Re: [h-cost] Sewing Machines
Gosh. I'd just be happy to find a Pfaff _dealer_ near me. :) I dearly love my old 7550, would love to have a 7570, and I treasure my Singer 221. Somehow, even though I own two treadle machines, I find treadling them difficult. Odd, really, because I have two treadle printing presses that I have no problem at all treadling! == Marjorie Wilser =:=:=:Three Toad Press:=:=:= http://3toad.blogspot.com/ Learn to laugh at yourself and you will never lack for amusement. --MW On Apr 2, 2013, at 2:02 PM, Simone Bryan wrote: My Pfaff 7570 while outdated could sew 8 think rolls of canvas and then smiled at me! I am pondering how I can get the new Pfaff that is all PURPLE!! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Sewing Machines
Then I guess I hit the lottery 4 times in a row because all of my Singers have been purchased since 1990 and I haven't had a single problem. ;-) And even if I had gotten a bad one, I could buy 50 Singer sewing machines for the price of that one $10K machine.I'm sure it sews magnificantly (it should for that price) and I can see if you sew for a living, but I can't imagine a $10K machine is practical for most hobby sewers. Teena From: Simone Bryan cil...@dracolore.com To: h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:13 PM Subject: [h-cost] Sewing Machines Wow, 21K for a Bernina? My Viking is top of the line and I spent $9,999 for it! Admittedly I spent more for the embroidery program but that was $2,500 complete. My Diamond is mostly metal still, will sew through 6 layers or more (Have not tried more yet) of twill and upholstery fabrics. Singers What I can say? Is that Singer was sold quite a while ago, and does not have the standard that it used to have so if you have one from the 1970's and back? Keep them they are worth gold, if you have purchased Singers in the recent past and they are working? Then you have won the lotteryyes they are made in China now, and have many plastic parts that are of a lower grade. If I could afford one I would get a Juki, it simply sews. Cilean ___ 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] sewing machines
If you are even considering a berrnina, i have hadseveram. They have a working life of ao many stitches in ear... Aftermath they die. Mine were never new butter were factory refurbished with a ear guarantee so i gave them chance they first and second times. It wa not a good experience even the 3rd tome. The equivalent inall things reliable andcomparativley useable is hukvarba or the liking co. Oh now i had gotten 1 of those. -Original Message- Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:30:45 am To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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] sewing machines
! My alltime favorite is a Kenmore 158 series, all steel innards! Got a 'free arm' last week on E-bay for $28 including shipping! Not a scratch on it; think it might have been a demo. There were several including carry case for $200NEW!...I killed my original with costume sewing for 30 yrs. -Original Message- From: Bambi TBNL hippy_dippy_dan...@yahoo.com Sent 8/15/2012 8:52:53 AM To: h-cost...@indra.com Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machinesIf you are even considering a berrnina, i have hadseveram. They have a working life of ao many stitches in ear... Aftermath they die. Mine were never new butter were factory refurbished with a ear guarantee so i gave them chance they first and second times. It wa not a good experience even the 3rd tome. The equivalent inall things reliable andcomparativley useable is hukvarba or the liking co. Oh now i had gotten 1 of those. -Original Message- Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:30:45 am To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
SERGERS These are all made in factories in Asia. The companies (Juki, Baby Lock, Bernina, Pfaff) design them, but don't manufacture them. Here's my advice to buyers: Actually TRY the machine, and see if it feels cheap or rickety in use Don't worry about ease of threading. ANY machine made today is easy enough to thread. It was the very early models that gave people trouble, and gave sergers a bad name. Buy the features and stitches you will actually USE. Plan on clean-finishing edges? A 3-thread machine is fine. SEWING MACHINES The computerized machines have a lot to offer, but there is the problem of motherboards dying. If you NEED a programmable machine, then you'll have to go with the computerized ones. Bernina makes an all-mechanical model that does almost everything, with no computer. And they are famous for their mechanical precision and durability. Notice that even their 30 year old models bring high re-sale prices, if you can even find them for sale. Most sewing machine sales people try to sell you on all the bells and whistles. Before you go to buy, consider what you actually NEED in a machine. How do you use it? If you sew seams in clothing, why do you need 6 alphabets and fancy embroidery capabilities? There ARE machines without those features. Again, actually sew on the machine before you buy. And bring your own fabric to sew on. The dealer will have demonstration fabrics to use, but you need to see how the machine works with the kind of thing you usually sew. DEALERS Some people advise you to shop for a good dealer, rather than a good brand. There is something to be said for this. A dealer with a good repair tech, a helpful attitude and years of experience is a great asset. On the other hand, dealers go out of business or sell, so you can't count on forever with them. BERNINA Personally, I don't think you can beat quality Swiss engineering. If possible, get a model with the oscillating bobbin and a knee lift for the needle. Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Actually, Babylock is Japanese made in Japan. I love mine. It's a very high quality machine. Not all of Asia is the same bargain basement manufacturing center. In many cases, the low end models of brands are designed in their home countries and manufactured in China Thailand. The high end models are still made in those countries. This is definitely the case with the high end stuff. The Bernina embroiderers quilters are still made in Switzerland (at roughly the $5000 sale price and up). OMG are they wonderful, but you'll pay a pretty price. --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Wed, Aug 15, 2012 at 6:55 AM, Kim Baird kba...@cableone.net wrote: SERGERS These are all made in factories in Asia. The companies (Juki, Baby Lock, Bernina, Pfaff) design them, but don't manufacture them. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
I know I'll be unpopular, but I have always had a Singer sewing machine. I've upgraded and replaced them but never because the machine stopped working. I now have 3 Singers. I had 4 but I gave away my oldest one to some college kids who wanted to start costuming. One I keep as a backup machine in case I have several people over to sew or in case something ever happened to my other machines. It stays in the box, in other words. I do most of my sewing on my 621B (I think that is the number looking at the machine's label thingie, it is teal green and white) that I bought a few years ago and my Futura C250. I hear everyone raving about some of the more expensive machines, but I already have those features on the Singers and I didn't pay $3000 for a machine either. ;-) Teena From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:29 AM Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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] sewing machines
I think there are Singers and Singers--some good, some not so good, some indifferent. I used a mid-1970s model until 200 -Original Message- From: Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wed, Aug 15, 2012 11:40 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machines I know I'll be unpopular, but I have always had a Singer sewing machine. I've upgraded and replaced them but never because the machine stopped working. I now have 3 Singers. I had 4 but I gave away my oldest one to some college kids who wanted to start costuming. One I keep as a backup machine in case I have several people over to sew or in case something ever happened to my other machines. It stays in the box, in other words. I do most of my sewing on my 621B (I think that is the number looking at the machine's label thingie, it is teal green and white) that I bought a few years ago and my Futura C250. I hear everyone raving about some of the more expensive machines, but I already have those features on the Singers and I didn't pay $3000 for a machine either. ;-) Teena From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:29 AM Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
To continue on Singers, I used a mid-1970s model until 2000, when I got my Bernina, mainly because said Singer has a free arm. I still have it, but it just doesn't form a satisfactory stitch anymore, and I even sent it out for factory service for this problem. It stitches, but the tension isn't balanced correctly, and nothing seems to help. OTOH, a cousin of mine used one of the old all-metal workhorse models for years. Not sure if she still has it. Right now, I'm using my 1973 Kenmore (all metal, except the buttonhole attachment is plastic) because my Bernina had to go out for repair. The Kenmore is doing fine, but it doesn't have a free arm. I still have my mom's White Rotary, too, that she bought used in the 1930s, but I destroyed the plug a while ago and haven't had it replaced yet. It probably still sews like a dream, though, but only straight stitching, of course. Ann Wass -Original Message- From: Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wed, Aug 15, 2012 11:40 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machines I know I'll be unpopular, but I have always had a Singer sewing machine. I've upgraded and replaced them but never because the machine stopped working. I now have 3 Singers. I had 4 but I gave away my oldest