Sewing

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

i would go for the first or the second one as i cant see from the description of the third one that it has a one step button hole where the first two do and that is a great function to have on a machine.

the main difference between the two is that one has more stiches than the other.

aslong as you have a one step button hole, zig zag stitch and a straight stitch these are the main things that you need for sewing. although the second one is the closet to the one that i have. i love the fact it has three different button holes and decorative stitches. and since it is electronic i find it easier to use than a manual machine. it is best to go to a store and ask the assitant to show you what it does even if you still want to buy the actual machine off ebay. they can demonstrate the stitches and show you how the main functions work.

i favour the second one but maybe this is a bias opinion since mine is similar!

hope that info helps and hopefully more people will give their opinions

 

[*Happiness*]

^^^THANKS for the input. I'll let you all know what I purchase.

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

my mother just made me some leggins yay no more butchering tights for me!


i was too lazy to make them myself

 

[A la mode]

^cool! how exactally do you make tights?

 

[softgrey]

happiness...
i just went on the advice of some friends who are fashion designers...
they also advised me to stay away from electronics because they can break easier and are harder to repair...

a good sturdy manual machine should last you a lifetime...
you probably don't need all the extra bells and whistles anyway...
the less moving parts ...the less things that can possibly go wrong...
so i just got something basic...but very good quality...

the buttonhole thing is good though i think...as cowboyboots mentioned...
that is usually what you pay a bit more for...
that's what i found out in my research...

good luck...

 

[evexa]

Are there any websites that talk about the basics of sewing like how to put in "darts" or whatever those things in shirts are called. I'm tossing out a bunch of clothes and decided, why not practice sewing on them. But I don't like getting books... hehe. And I thought there might be some good websites, so.....

any suggestions?

Best thing would be to buy a book.

Darts are basically an extended 'pinch' in the fabric. I could explain how to do them properly but I probably won't be as descriptive as a good book.
Check amazon

 

[ajott]

happiness...
i just went on the advice of some friends who are fashion designers...
they also advised me to stay away from electronics because they can break easier and are harder to repair...

I don't like electronic, computerized machines, too. I have a 20 year old, simple Pfaff, only basic stiches, but very reliable. My mother bought an electronic machine with much more features but I don't like it.
For example I can stop the needle anywhere anytime in any Position. This is important for me to do some tricks in delicate spots when altering clothes. On the newer machine I can only chose a general IN or OUT setting on stop. This may be okay, but I like more exact control.
And her machine has been in repair already because the circuit board started burning

 

[As You Like It]

Simple is best for sewing machine in my opinion. Heck, my 48-year-old Singer has a lot of features I never use. If you have straight stitching, adjustable from superfine to about 8 stitches to the inch, plus zig-zag at all lengths, then you have pretty much everything you will ever need. You can do buttonholes with the zig-zag, you can applique with it, you can finish inside seams with it. My antiquated Singer can be set up for all kinds of machine embroidery, blind hemming, etc, but I have used the special cogs only a bare handful of times in the 8 years I have had it, and I sew a stinkin' lot.

My opinion is that the best sewing machines are at least 25 and probably 30+ years old, when they were still made with steel bodies and parts. The older metal machines don't vibrate so much, and thus don't get whacked out of adjustment so frequently. The best thing you can do is get a cam-and-gear driven sewingmachine, not one which is powered by a belt that runs from the electric motor to a flywheel on the right-hand side of the machine. Belt-driven machines aren't as reliable and tend to balk on heavier fabrics, plus you have to replace the belts on occasion. Gear driven machines don't lose any power via the transfer from the motor through the belt to the flywheel. They are so much more efficient, and I've sewn upholstery fabric in mine without incident. I don't want to do that a LOT, mind you, but it did what I needed it to do at the time.

 

[fashionyork]

Hi everybody.

Really liking this thread, we can get so inspired. Wonder if anyone knows a good place to do sewing classes in New York CIty?

Thank u

ps> evexa, your wedding dress is stunning, congrats in your talent!

 

[i_<3_chanel]

yess. i love sewing !
i like to sew in the middle of the night !
i have a simple machine but i love it !
toyota rs2000.
does evrythn & anythn i want it to
i know a lot of my frnds have expensive machines
with those super complicated screens & electronic bits
& they hate them. they always mess up !

my dream machine would be a HUSQVARNA / viking platinum 950E. haha

recently i have become obsessed with embroidering onto dissolvable fabric.
you can get the most amazing effects !

i would love to make tht mcqueen jacket frm showstudio !
i have the pattern all printed but havnt had time !
hope to make it soon.
hope to post pics of my stuff as well.

 

[softgrey]

Hi everybody.

Really liking this thread, we can get so inspired. Wonder if anyone knows a good place to do sewing classes in New York CIty?

Thank u

ps> evexa, your wedding dress is stunning, congrats in your talent!

i don't really know...but i think you could take a night class or something at FIT...also...people have suggested that there are some places in brooklyn which might be less expensive...good luck...

also do a google search...i was researching it once...and i found some good stuff...unfortunately i don't have the info anymore...

 

[Luna]

Sometimes sewing lessons are posted up on craigslist *shrug* Just an idea!

 

[fashionyork]

Softgrey & Luna !

I'll check it out FIT, although their price maybe little to much for me right now. Oh Craigslist, i had completely forgot about this site!

Anyways i found this http://www.sewfastseweasy.com/ Seems good

Thanks a lot for the tips, I really apreciate !

ps> softie i loved your new avatar, i have some pics like that i took in a gigantic store in CHinatown! hehe

 

[fashionyork]

This seems a good deal, but since my understanding about sewing machines is close to zero ...... I ask.. It is?
http://www.sewfastseweasy.com/items/sku/20075

 

[softgrey]

thanks fashionyork...
i think that is the same thing i found when i did a search..looks good to me...!!..

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

just thought i would share this. this is my A-level coursework that i produced. i actually finished it ages ago!

its a double layer 1920's inspired dress. the slip underneath is a emerald/sea green satin the upper dress is scalloped lace with small leaves embroided all over it. it has a deep v neck and fastens up the front with poppers. it has a drop waist with a bias cut skirt.

i am also going to be wearing it to my summer ball

 

[utopia]

^ oh well done, cowboyboots! the dress is adorable.

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

thank you

 

[snowqueen]

thats so great !!

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

^^^ thank you

i really like it it is fitted nicely and because its bias cut its really flattering! it was actually a vintage vogue pattern.

plus i got an A for my coursework i am so happy with that mark it was like 3 marks off getting 100%. i love it when things work out!