Sewing machines

[Grateful_Love 114]

I know this isn't technically surgery related, but..in hopes to keep my hands busy and salvage some of my favorite clothes (I spent a ton on them since they all had to be plus size) I was hoping to get a sewing machine.

While I'm crafty and can read directions pretty well, I haven't used a sewing machine since like 8th grade sewing class...which is about 15 years ago at this point.

Anybody else dabble with sewing? I'm willing to invest, but it has to be something easy to learn on.

Thanks guys!

[MichiganGirl 24]

Good thinking @grateful_love. I got my sewing machine out to keep busy too (and haven't used mine since my 8th grade sewing class too!! lol). But I decided I just didn't have enough time under my belt to do something right off the bat - so I pulled out the knitting. GREAT thing to keep my hands busy!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Why not go to a fabric store and take a class or ask the folks there what they recommend? They probably have some machines you can try to help you decide.

[Dr-Patient 831]

After paying >$250 already for just a few alterations--"Can you take this in, please? Taper these pants?"--I will pull out my very old Singer sewing machine--the one I've had since the early 1970s!! [From what I deduce, you weren't even born then.]

I'm afraid to even look at new machines; how much are they and are they very newfangled things these days? Mine is so basic, but it still sews/works well.

I did buy some seam rippers and sewing straight pins the other day. I don't want to lose all my nice jackets, etc., but I also don't want to pay for all these alterations. Now, to just get to doing the alterations myself. Hmmm.

Have fun if you do get a machine! Let us know what you decide and which one you get.

[mae7365 372]

I pulled out my sewing machine.......haven't used it since I made Halloween costumes for my kids in the 90's. But I've figured out how to remove seams (seam removers are nifty devises) and I have taken in 2 - 3 inches from my slacks and shorts. It may not be a perfect tailors job, but it works for the majority of clothes. I refuse to buy new clothes or spend a zillion dollars on tailoring when I've changed sizes 4 times in 3 months.

But, I'm retired and this is a great project to keep me occupied. It would be a struggle if I was stills working or had small children around the house.

[par1959 470]

Sewing machines range from a few hundred dollars to 20k. If I were you I would look for used. Yes all the bells and whissles sound like a good idea but do you need 800 fonts with ebroidery capability. Probably not. I prefer older vikings and phaffs that can handle button loops and zig zag. Another favorite is a feather weight. Bullet proof little machines. Did you know most consumer only put 30 hours on a new sewing machine. The other issue like with bernina is that the new very expensive machines require expensive software upgrades. Bernina is a racket.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

i discovered Ross Dress for Less instead.

[woo woo 872]

I have a Kenmore that is very easy to use. I paid about 450 for it 9 years ago.

Before that I had the 200 dollar brother unit that they sell at Walmart. Also very easy to operate.

The machines nowadays are touchscreen to select your stitch.

[pippinleicester 78]

I have recently re-discovered my sewing machine.Haven`t put in a zipper for 30 years but found lots of help on youtube.Saves me money and earns me lots of brownie points from my family as alterations cost a FORTUNE nowadays.You need things post-op to keep your hands busy and this is just ideal.Pippinleicester.

[Grateful_Love 114]

Thanks everyone

I'll hunt for used--although I've had little luck so far. If anything, I'll hand my money over to Walmart, hope for the best, and if I break it in 30 days I'll take it back. Haha

I WILL need something to keep my hands busy for sure. I'm also a former smoker--so I've been using 0 nicotine vape cigarettes but I'm giving that up, too.

And, for a fat girl, I've always had a knack for finding quirky style pieces on the racks of goodwill. I'm a little old at heart that way, but I keep telling my husband "they are perfectly good clothes," as I take up HIS side of the closet, too.

I'll keep you guys posted!

[Swampdoggie 477]

I got into sewing (just aprons of all things) about a year ago. Got the $150 brother machine off Amazon. It works great for the little stuff I do. However, more than sewing I got into knitting. Its not so noisy or scrappy and you can do it watching the game or whatever with the fam. Everyone I know gets a scarf or hat for Christmas. The dog is my model. I got a couple of books and YouTubed a thing or two. It keeps my hands busy.

[iamsoworthit 430]

Sewing machines range from a few hundred dollars to 20k. If I were you I would look for used. Yes all the bells and whissles sound like a good idea but do you need 800 fonts with ebroidery capability. Probably not. I prefer older vikings and phaffs that can handle button loops and zig zag. Another favorite is a feather weight. Bullet proof little machines. Did you know most consumer only put 30 hours on a new sewing machine. The other issue like with bernina is that the new very expensive machines require expensive software upgrades. Bernina is a racket.

I am a viking girl too but I have a little Pfaff I bring on trips or class when needed. I am a quilter and don't enjoy making clothes but I do have to hem almost everything I buy because I am short. If you are wanting to make clothes straight stitch with a good button hole should get you what you need. Husqvarna / Viking are the best imo.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

Threads like this make me wish we lived nearby. I have a sewing machine, I have a theoretical desire to use it even... I just need inspiration.

My mother made our clothes but at some point realized that it was cheaper to buy premade.

I just have a sense of style. .. and love clothes that fit.just.right. This is something I didn't appreciate when I was obese but now 5# makes a difference in fit. I Celebrate this...