one to some college kids who wanted to start costuming. One I keep as a backup machine in case I have several people over to sew or in case something ever happened to my other machines. It stays in the box, in other words. I do most of my sewing on my 621B (I think that is the number looking at the machine's label thingie, it is teal green and white) that I bought a few years ago and my Futura C250. I hear everyone raving about some of the more expensive machines, but I already have those features on the Singers and I didn't pay $3000 for a machine either. ;-) Teena From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:29 AM Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Cynthia-- I didn't say that Asian manufacturers are shoddy, far from it. And Japan IS Asian. Kim -Original Message- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of Cin Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 10:31 AM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machines Actually, Babylock is Japanese made in Japan. I love mine. It's a very high quality machine. Not all of Asia is the same bargain basement manufacturing center. In many cases, the low end models of brands are designed in their home countries and manufactured in China Thailand. The high end models are still made in those countries. This is definitely the case with the high end stuff. The Bernina embroiderers quilters are still made in Switzerland (at roughly the $5000 sale price and up). OMG are they wonderful, but you'll pay a pretty price. --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Wed, Aug 15, 2012 at 6:55 AM, Kim Baird kba...@cableone.net wrote: SERGERS These are all made in factories in Asia. The companies (Juki, Baby Lock, Bernina, Pfaff) design them, but don't manufacture them. ___ 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] sewing machines
I'm still using my Singer Golden Touch n Sew from 1962. Just had it serviced. It has sewn everything from Vogue wedding dresses to historical to my heavy canvas SCA pavilion. Haven't got a clue where to start looking for a new machine and probably won't ever get one. Ginni annbw...@aol.com 8/15/12 9:37 AM To continue on Singers, I used a mid-1970s model until 2000, when I got my Bernina, mainly because said Singer has a free arm. I still have it, but it just doesn't form a satisfactory stitch anymore, and I even sent it out for factory service for this problem. It stitches, but the tension isn't balanced correctly, and nothing seems to help. OTOH, a cousin of mine used one of the old all-metal workhorse models for years. Not sure if she still has it. Right now, I'm using my 1973 Kenmore (all metal, except the buttonhole attachment is plastic) because my Bernina had to go out for repair. The Kenmore is doing fine, but it doesn't have a free arm. I still have my mom's White Rotary, too, that she bought used in the 1930s, but I destroyed the plug a while ago and haven't had it replaced yet. It probably still sews like a dream, though, but only straight stitching, of course. Ann Wass -Original Message- From: Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wed, Aug 15, 2012 11:40 am Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machines I know I'll be unpopular, but I have always had a Singer sewing machine. I've upgraded and replaced them but never because the machine stopped working. I now have 3 Singers. I had 4 but I gave away my oldest one to some college kids who wanted to start costuming. One I keep as a backup machine in case I have several people over to sew or in case something ever happened to my other machines. It stays in the box, in other words. I do most of my sewing on my 621B (I think that is the number looking at the machine's label thingie, it is teal green and white) that I bought a few years ago and my Futura C250. I hear everyone raving about some of the more expensive machines, but I already have those features on the Singers and I didn't pay $3000 for a machine either. ;-) Teena From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:29 AM Subject: [h-cost] sewing machines Went with a friend to look at new sewing machines. We hit a Bernina store because we were in the hood. My brain boggled at the prices (21K for ALL the bellses whistles). . . Is anybody else shopping and what are your parameters for a great sewing machine that won't break the bank? (I'm now interested in a serger, so I'll start a parallel thread). ==Marjorie Wilser (whose beloved Pfaff is working just fine, thank you!) @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ ___ 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 ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Probably won't ever NEED one, unless you house goes under water and the thing rusts. My 1971 Kenmore still works wonders. I bought a cheap machine a couple of years ago because it had a built-in, one-step buttonholer. And it's so much lighter than my 'real' machine that I take it to Costume College and classes throughout the year. It's paid for itself in convenience already. Dragging the other one around, even with some plastic parts, is a pain. LynnD On Wed, Aug 15, 2012 at 10:44 AM, Ginni Morgan ginni.mor...@doj.ca.govwrote: I'm still using my Singer Golden Touch n Sew from 1962. Just had it serviced. It has sewn everything from Vogue wedding dresses to historical to my heavy canvas SCA pavilion. Haven't got a clue where to start looking for a new machine and probably won't ever get one. Ginni ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
