beginner. need some advise on buying sewing machine

looking at doing some throw pillows, curtains. Fixing button holes, hem. Crafting and learning how to make small quilts. Maybe some dish towels. I want to have fun...... Looking at a Singer 100 stich for now....? any advise.

This thread has some great advice for sewing machines: http://sewmamasew.com/forum/index.php?topic=195.0
You might want to check it out...

I think the best advice I got while looking for machines was to try as many as possible in the shops and when you think you've found one that will suit your needs, meaning, has all the functions/stitches you think you will use in the present, then buy the next model up (within budget of course!). Also, some shops will offer free lessons with a purchase of a machine as well, so you may want to ask - oh and one more thing - make sure it is a model/brand machine that you can get serviced in your area.  Have fun shopping!

Hi there  . I'm a beginner too and at my sister's suggestion I brought a Viking Emerald 183 from a Viking dealer located inside of my local Jo-Ann Fabrics store.  My sister works at Jo-Ann's in Florida and discovered the Viking machines there.  The sales people take time with you, to find out what your sewing needs for now and for the future. They match you with machines that are best suited to your needs and show you how to use the machine.  With the purchase of a Viking machine you also get free sewing lessons.  The best part is if I get stumped with something I can always call up the dealer and they will walk you through your problem or you can bring in your machine so you can demonstrate your problem and they will show you how to correct it. The model I purchased was normally regular priced at $799 but I got it on sale for $599. There are some models that are priced a little lower that that one.  Also Viking allows you to upgrade your machine, if you decide in 3  months time that you want to upgrade to a machine with more features they will apply your full purchase price of your trade-in to your new machine.  If you upgrade any time after 3 months you will get only the depreciated value applied to the new machine.

I hope this helps,
Belinda

I am relatively new to this whole sewing and crafting thing, but I have found with the right machine, you can start a non-stop craftingfest.  I first bought a Kenmore machine from Sears for $190.  I though the price was good and should produce a good machine, but I was extremely wrong.  It continued to jam and then my replacement machine did as well.  It was more than 90 days when I returned the second machine so the only thing I could do was to pay to fix it.  I took the gift card and swore never to deal with Sears for a sewing machine.

Then after more research, I figured I'd look into a Bernette by Bernina (I don't need all the whoz-its and whatz-its of their higher-end machines).  The lady at the quilt store sat down with me on the machine and then I couldn't leave without it.  They also offered a four hour class to teach me the ins and outs.  I can't tell you how much I love this little machine...it's made my crafting life so much easier.

good luck in your search!

I also am a new sewer. I want to start making baby blankets, burp cloths and other projects with minky, and bags and pillows with interfacing and home decor fabrics.   

i will look into the site given in first reply, but is there anything I need to be aware of.   

I am like a blind bat in a room of... well something.   I don't know where to go. 

I am learning on my mom's machine, but I already hand embroider and am quite crafty.  Sewing will is just the next logical choice for me, and i've been obsessed with adorable fabrics... i need to find a way to use them in something!


Any tips for a quick learner?  I don't consider myself a beginner, because I'm very technologically savvy.  but i am  a virtual newcomer on what where to begin. 

I have been watching my sister learn how to sew and here are some features on a sewing machine which I think are great for new sewers:

1.  Auto needle up/down feature - with the press of a button, this feature allows you to choose to have your needle down in your fabric or up when you stop stitching.  I recommend when starting off to always have your needle stop in the down position so you do not loose your stitch position.

2.  Speed control - This feature lets you control your speed until you get the hang of sewing around curves or a even a simple straight stitch. 

3.  Easy machine and bobbin threading - Nothing can lead to more frustration than a machine which is complicated to thread!

4.  Easy stitch changes - Switching from a satin stitch to straight shouldn't be a complicated step, but one that can be attained quickly and still result in a quality stitch.  I tested a few machines which took many little tension, stitch length or width adjustments in order to change from one stitch to another.  If this is the case, skip that machine and look for another. 

The most important factor is for you to sit and test the machine.  Don't just let the sales person do it.  YOU are the one who will be sewing so you will need to do the test drive. 

to karalynn....

May I be nosy and ask how much your bernina bernette cost? I would like to get a new machine but dont know whether to wait and save up more money for a really good one or can I get buy on one that is say $200-300?

What a timely question. I could not recommend more that you consider a vintage machine. They are so great and there are so many. I just did a blog post about a few of the ones I own. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about vintage machines. The appeal is that they are nearly indestructible, inexpensive, all metal, simple to use and care for. Good luck machine shopping.

http://mylilsliceofpie.blogspot.com/

I happen to know a site like Opelika Sewing that sells sewing machines at  reasonable prices. Do check them out.