Sewing Machine - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dawn27 · 03-23-2012, 03:24 PM

I too have gotten inspired by all of the beautiful dresses and sewing projects that I have seen on YT. I bought a pattern and some really adorable material all I need now is the motivation to do it.

I have a Kenmore from Sears that my DH bought for me. Cost $160, I've had it for about 15yrs and it ok for what little sewing I do. It doesn't have all that fancy stuff but it gets the job done.

I agree, ..I would start with a lesser inexpensive one. Just until you learn the in's and out of how to work with it and than move onto a more lavish one with all of the bells and whistles and embroidery stitching that you want. You can always trade it in... or sell it.

RustysMom · 03-23-2012, 05:00 PM

I too have an older machine I love. I first bought it used from a Singer Dealer back in the early 1980's. I moved onto newer Singers and had a Singer serger, but all of them I either broke or sold. I kept this one because it is all metal, not a piece of plastic on it, and it just works so well. It is a Universal ZigZag machine by Standard Sewing Equipment. A oldie but a goodie.

nixayorkiemom · 03-27-2012, 09:01 PM

You might be able to pick up a used sewing machine pretty cheap to start out on!

Tessa327 · 03-28-2012, 04:32 PM

I will definitely consider that. Don't know why I'm so easily impressed by the newer ones that will cost me an arm and a leg. I am seeking one with various stitch patterns and that will last

nixayorkiemom · 03-28-2012, 04:40 PM

That way you can figure out what you really want!

FidoTheYorkie · 03-28-2012, 08:27 PM

I have a 60 year old Elna Supermatic, I love it ! Except for now as it broke for the first time in 60 years.
A really good sowing machine, very simple, that almost never breakes, you can do everything in it.

My grandmother has also 2 elna supermatics and those have been used in 50 years and always worked really well, she sewed lots and lots of clothes etc. on them often.

Tessa327 · 06-23-2012, 04:10 AM

A lady from my sewing group has kindly given me a sewing machine to use & another a whole bag of scap fabric to practice on. I am thrilled to start playing with it when I get the chance.

Right now I'm still debating whether I should get a viking or a jenome for my first purchase after much research. Any suggestions?

southernbelle04 · 06-23-2012, 06:22 AM

How nice of your friend! That is so sweet! Have fun playing!

As for suggestions, I am not sure. I have never got to play with either of those brands. I too need to do research. I am sure these other seamstresses will be more help than I.

kjc · 06-23-2012, 06:32 AM

Something odd I saw... I was in JoAnn's a couple of weeks ago, after I got my new Singer sewing/embroidery machine. They had a Husqvarna demo set up with all their different models of embroidery machines, so I started looking around. I saw a model that I swear looked exactly like my Singer, the absolute only difference I could see was the decals and the brand name... I swear this was the exact machine I had just bought. I would go so far as to say I think they are both made in the same factory, just labeled differently. Something to consider ... IDK!

My lil friend · 06-25-2012, 04:17 AM

For many years sewing machines have been made by one company and "badged" by another. Montgomery Wards,Sears,JCPennys machines are all made by Whites. Many years ago a Class 15 Singer was "badged" with many private labels. So it is quite possible that the two machines are made in the same factory,with only slight differences.

My lil friend · 06-25-2012, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tessa327

A lady from my sewing group has kindly given me a sewing machine to use & another a whole bag of scap fabric to practice on. I am thrilled to start playing with it when I get the chance.

Right now I'm still debating whether I should get a viking or a jenome for my first purchase after much research. Any suggestions?

How very nice of the lady in your class. I collect vintage machines and frequently rehome them to someone would like to learn or cannt afford to replace their machine that has died.