My parents bought me a Kenmore all metal machine for Christmas when I was 14 I think, that would have been 1973. It still runs fine and my mother-in-law is using it still. It does have a bad habit of notting up the first stitch even after serviceing. But the service guy I used most of my life retired and his replacement just doesn't seem to have the same touch. Five years ago I bought the Janome 6600P. It is all metal and has the built in walking foot system, which I love. I don't know if I will ever use all the fancy stitches, but they are there if I want them. My main concern was I needed a good heavy duty machine with a start and stop button since my feet don't work very well anymore. The built-in button hole makes the button holes just a tad to big and the eylets don't close properly, which is my only beef. Currently I am looking into getting a Brother as a travel machine with enough electronics to have my start and stop button and would make a better button hole and eyelet. As soon as I finish paying off the van I will look into gettting a dedicated embroidery machine to play with. I am leaning towards Brother because I think I could afford to get their top of the line before I could afford a Bernina anything else. Marlo Peck Lady Meryell Redferne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Hi I hunt down and then use older machines. My fav is an old Elna Grasshopper-straight stitcher, smooth as silk. For ZZ and fancy stitches I use a Necchi Julia or a Singer 319...my newest-to-me one is a National 2 Spool, the bobbin is a small spool of thread. You can straight stitch forever G The Wilcox Gibbs chain stitcher is fab for basting. I try to avoid those with the plastic innards...they are reaching the end of the plastics shelf life...the service guy pulled a new camstack off the shelf for a Bernina 830 Record, and it was crazed :- ( hopefully the new 3-D printers will be the answer! Ta Carol-why yes, I do have a separate machine set up for black, white and grey threads... ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Had a student once who got a machine at a pawn shop. It might not be the best, but you probably wouldn't pay a lot for it, either. Ann Wass -Original Message- From: fastusminimus cah...@zoominternet.net To: h-costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Wed, Aug 15, 2012 4:26 pm Subject: Re: [h-cost] sewing machines Hi I hunt down and then use older machines. My fav is an old Elna Grasshopper-straight stitcher, smooth as silk. For ZZ and fancy stitches I use a Necchi Julia or a Singer 319...my newest-to-me one is a National 2 Spool, the bobbin is a small spool of thread. You can straight stitch forever G The Wilcox Gibbs chain stitcher is fab for basting. I try to avoid those with the plastic innards...they are reaching the end of the plastics shelf life...the service guy pulled a new camstack off the shelf for a Bernina 830 Record, and it was crazed :- ( hopefully the new 3-D printers will be the answer! Ta Carol-why yes, I do have a separate machine set up for black, white and grey threads... ___ 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] sewing machines
Hear, hear. That's been my experience also. Within ten years or so, the Singer name was sold, so the new Singer machines are not really the Singers that we all know and love. I have been able to get old, black Singers for under $100.0, and they are by far the best machines I have ever owned. Marjorie My old Singer was $60. It came IN a cabinet, complete with matching bench, and all accessories, including the buttonholer. I had to replace the motor, which cost all of $17 including shipping, and involved two screws to attach it to the machine. Not only does it run like a dream (though I haven't tried the buttonholer) but it is a thing of beauty in itself. Dianne ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
Audrey Bergeron-Morin wrote: buttonhole. The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Yup. I have a Viking Lily 555, and it makes really nice button holes... I do too, and I agree. I bought it for the buttonholes. I tried several different makes of machine before deciding on one that was right for me. I think it's the only way to go. There are so many features to consider, and you can really only tell if the machine is comfortable and a good fit for you if you test drive it. I looked at other machines but did not like the way the reverse feature worked, or the placement of the knee lift, and other things. You can only find that out by trying them. Dawn ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Sewing Machines and buttonholes
