most, not all.) Try to listen to them only with one ear, and take what they say with a grain of salt. But do bring your own fabric, the type you most often use, and insist on doing some test sewing. You are the one who will be using the machine, not the salesperson, You need to try it out. My recommendation would be to look for a good, sturdy used machine. Start by looking for a Bernina (not Bernette). Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
For any who want an old metal machine: I would recommend against the Kenmore. I grew up using (and cussing!) my mother's ca 1962 Kenmore. It *ate* thinner fabrics. I used it periodically to mend my Dad's clothing when home for visits, and even with years more experience sewing, I never made peace with the clunker. In fact, it's available in Santa Barbara, California if anyone's interested. Decent modern cabinet and quite clean. Make an offer :) My personal take about Bernina is that the knee lever was made for short people. Hated that so-called feature. I ended up with a Pfaff about 20 years ago and I utterly love it. Wonderfully solid machine. ==Marjorie On Feb 6, 2012, at 9:29 AM, Kim Baird wrote: It's not the number of stitches that's important, it's the quality of the stitch. I have a treadle Singer from the 1920's. It sews a beautiful stitch. But it's definitely NOT easy to use. The beauty of a modern, computerized machine lies in its user-friendly features, such as needle-stop down, and electronic stitch control in the presser foot. I really use the knee lever on my Bernina to raise and lower the presser foot, too. It's like having a 3rd hand. I'm sorry to say that most sewing machine retailers remind me of snake oil salesmen. (NOTE: I did say most, not all.) Try to listen to them only with one ear, and take what they say with a grain of salt. But do bring your own fabric, the type you most often use, and insist on doing some test sewing. You are the one who will be using the machine, not the salesperson, You need to try it out. My recommendation would be to look for a good, sturdy used machine. Start by looking for a Bernina (not Bernette). Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] beginner sewing machine
On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com wrote: I would recommend against the Kenmore. I grew up using (and cussing!) my mother's ca 1962 Kenmore. It *ate* thinner fabrics. I used it periodically to mend my Dad's clothing when home for visits, and even with years more experience sewing, I never made peace with the clunker. Kenmore machines were (and still are) made for Sears/Kenmore by whatever manufacturer Sears is contracting with at the moment. For decades, they were made by White (excellent machines), but by the early 60's they switched to foreign manufacturers. That pretty much killed White, now it's just a name that's been passed around between different companies that bought and sold the trademark. In the late 70's to mid 80's Sears was using a pretty good Japanese manufacturer (no, I don't know which one), but it's totally a YMMV situation. andy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