IMO, Viking makes a much nicer machine than Jenome. A few years back I purchased a Jenome for my oldest daughter to learn on,it lasted about 2yrs. I then purchased her a PFAFF which she now sews professionally on. I purchased daughter #2 a Viking about 5 yrs ago and it is still going strong. Because after 17rs of hard sewing my PFAFF is not doing well and one of the parts that will need to be replaced soon can not even be acquired. I looked at one of the Vikings and was impressed with it,but the purchase will have to wait until my machine nolonger runs. I sew 3 - 5yrs a day,inbetween my mommy dutys.

kjc · 06-25-2012, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My lil friend

How very nice of the lady in your class. I collect vintage machines and frequently rehome them to someone would like to learn or cannt afford to replace their machine that has died.

IMO, Viking makes a much nicer machine than Jenome. A few years back I purchased a Jenome for my oldest daughter to learn on,it lasted about 2yrs. I then purchased her a PFAFF which she now sews professionally on. I purchased daughter #2 a Viking about 5 yrs ago and it is still going strong. Because after 17rs of hard sewing my PFAFF is not doing well and one of the parts that will need to be replaced soon can not even be acquired. I looked at one of the Vikings and was impressed with it,but the purchase will have to wait until my machine nolonger runs. I sew 3 - 5yrs a day,inbetween my mommy dutys.

That's what I need... 3-5 YRS in one day! (JK)(not)Lol!

Have you tried looking for parts for your PFAFF on Ebay?

My lil friend · 06-25-2012, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjc

That's what I need... 3-5 YRS in one day! (JK)(not)Lol!

Have you tried looking for parts for your PFAFF on Ebay?

In order to work on a PFAFF machine,you must be certified by PFAFF and have attended their classes. Only PFAFF parts are put in and PFAFF requires that they are new. Most new machines are sealed and require special tools to open and work on them. I can take ANY pre 1970 Singer apart and work on it. PFAFF is a different kind of animal. All computerized machines need to be worked on by a trained tech. The manuel,older,machines are much simpler.

The up side is that I actually own two of these machines. So when one wears out I will wear out the other one. I do not recommend PFAFF machines to anyone because they are so hard to get worked on or even take them in for a yearly tuneup,something else that needs to be done to a computerized machine so they will last.

There is only ONE PFAFF dealer close to FtW and she is in Joshua.

kjc · 06-25-2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My lil friend

In order to work on a PFAFF machine,you must be certified by PFAFF and have attended their classes. Only PFAFF parts are put in and PFAFF requires that they are new. Most new machines are sealed and require special tools to open and work on them. I can take ANY pre 1970 Singer apart and work on it. PFAFF is a different kind of animal. All computerized machines need to be worked on by a trained tech. The manuel,older,machines are much simpler.

The up side is that I actually own two of these machines. So when one wears out I will wear out the other one. I do not recommend PFAFF machines to anyone because they are so hard to get worked on or even take them in for a yearly tuneup,something else that needs to be done to a computerized machine so they will last.

There is only ONE PFAFF dealer close to FtW and she is in Joshua.

Oh, I didn't realize this was a newer, computerized model. That really stinks about the non availability of parts. That makes me glad I bought the Singer model I did, though. I was on the fence for a while about it... there's no computer in it, it hooks up to a PC or laptop to run the embroidery. Pain in the butt slightly, but I can deal with that!

My lil friend · 06-25-2012, 10:33 AM

My PFAFF is 17 yrs old and I have run it HARD. It can be hooked to a laptop as well,but is one of the first that came out that way. The newer ones are more user friendly. I have started using one of my vintage machines (1958) for special stitch borders and heavier sewing,it is manual all metal and REALLY sturdy. Between its abilities and free motion embroidery I dont use the computerized embroidery that much.

