Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Learning To Sew Again

Lately I've been growing more and more frustrated with my inability to find some basic products that are exactly what I want. For example, I've been wanting to make the switch over to cloth napkins, but none of the napkins I find in the store are what and I want. Then I came across this tutorial to make your own reusable sandwich wraps. I would love to have some of these. That's when I decided that it was time for me to learn to sew again.

It has been many, many years since I have sewn anything on a sewing machine. I have done the occasional mending or button sewing by hand, but nothing on a machine since middle school or so. As a result, I feel like I'm starting all over again and I'm having a hard time picking a machine. There are so many out there and the amount of features on these machines are unbelievable. But I don't feel like I need a lot of features. I just want to be able to do some basic sewing, things for around the house, clothes for my daughter and so forth.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting the Viking Emerald 116. It doesn't do a lot of fancy stuff which suits me fine. It is a little more then we wanted to spend, but I would rather get a quality machine up front. Does anyone have any experience with this machine? Or even recommendations for other basic sewing machines that are affordable? I want something that will last for years and not have lots of problems. I'd also prefer that the machine be easy to use since I haven't sewn in so long.

I'm looking forward to trying my hand at sewing again. My plan is to start with some basic items like handkerchiefs and cloth napkins. Hey, you really can't any more basic then sewing a square. Then I'll move on to some more fun projects. I'm excited to be able to make things the way I want them and with the materials I want.

For more Talk About It Tuesday, head over to the Lazy Organizer.

7 responses:

jac. said...

Look around for new sewing store openings. I got my machine at 75% because it was a door buster. Starting with a simple machine is best and then as your skill develops so can your machine.

MrsAshley said...

Wow, I'm learning how to sew too! What a great site you have. I spent more time on this site than the others I've visited today. I found your link from Mom Dot. I hope you enjoy your day!

Ashley
Beauty4Moms.blogspot.com

annies home said...

I have inhereted my daughters for the time being while she is not sewing

Anonymous said...

Not familiar with that machine, maybe they have a website with a forum on it? I am familiar with the fact that you get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines now a days. Mine is vintage and works like a dream, the new ones are so iffy, so shop carefully.

Unknown said...

I love to sew, but don't get to very often. I've been wanting to try making cloth diapers. I've heard they're as good as the really expensive ones, but super cheap.

Lindsey said...

Oooh, I really want a sewing machine. I have so many projects I want to do... learn how to make pillowcase dresses, make a quilt from my daughter's old baby clothes... the list is growing. :-) God luck!

Anonymous said...

A friend called all around yesterday to try and find a place to have her Viking machine repaired. No one within 100 miles works on Vikings. She was told they are difficult and expensive to repair. Perhaps you should look into repair service in your area. I sew quite a bit, and would suggest you look for a manual machine, not an electronic. Janome makes some nice manual machines.