Learning A New Craft, First Years, This Way Please! |
 May 19 2006, 08:07 AM
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The Crafty Witch  Posts: 4,413 Joined: 10:02pm March 9, 2005 Location: Québec, Canada   |
So, you finally decided to learn to knit, sew, crochet or embroider (or anything else, really!). You have questions about the basics? Ask them here and our expert crafters can answer your
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Jul 2 2006, 02:47 AM
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#2
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Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes' best customer  Posts: 1,018 Joined: 7:01pm September 27, 2005 Location: Chasing Smurfs |
Ok Hi I have decided to get a sewing machine (hopefully this counts as on topic)
Now does anyone have particular advice lik don't get this or try this is good... I'm jst want to be wary of something someone may hvae had that was not a good sewing machine... and anyone know what a good sewing machine would usually include I'm all new too this so anything would help any good name brands just type away Please and Thank You, AzraelSC --------------------  PCAA~SPEW~SQUEE~MAFIA~John Noe~Lexsus Steve~MOOCHKA~LFC Snidget |
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Jul 2 2006, 07:37 AM
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#3
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The Crafty Witch Posts: 4,413 Joined: 10:02pm March 9, 2005 Location: Québec, Canada |
I have a Janome at home. I bought it in a special shop that sells nothing but that. It's best to stay away from big stores like Wal Mart and such. They'll sell you something that's not a quality product.
Also, make sure you thread your stuff properly. I sewed a simple thing yesterday, and until I got it right, the thing would come out very badly. And another advice, if you're a beginner like me... Always try your stitch on a piece of scrap fabric first... Just to make sure everything is fine. You don't want to scrap a good fabric you've spend hours cutting!! -------------------- |
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Jul 4 2006, 11:58 AM
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Sewing Goddess Posts: 649 Joined: 10:17am December 19, 2005 Location: Craft Therapy  |
Of course I have to give my two knuts on this one, as sewing is my specialty!
 If you're going to buy a new sewing machine, there are several things you want to think about. What do you want to use it for? Quilts, Clothing, Denim, crafts etc? Do you want embroidery stitches? How much do you want to spend? Sewing machines can run from very cheap (which I really don't recommend) to VERY expensive, which I wish I could afford! Most importantly, do some research before you buy. It's important to know what you want so you don't invest in a machine and realize it's not what you need when it's too late. I highly recommend getting a machine from somewhere that offers an extended warranty or repair service on site. Sewing machines need maintenance. I get mine serviced yearly, and it makes a huge difference in performance. If you buy your sewing machine from a specialized shop, you are likely to get a free "how to use your machine" class. (something I wish I'd known when I got my first one!) I absolutely agree with Josée about not buying your machine at a superstore like Wal-Mart. Be very wary of cheap sewing machines. Many of them have plastic parts inside and wear out quickly, something I didn't know when I got my first one (an inexpensive Brother machine). Once I really learned to sew, it lasted less than a year before I had to replace it. I actually tried to get it repaired and the guy at the repair shop told me about the plastic parts and that it couldn't be fixed. A "throw away" he called it. I have a Kenmore now that I've had for about 8 years. Sears sewing machines are made by another major sewing machine manufacturer, Janome, I think, though not 100% sure on that. Anyway, because of Sears warranty service, I've kept an extended warranty on it, about $100 every three years, which enables me to get an $80 service every year for no cost and any repairs I might need for free. I'd really like to upgrade to a Bernina machine that is especially for quilting. Unfortunately, the one I want is very expensive and by necessity is pretty low on my list of priorities right now! I hope all that helps! I had no idea what I was doing when I bought my first machine and did make the mistake of getting a cheap one. If you have a friend that sews, it wouldn't hurt to take her with you! -------------------- sewhooked, the home of Harry Potter Paper Piecing by Jennifer Ofenstein
Batiks on Black 6" Paper Pieced Block Drawing |
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Jul 6 2006, 02:04 PM
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Perusing the Magical Menagerie Posts: 86 Joined: 1:50am August 21, 2005 Location: N.Y. |
I'm going to follow the advice and get a sewing machine from a department store where I can get a warranty. I'm pretty good with my hands I love to draw Anime lol--which has nothing to do with sewing. I want to make my own costume for the OOTP. As a person just starting out what is something I should practice before trying to make a sweater or something.
