Sewing Machine Help

[Carol Shafer]

I would love to buy a sewing machine that I could use for stamping and also for small craft sewing projects. I have an old "White" machine in my closet but it is just too heavy and inconvenient to take out for small projects. Has anyone bought a small, light one that is of good quality and that you would recommend? Thanks, Carol

[Jessrose21]

Don't get the little one from Michaels!! It really sucks, even though it's cheap, because it doesn't have a lower bobbin. I have a Pacesetter by Brother that I really like but it's a good 15 to 20 lbs. Once I get my bigger stamp room set up I plan on leaving it out on my table permanently so I don't have lug it around. Maybe try one from Walmart so that if you have a problem you can return it. They would probably let you take it out of the box to see how heavy it is.

[chandralyn]

Ben Franklin for about $10. It doesn't have a lower bobbin either. It may be the same one Michaels is selling. It took a little practice to get good results. Now, I love it for my paper and vellum projects, but it's useless :( for anything else.

[Stampinaholic]

Sew Precious at Wal-Mart. http://www.walmart.com/appliance-hou...sewing-machine

[LateNightScrappin]

I got this one off QVC-- it is 5 lbs... and works awesome. I only use it for Scrapbooking and card making even though you could use it for a regular machine...



Item Number F10230
"Sew Petite" Portable Mini Sewing Machine by Janome

Retail Value $87.00
QVC Price $60.00
Introductory Price $54.91
Shipping and Handling $6.47
Save! Buy two or more and save on S & H. Click here for details.


Small in size but big on features! A must-have for every household, the Janome mini sewing machine has what it takes to keep your wardrobe together and your projects complete--and it won't take up a ton of space in your home.

At less than 5 lbs, this portable champ delivers plenty of precision-quality stitching on a variety of lightweight, low-density fabrics. A handy free arm makes sleeves, cuffs, and other circular sewing tasks a breeze. The top drop-in bobbin and the transparent cover let you keep tabs on the supply. Storage and transport are a cinch, too, thanks to a convenient compact design. From quilting to crafting, home decorating to basic mending, this little dynamo makes getting creative sew simple!

Measure approximately 11"L x 5-1/4"W x 9-1/2"H.

1-year LMW.

Made in Taiwan.

• mini sewing machine
• free-arm design
• top drop-in bobbin with see-through cover
• straight stitch with adjustable lengths
• one length pre-set left top stitch
• three pre-set width/length zigzag
• stitches
• reverse function
• foot pedal
• four-point feed dog
• three bobbins
• two needles
• one needle threader
• 6V 1200 mA adapter

[LateNightScrappin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessrose21

Don't get the little one from Michaels!! It really sucks, even though it's cheap, because it doesn't have a lower bobbin.

Oh YES!! How true this statement is.... I wanted to smash this one with a really big hammer it was so frustrating to use... ;)

[YESINDIDI]

I found a lightweight/portable sewing machine at Sears called Sew D'Lite Supreme. It uses batteries or adapter and has a foot control pedal. It only does straight stitch though. I have a regular machine I keep in the kitchen area but this one I can put right on my work table. It is $40 regular but was half off so I couldn't resisit.

[photocropper]

I have a great machine it is a Brother LS 1217 (a few years old now) but it was under a hundred dollars when my MIL purchased it for me. It is probably 5 lbs or so and it has been a great machine... I think any of the small machines you can get at Walmart or Sears would be great...

[LateNightScrappin]

Hi Carol--


Here are the pics I took for you.

One is the case I keep the machine in ... One is the first card I made right out of the box ( no messing with the tension-- see how the stitches look... the backside looks the same as the front. tension set on 5-6)
the third one is the bobbin holder I kept from the crappy 10.00 mchine from michaels and the Idea Book I also kept from it. I love those... seems to take regular bobbins and needles!
Hope this helps!!

[LateNightScrappin]

here is the last pic.. .didnt know there was a 3 pic limit to a post... :o

Hope this Helps!!

[Julzz]

Ok...here's a blonde question..I have never done this technique..how do you get the thread from coming apart???? and make it look so perfect..practice? lots of practice...someone help?

[laurakj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by julyn young

Ok...here's a blonde question..I have never done this technique..how do you get the thread from coming apart???? and make it look so perfect..practice? lots of practice...someone help?

Backstitch

Just backstitch a couple of stitches and your thread won't come out.

I use a regular sewing machine and I love it! I'm lucky enough to have a room that I can have a desk just for the sewing stuff