I like Berninas full stop. The older mechanical ones are the best (less to go wrong, so they're workhorses). And the buttonholes are good too (although better if you do the corded version, which are fabulos. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Take it in! Take it in! Like mutts, old sewing machines should always be taken in! Your repairer may be able to replace those slipping gears or re-set them; in post middle 1960's Singers, the workings on the undersides are prone to wear or loose-fitting and can sometimes be fixed. I have jammed around with screwdrivers under a number of them over the years and had pretty good success. Also have a good look at the drop-in stitch disks if it is the type of machine with those, are they worn? -C. I inherited my grandmother's Singer. I think it may have been purchased in the late 60s or early 70s. I had it serviced and some new electrical cords added but it never worked quite right. Anything more than the thinnest fabric and the gears seemed to slip. Now that my not all that old Kenmore is giving me fits I wonder if I should take the Singer in as well. I have the owners manua, cams, and a bunch of feet. This email was sent from Netspace Webmail: http://www.netspace.net.au ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
My 2 cents: I bought a Brother CS6000i this Summer. It was 179.95 through Walmart. They delivered to my home in 2 days for 99 cents shipping. Google it for current offers from various distributors. It weighs 10 pounds. Since I do quilting, I liked the accessory pack that was included n the price. This may not be of value to you. I Reviewed many machines n line. The main complaint with this machine is thread getting tangled. The BEST advice I read was Just re-thread it. I know you think you did it right, but do it over. On the few occasions that I had thread tangle, I simply re-threaded and it was OK. Susan NJ On Nov 10, 08, at 2:39 AM, scourney wrote: Hi, My small light portable machine has developed problems beyond the easily fixable. It's an older Brother. I've gone looking at the more expensive machines, but am thinking that now is not the time. I have an old Kenmore that does the bulk of my straight or zig zag stitching, but I recently got to play with a machine that has lots of fancy stitches and I liked them. I also want a machine that can go places. Yeah, I have indeed taken a sewing machine to a SF con and sewed in my room. I've found two online that are possible, a Singer (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3199PRODID=xprd872794utm_source=Joannutm_medium=Emailutm_term=Prd10utm_content=HTMLutm_campaign=EML20081109-DrId=EML20081109-D ) and a Brother http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11222787whse=BCtopnav=browse=lang=en-USs=1 Between Brothers and Singers, any opinions which are better? Thanks, Susan in Seattle ___ 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] sewing machines
Hi, I am not a big fan of Singer or some cheap versions of Brother. Most of the machines by these companies don't look to be enough precisely made. Singer used to be good, but now it seems they're machines are not of such a high quality as they used to be. I would prefer Pfaff or Janome. Pfaff machines can last for a long time and they hardly get broken. Similar with Janome, but Janome machines with the same features as Pfaff are much cheaper. Don't ask me why, the quality is often even better (as what many sewing machine specialists say). I recently bought a Janome 6600P for circa $1000 and I am very satisfied, this is the best home sewing machine I could ever find. It is, however, very heavy as it is almost fully made of metal. But Janome makes many quality machines that are very low cost. I bought mine at www.strima.com - a Polish company with very low prices!! Maybe even worth the shipping... Zuzana ___ Sartor...custom-made costumes www.sartor.cz ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Hi Susan, I bought a new Janome on eBay for next to nothing also an overlocker at 1/2 retail and both work well. I suggest that you look at eBay, then compare to your local shops. You will find an inexpensive machine that meets your requirements. The singer looks fine to me and the price looks good, just shop around and use web sites that do the price comparisons for you. Sidney On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM, scourney [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi, My small light portable machine has developed problems beyond the easily fixable. It's an older Brother. I've gone looking at the more expensive machines, but am thinking that now is not the time. I have an old Kenmore that does the bulk of my straight or zig zag stitching, but I recently got to play with a machine that has lots of fancy stitches and I liked them. I also want a machine that can go places. Yeah, I have indeed taken a sewing machine to a SF con and sewed in my room. I've found two online that are possible, a Singer ( http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3199PRODID=xprd872794utm_source=Joannutm_medium=Emailutm_term=Prd10utm_content=HTMLutm_campaign=EML20081109-DrId=EML20081109-D) and a Brother http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11222787whse=BCtopnav=browse=lang=en-USs=1 Between Brothers and Singers, any opinions which are better? Thanks, Susan in Seattle ___ ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
