Re: Newbie: I still need help, please!








"M. FERRANTE" <manthonyferrante@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:6tkff19idfct2rug855p1loqlnmnd6toqe@xxxxxxxxxx
> A couple of days ago I posted a question as to whether or not a $40
> Sewing Genie was any good. All said it was junk and suggested I go to
> a sewing shop and look for a used machine. I am confused as I don't
> know what to look for.
>
> I am a male who needs a small machine to hem seams and easy stuff. I
> don't know anything at this point, not even the proper way to drop in
> a bobber and my space is very limited. That is why I hoped this Sewing
> Genie would be good.
>
> Would someone please explain what I should look for, what questions to
> ask and any model to stay away from? I saw where Singer has a tiny
> machine and I thought with the name, Singer, it might be good. A lady
> friend said to make sure I get something that does reverse stitch. I
> am lost.
>
> I do appreciate any help you give and will give in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Mark

Reverse stitching is done at end and sometimes beginning of seams to
finish/close them off. Keeps the seam from becoming undone.

Models to stay away from? Modern Singer machines (though some do love
them), and those cheap Asian "mending" machines like the "Genie" in your
post. The latter are simply cheap plastic both inside and out and will
rarely give decent service.

You say "easy stuff" but putting a hem in jeans is quite different than
hemming wool pants. Suppose you want to make some simple slip covers out
of a bolt of canvas you picked up at a good price. Mending, darning, and
perhaps even tackling a simple garment or two. In short while you may
not wish a $2000 electronic/computerised sewing machine with 500
stitches, you should have one that is well built, sturdy and does at
least the following:

Zig Zag
Three Step Zig Zag (for mending)
Blind hem
Straight Stitch

First and foremost you want to sit yourself down and see if the machine
you are considering can sew a good straight stitch. Most sewing stores
will be happy to let you "play" with their machines both trade ins and
new, so do not be shy. Bring along some scraps of material you most
likely will be working with at first to see how various machines handle
it.

Go to any good bookstore like Barnes and Nobel and read or purchase a
good sewing book. My two personal recommendations are the ones by Singer
and Reader's Digest. Vogue puts out a decent one as well, but leans a
bit too much towards fancy dressmaking IMHO.

Regarding size, there are tons of vintage portable sewing machines from
the 1960's and 1970's that are small and quite compact. Remember those
were the eras when quite a few girls/women sewed and many took their
machines with them to school/college, or some other trip away from home.
One famous example of these units are the vintage Singer Featherweight
machines. As many others posted, in a vintage machine you'll find the
small size and portability you seek, and have a machine that will last
the duration. Such machines easily outlast many of their
computerised/electronic younger cousins, and certainly will out
perform/last the "Genie" models you are considering.

"Genie" type machines are basically throw away items. When something
goes wrong, and it will; they are not usually repairable.

If you purchase a machine from a sewing store/repair shop, most will
give you some free lessons on how to use your new purchase. It does
help to purchase a vintage unit that is complete with manual and
accessories so you will have every thing you need at the ready.

Believe it or not , basic sewing on a good machine seems more daunting
than it really is. Once you have mastered your machine's bobbin
winding/threading and learned about tension setting, the rest is pretty
easy. Well sewing straight seams that is! *LOL* It is sort of like
driving a car, just aim the steering wheel steady, apply a bit of power,
and the car will take care much of the rest.

Candide


.

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