03-23-2012, 03:24 PM	#31
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	I too have gotten inspired by all of the beautiful dresses and sewing projects that I have seen on YT. I bought a pattern and some really adorable material all I need now is the motivation to do it. I have a Kenmore from Sears that my DH bought for me. Cost $160, I've had it for about 15yrs and it ok for what little sewing I do. It doesn't have all that fancy stuff but it gets the job done. I agree, ..I would start with a lesser inexpensive one. Just until you learn the in's and out of how to work with it and than move onto a more lavish one with all of the bells and whistles and embroidery stitching that you want. You can always trade it in... or sell it. __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

03-23-2012, 05:00 PM	#32
RustysMom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Trinity, North Carolina Posts: 1,149	I too have an older machine I love. I first bought it used from a Singer Dealer back in the early 1980's. I moved onto newer Singers and had a Singer serger, but all of them I either broke or sold. I kept this one because it is all metal, not a piece of plastic on it, and it just works so well. It is a Universal ZigZag machine by Standard Sewing Equipment. A oldie but a goodie. __________________ : *Rusty, Cheyenne, Bubbles, Chewie, Macayla, Samantha* *Every day is so much fun!*

03-28-2012, 08:27 PM	#36
FidoTheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hafnafjörður, Iceland , North Europe Posts: 728	I have a 60 year old Elna Supermatic, I love it ! Except for now as it broke for the first time in 60 years. A really good sowing machine, very simple, that almost never breakes, you can do everything in it. My grandmother has also 2 elna supermatics and those have been used in 50 years and always worked really well, she sewed lots and lots of clothes etc. on them often. __________________ Sun [Owner] ,Fido [Yorkie] ,Mímir [Chinese Crested] ,Kría [Icelandic cat] ,Skuggi [Forrest cat]

06-23-2012, 06:22 AM	#38
southernbelle04 Katie Scarlett's Mommy Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 7,554 Blog Entries: 1	How nice of your friend! That is so sweet! Have fun playing! As for suggestions, I am not sure. I have never got to play with either of those brands. I too need to do research. I am sure these other seamstresses will be more help than I. __________________ Aymee & Katie Scarlett

06-23-2012, 06:32 AM	#39
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,872	Something odd I saw... I was in JoAnn's a couple of weeks ago, after I got my new Singer sewing/embroidery machine. They had a Husqvarna demo set up with all their different models of embroidery machines, so I started looking around. I saw a model that I swear looked exactly like my Singer, the absolute only difference I could see was the decals and the brand name... I swear this was the exact machine I had just bought. I would go so far as to say I think they are both made in the same factory, just labeled differently. Something to consider ... IDK! __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

03-27-2012, 09:01 PM	#33
nixayorkiemom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: nixa, mo, usa Posts: 35 Blog Entries: 6	You might be able to pick up a used sewing machine pretty cheap to start out on!

03-28-2012, 04:32 PM	#34
Tessa327 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 3,692	I will definitely consider that. Don't know why I'm so easily impressed by the newer ones that will cost me an arm and a leg. I am seeking one with various stitch patterns and that will last

03-28-2012, 04:40 PM	#35
nixayorkiemom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: nixa, mo, usa Posts: 35 Blog Entries: 6	That way you can figure out what you really want!

06-23-2012, 04:10 AM	#37
Tessa327 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 3,692	A lady from my sewing group has kindly given me a sewing machine to use & another a whole bag of scap fabric to practice on. I am thrilled to start playing with it when I get the chance. Right now I'm still debating whether I should get a viking or a jenome for my first purchase after much research. Any suggestions?

06-25-2012, 04:17 AM	#40
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	For many years sewing machines have been made by one company and "badged" by another. Montgomery Wards,Sears,JCPennys machines are all made by Whites. Many years ago a Class 15 Singer was "badged" with many private labels. So it is quite possible that the two machines are made in the same factory,with only slight differences.

06-25-2012, 10:33 AM	#45
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	My PFAFF is 17 yrs old and I have run it HARD. It can be hooked to a laptop as well,but is one of the first that came out that way. The newer ones are more user friendly. I have started using one of my vintage machines (1958) for special stitch borders and heavier sewing,it is manual all metal and REALLY sturdy. Between its abilities and free motion embroidery I dont use the computerized embroidery that much.