And if you are buying a machine, DON'T buy a Singer, unless it is old, black and metal. Hear, hear. That's been my experience also. Within ten years or so, the Singer name was sold, so the new Singer machines are not really the Singers that we all know and love. I have been able to get old, black Singers for under $100.0, and they are by far the best machines I have ever owned. Marjorie -- Marjorie Gilbert author of THE RETURN, a historical novel set in Georgian England www.marjoriegilbert.net ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Susan wrote: The BEST advice I read was Just re-thread it. I know you think you did it right, but do it over. On the few occasions that I had thread tangle, I simply re-threaded and it was OK. Here's a tip for threading your machine--the spool should be VERTICAL, not horizontal, for best thread flow. Thread with the presser foot UP so that the tension discs are open, and your thread can go in. And if you are buying a machine, DON'T buy a Singer, unless it is old, black and metal. Check out your local Bernina dealer--they may have something wonderful available as a trade in. Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
FYI - I was told that Brother is made by Singer. All that was said about newer Singers presumably holds with newer Brothers, as well. Susan NJ On Nov 10, 08, at 11:33 AM, Kim Baird wrote: Susan wrote: The BEST advice I read was Just re-thread it. I know you think you did it right, but do it over. On the few occasions that I had thread tangle, I simply re-threaded and it was OK. Here's a tip for threading your machine--the spool should be VERTICAL, not horizontal, for best thread flow. Thread with the presser foot UP so that the tension discs are open, and your thread can go in. And if you are buying a machine, DON'T buy a Singer, unless it is old, black and metal. Check out your local Bernina dealer--they may have something wonderful available as a trade in. Kim ___ 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] sewing machines and button holes
I have an additional question, if one were to purchase a machine just to do buttonholes, what machine would you reccomend? alex hates to do them manually, and considering a machine that does nothing but... On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM, Susan Data-Samtak [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: FYI - I was told that Brother is made by Singer. All that was said about newer Singers presumably holds with newer Brothers, as well. Susan NJ On Nov 10, 08, at 11:33 AM, Kim Baird wrote: Susan wrote: The BEST advice I read was Just re-thread it. I know you think you did it right, but do it over. On the few occasions that I had thread tangle, I simply re-threaded and it was OK. Here's a tip for threading your machine--the spool should be VERTICAL, not horizontal, for best thread flow. Thread with the presser foot UP so that the tension discs are open, and your thread can go in. And if you are buying a machine, DON'T buy a Singer, unless it is old, black and metal. Check out your local Bernina dealer--they may have something wonderful available as a trade in. Kim ___ 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 -- I'm buying this fabric/book now in case I have an emergency...you know, having to suddenly make presents for everyone, sickness,flood, injury, mosquito infestations, not enough silk in the house, it's Friday... ;) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
I hate to say it, but an old black Singer, with the buttonhole attachment, makes the best buttonholes ever. Other than that, you'd have to go pretty high end to get a decent automatic buttonhole. The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
buttonhole. The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Yup. I have a Viking Lily 555, and it makes really nice button holes... ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
scourney wrote: Hi, My small light portable machine has developed problems beyond the easily fixable. It's an older Brother. I've gone looking at the more expensive machines, but am thinking that now is not the time. Not a big fan of Brother or Singer. The ultimate portable is the Elna Lotus. This model was made in the 70's and 80's. It's smaller than a Singer Featherweight and self-boxing, but has about a dozen stitches and a good buttonhole system. andy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
