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Hi. Until now the closest I've come to sewing on my cards and scrapbook pages is faux stitching. But now I'm ready to try the real thing. I've never "sewn" before:o , so I'm looking for something relatively inexpensive, but reliable and easy to use. Any suggestions?
Check out Cambria's blog. She is not a sewer, and recently got a small machine called the Janome Sew Mini and just loves it. She has been sewing up a storm on lots of cute cards.
I LOVE my Kenmore Mini Ultra! I got it at Sears last year (on sale) for about 60 bucks. I know that may seem like a lot (especially if you're just going to use it for paper projects like me - no seamstress here! LOL) but the benefit is that it has a FULL SIZED, heavy duty motor, whereas most of the smaller "crafting' machines do not. So I feel confident that it will last a LONG time. However, the motor is housed in a compact casing, so it's a lot smaller and lighter than regular machines. I am VERY pleased with it! HTH
I was going to say the same thing! I DIDN'T get one thanks to the ladies on SCS & their experiences. I went to Hancock Fabric to get a Sew Mini (Janome), but they had a basic machine that was clearanced (also Janome), and since I also wanted it for real sewing, I got that one for about $20 more than the Sew Mini. I have a Viking that was top of the line about 30 years ago. I got it used for my 16th birthday, but it's finally had it's better days, so had to get a new one. Funny thing, I've yet to sew paper! LOL!
I was going to say the same thing! I DIDN'T get one thanks to the ladies on SCS & their experiences. I went to Hancock Fabric to get a Sew Mini (Janome), but they had a basic machine that was clearanced (also Janome), and since I also wanted it for real sewing, I got that one for about $20 more than the Sew Mini. I have a Viking that was top of the line about 30 years ago. I got it used for my 16th birthday, but it's finally had it's better days, so had to get a new one. Funny thing, I've yet to sew paper! LOL!
I looked online at Kenmore but their mini is $89.00 right now. Can't do it.
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"Lord,if you cain't forgive me all my sins,just don't remember them too good,no." "Thank you,Amen"
I haven't used the Janome Sew Mini, but I have another Janome sewing machine and I love it. They make very nice products, generally speaking, and they seem to be very quality oriented, so I would think the Mini would be a nice value for the money. The Gem model is perfect for a first-time sewer who wants a portable option - too expensive if you're just going to use it for paper crafts, but it really is a great little machine.
I have an old Kenmore that is wonderfully reliable, and that's my paper craft sewing machine. I grew up in a family of seamstresses, so everyone in my family has multiple sewing machines! I know that may seem odd, but they have a lot of different purposes.
By the way, if you're sewing with paper, you need to dedicate a sewing needle for paper products rather than also try to use the same needle on fabric. Paper is very harsh and it will cause the needle to snag in fabric. I use my old fabric needles for paper, which allows me to "recycle" them. Hooray!
I just ordered the Janome Mini from Hancock Fabric for $39. I didn't want to use my good machine for paper. I also got free shipping thanks to Cambria. Just had to type in Welcome at checkout to get it.
Ok I am totally sewing inept. I have a sew mini which stinks. It is too light and moves when the paper moves sometimes.
So here are my questions:
1. with the jenome, how do you start/stop it?
2. is the 5 lb weight an issue
Bear in mind I can not make knots at all. I can put buttons on a shirt but can not do knots to keep them on the shirt. I just stink at it. I want to sew so but but totally suck.
Lisa
__________________ Me in my YUCKEE old Hilton room at Convention 2005. WOO HOO WOO HOO HOO
I agree with the ladies above, Don't buy the really cheap little mini's from a craft store. You are way better off to buy an old Singer or something from a consignment store. I have a Janome and I use it for quilting and sewing on cards. I love that it has good power and will sew very straight.....My 2 cents.