For a first machine, I would look for an Estate sale. I believe the older
simpler machines are actually less confusing to learn on, force you to use good
seam technique rather than fancy stitches and are a whole lot more solid. My
Mother had a Husqvana and she used it for everything from ballet dresses to
canvas horse covers. She worked it hard and it lasted over 40 years.
I bought a new Pfaff Tiptronic 29 years ago and loved it dearly. I learned to
sew on it. It developed a small fault in that the clutch did not disconnect
when bobbin winding and I bought a Janome as a pressy to myself. I got the
Pfaff serviced and gave it to my daughter. The clutch still doesn't work and I
still use it when I want to sew tough stuff as the Janome simply won't stitch
even thin leather, or thick denim.
I bought a Janome overlocker (serger) site unseen from an auction house for $28
about 15 years ago. It has purred ever since, apart from the fact that I didn't
realise where all the oiling points were and it needed attention for nasty
noises.
I have seen some of the cheaper brands offered a beginner specials and they can
be nasty. The problems they develop will put people off learning. Ask around
though, there are a lot of machines sitting around and the owners are often
happy for them to get a good home if it helps a young person start sewing. I
have seen half a dozen such transactions over the tea room table at work.
Lynlee
>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.
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