Alexandria Doyle wrote: I have an additional question, if one were to purchase a machine just to do buttonholes, what machine would you recommend? The big fancy embroidery machines, not surprisingly, do great buttonholes. I'm with the rest of the gang, though. The old brick foot with cams for different size buttonholes is the best. Most old straight-stitch machines supported some variant on this system. andy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines
Andy wrote: The ultimate portable is the Elna Lotus. This model was made in the 70's and 80's. It's smaller than a Singer Featherweight and self-boxing, but has about a dozen stitches and a good buttonhole system. I have one of these, and it is a great little machine, perfect for travel. There are 3 on ebay at the moment. You should consider a Janome Gem for travel. I've heard good things about them. Kim ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Actually I remember something from wy back, maybe in the 70s, a style where you would place your button in the attachment rather than a cam. Not sure if it made allowances for button thickness, though. A thick or domed button needs a bit more than the usual diameter+ buttonhole. I agree with setting up a dedicated machine with the buttonholer attachment. Just make sure it's the type where you can change the cams from the top, without having to remove the attachment each time. ;-) -Carol ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
Yeah - I remember wy back, too. I had one of those, I don't believe it did make allowance for thickness. Since I usually used rather standard buttons, it worked quite well. Patty Actually I remember something from wy back, maybe in the 70s, a style where you would place your button in the attachment rather than a cam. Not sure if it made allowances for button thickness, though. A thick or domed button needs a bit more than the usual diameter+ buttonhole. -Carol ___ 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] sewing machines and button holes
On Nov 10, 2008, at 12:08 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Actually I remember something from wy back, maybe in the 70s, a style where you would place your button in the attachment rather than a cam. Not sure if it made allowances for button thickness, though. A thick or domed button needs a bit more than the usual diameter+ buttonhole. I had a Singer Futura II 920 (the last good machine Singer ever made) with a one-step buttonhole system. You attached the buttonhole foot, inserted the button, and flipped a lever to complete the set-up. It did account for button thickness by using an angled stop; thicker buttons would result in a longer buttonhole. andy ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
Every time I've ever used a 1-step drop-in-the-button buttonholer, the button shifts or pops out before I've done more than a couple. I can't keep my eye on the button and the fabric, too. MaggiRos On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 1:14 PM, Andrew T Trembley [EMAIL PROTECTED]wrote: On Nov 10, 2008, at 12:08 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The newest computer machines will even measure the button for you, and make the hole the correct size. They memorize the size, and sew all the holes the same. Actually I remember something from wy back, maybe in the 70s, a style where you would place your button in the attachment rather than a cam. Not sure if it made allowances for button thickness, though. A thick or domed button needs a bit more than the usual diameter+ buttonhole. I had a Singer Futura II 920 (the last good machine Singer ever made) with a one-step buttonhole system. You attached the buttonhole foot, inserted the button, and flipped a lever to complete the set-up. It did account for button thickness by using an angled stop; thicker buttons would result in a longer buttonhole. andy -- Maggie Secara ~A Compendium of Common Knowledge 1558-1603 ISBN 978-0-9818401-0-9 Available at http://elizabethan.org/compendium/paperback.html or your favorite online bookseller ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] sewing machines and button holes
In a message dated 11/10/2008 8:39:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Every time I've ever used a 1-step drop-in-the-button buttonholer *** I've had zero problem with mine. It makes great buttonholes! And I'm just using a Brother Inovis 80I got to use while my Bernina was in the shop. My Bernina makes great buttonholes too...on the almost exact same principle as the Brother machine. I must admit I sorta chug along while I make them instead of going fast. The one time I was in a hurry and was making the hole fast, the button did rattle out of the presserfoot, but it didn't matter since the gauge doesn't move unless you push with a bit of force on it, and then it clicks into the next setting. But that didn't happen. **AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http://searchblog.aol.com/2008/11/04/happy-holidays-from -aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear0001) ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