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Jul 6 2006, 03:11 PM
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Perusing the Magical Menagerie Posts: 97 Joined: 6:09pm February 3, 2006 Location: Mourning those lost in Book 7 :-( |
I agree wholeheartedly with Josee and Ofenjen. I went sewing machine shopping last year, I wanted to upgrade to a nice machine from the "cheap beginner" I had. I ended up going to my local sewing machine shop (It was called AAA Sewing Machines, in case there's one in your area). I found that having a knowledgable staff member help you is key. I told the gal what I was looking for, including my price range, and she was able to show me 5-6 models that fit the bill. The best part was I could sit and play with all of them to see what was going to be best for me. They even offered the service warranty, and I was able to take the free classes as well. I ended with a Brother Pacesetter (it was about $400), and I have been nothing but happy with it.
I hope that helps... --------------------  |
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Jul 6 2006, 03:20 PM
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#7
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Sewing Goddess Posts: 649 Joined: 10:17am December 19, 2005 Location: Craft Therapy |
QUOTE As a person just starting out what is something I should practice before trying to make a sweater or something. I highly recommed starting with pajamas! Stick with 100% cotton (pre-wash your fabric before cutting out your pattern) at first because it's the easiest to work with and won't stretch. If you're aiming to make a costumes, then starting with clothes is the way to go. P.J.s are very forgiving. If you mess up, no one will ever know but you, because you won't wear them out of your house. If you have kids to sew for, even better! Kids clothing uses less fabric, but you can still learn all the basics. Take a class if you can or get a friend that sews to help you. If not, I highly recommend the book "Simply The Best Sewing" available at most craft & fabric stores.Good luck! Be sure and let us know what machine you choose! This post has been edited by ofenjen: Jul 6 2006, 03:21 PM -------------------- sewhooked, the home of Harry Potter Paper Piecing by Jennifer Ofenstein
Batiks on Black 6" Paper Pieced Block Drawing |
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Jul 7 2006, 11:31 AM
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#8
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Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes' best customer Posts: 1,018 Joined: 7:01pm September 27, 2005 Location: Chasing Smurfs |
Thanks for all the advice I am still 'researching' and browsing for exactly what I think I need and then I'll go from there with the price and all! Thanks again!
~AzraelSC -------------------- PCAA~SPEW~SQUEE~MAFIA~John Noe~Lexsus Steve~MOOCHKA~LFC Snidget |
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Jul 20 2006, 12:30 AM
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#9
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Sewing Goddess Posts: 649 Joined: 10:17am December 19, 2005 Location: Craft Therapy |
I've been a crocheter for about 12 years now and just recently I've been trying to learn to knit. I'm finding it very awkward. . My 11 year old knits and has been giving me lessons and advice, but she doesn't really get that my problem is that my hands have crochet "memory" and I find myself dropping the left needle and working the right one like a hook. I was wondering if anyone that has learned to knit after crocheting can share any suggestions, books, websites, etc. I've got the Stitch & ---- knitting book out from the library, and it seems like a good beginners book, but I would prefer a book that show actual hands holding yarn instead of line drawings.
Thanks! ~Viva Las Vegas!~ -------------------- sewhooked, the home of Harry Potter Paper Piecing by Jennifer Ofenstein
Batiks on Black 6" Paper Pieced Block Drawing |
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Jul 21 2006, 08:34 AM
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#10
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The Crafty Witch Posts: 4,413 Joined: 10:02pm March 9, 2005 Location: Québec, Canada |
I have The Knitter's Companion, and it's quite useful. I'll show it to you at Vegas... and I'll try to unmemory crochet reflexes from you.
Do you think pointing my wand at your hands and shouting "obliviate" would work? 
This post has been edited by Josée~Madalia: Jul 21 2006, 08:35 AM -------------------- |
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