In Junior High I had the choice of taking General Music or Choir. Since I don't have a strong singing voice, I chose General Music. I was the only girl, which is a big deal in Junior High. It was all the skateboarders and computer geeks....and me, timid little me: together for musical enlightenment. I remember very few things about that class. One: I dreaded it, despite my love for music. Two: we watched Westside Story. Three: We learned some very basic songs on the violin, and played them for the parents. My mom was the only parent who came [do we see a theme?]. The violins we used were a sight....and a sound. Understandably, for why would the public school system buy Strativarius Violins for a bunch of kids who, for the most part, couldn't care less about rosin, bows, finger positions, and a bunch of dead composers? Exactly. And yet...
You are wondering where the sewing machine photo comes in? The experience in Junior High taught me that the instrument, or the tool matters. Ever sat down to a Steinway & Sons baby grand piano and then a $99 keyboard? I tried to teach piano lessons to a little girl who had a traveling keyboard to practice on. Was I surprised when she decided "piano" was not for her? Of course not! So, when people ask me for my opinion on a good beginners sewing machine I tell them this:
What you start on will turn you on or off to sewing. If it's the cheapo-on-sale-at-Wal-Mart, I will guarantee you will not have the experience of sewing as it should be. I know there are many good brands out there. Like photography, people will side with one manufacturer and stick with it. My side? Bernina. A very wise High School sewing instructor had a whole room full of these, and she had students clamoring to get into her classes. Yep, wrestlers, football players, all hunched down over their humming sewing machines in order to enter the "Make it With Wool" contest. How I love Mrs. Price. She wanted a good experience for each student and fought to get the very best in her classroom so that would happen.
**I have since upgraded to a 440 model, but have my Activa 135 for my girls to use so we don't have spool wars.**
**I have since upgraded to a 440 model, but have my Activa 135 for my girls to use so we don't have spool wars.**
I have a very basic Bernina, an Activa 135 (which I don't think they even make anymore), but it has many many miles on it. Everything from wedding dresses to a poop bag have been sewn on it. Why do I profess my love to such a machine? Read on.
01 You get to talk to people who actually know how to sew[!]. Go to your local Bernina Dealership and you can test drive many different models, describe to the salesperson what it is you intend to use your machine for and she will "fit" you to a machine that is right for you.
02 Your purchase comes with classes. When I bought my machine, I thought, "I know how to sew, I don't need to take classes." But, as they were included in the price of purchase, I thought, why not, a free night of sewing without kids?! They don't teach you how to sew, they teach you how to use your machine, how to clean and care for it, and how to use MANY different feet. How to use your edgestitching foot, or your blind hem foot. Does Wal-Mart do that? I still refer to my notes on occasion.
03 It just sews like butter. I used to use my mom's old inexpensive machine and was always having trouble with the bobbin and getting even stitches and and and.... I thought it was just me. It wasn't. I can actually make a nice looking buttonhole without spending the whole day.
Cliff's notes version: Invest in a good machine from the beginning. It will make the difference.
i have a janome (memory maker 9700) and while it's sewing + embroidery, i only use it for embroidery b/c i don't want to "mess" it up sewing b/c it's so nice. for sewing i use my 10 year old husky star 219 (husqvarna makes 'em) whose power cord is attached with duct tape. i really need a new sewing machine. i can't do ruffles (and i've tried!) and i honestly think it's b/c my tension is so wonky. maybe i'll start a little sewing machine savings acct. hehe
ReplyDeleteu truly really inspired me to get more into my sewing, im thinking of taking it for a-level :)
ReplyDeleteI guess that's true for the most part.... except I learned to sew on a positively ANCIENT singer, and despite years of fiddling with things like tension and loose bobbins and only having a few handful of stitches available... I still LOVE to sew. My mom and I sewed my wedding dress together on that very same ancient machine... So I can understand where you're coming from in that it COULD have been a better experience from the get go with a spiffy machine.... but for me it all worked out anyhow. Granted, I now have a newer machine, but still not one with all the bells and whistles and I still <3 sewing!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! It is exactly how I feel about teaching beginning knitters, that while you can learn to knit with cheap acrylic yarn I'm fairly certain that learning to knit with a natural fiber like wool or even nice cotton will keep you coming back to it. I personally have a Brother's sewing machine but I didn't learn to sew on it and I still feel that it limits me. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the machine makes a huge difference. When I sew on my own cheapo Walmart version, I hate myself and my lack of skills. When I use my mother's awesome machine, I feel more hopeful. Thanks for giving me some good brand advice. I wouldn't know where to start looking.
ReplyDelete@Theresa--I agree that sometimes those ancient made of steel machines work better than the new-plastic-everything machines do. What a wonderful memory of sewing your wedding dress with your mom on one of those!
ReplyDeleteI have a VERY OLD singer (that I got at a thrift store for $10), and I'm looking into getting a new machine in a few years (I need to save lots of pennies!). For now, my machine does fabulously (and it helps to have a husband who can tinker on machines). Bernina dealers aren't allowed to post prices online, but I am wondering about what price range I should be planning for. Any ideas anyone?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I'm a Bernina gal myself. I have a 1008, which came out before the Artista series. I love my sewing machine...a lot.
ReplyDeleteI sewed on a cheepO for most of my life, then i met my husband and he met my sewing obsession. He took me to the local sewing store and told me to buy a machine that was meant to be sewn on everyday. I love him even more now. And i am a sewing superstar or at least thats what my new machine makes me feel like.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah... Now I read this, afer I've been sewing with Walmart's finest Singer for five years!! LOL... I think I should get a Bernina for those classes you spoke of - I have no idea how to care for my machine!
ReplyDeleteI was truly blessed with the best hand-me-down a girl could ask for!! A Bernina sewing machine from my husbands grandmother! I am a WAAAYYY new sewer but realize I am learning on a great machine! Now I just need to have a great teacher like you near by to help me make swim suits and such for my ladies!!!
ReplyDelete(http://hughesxs4.blogspot.com/2010/03/hand-me-down.html)
Agreed, BERNINA all the way. I learned on the one my parents own, they received it as a wedding present 50 years ago and my Dad still uses it.
ReplyDeleteI own an old machine that I inherited from my Grandma, tension issues caused me to give up so my husband bought me a cheap Singer from Target - I actually like sewing on it, sure I want a Bernina but if you can't afford one now Singer ain't so bad. They have a lot of online tutorials on how to use and care for them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! I didn't know that with a bernina, the classes come with it. That was a big selling point in buying myself a bernina. I was able to get a used one that had been in a classroom, and was in great condition! I got a great deal on it, and the classes are still offered with a used one too! I ended up with an all mechanical one, but with enough options that I will love it forever. It sews like a dream. Thanks for helping understand that a beginner deserves a great machine to learn on. I think sewing will be a lot more fun from now on! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog today so very much! I found you through Oliver + S. :-)
ReplyDeleteI sew on a Bernina 140. 11 years ago when I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, my hubby took me to the Bernina store and bought me a "real" sewing machine. I love that man! My home ec teacher in high school had two Berninas among her classroom set and I loved it when I got to use one of them. When I got married, I borrowed my mom's manual machine and tried to sew on it. I thought I was bad at sewing and should give it up. But when we found out a little girl was on the way, I decided to give it another try, bought the Bernina, took the classes and the rest is history. I make beautiful dresses for my girls and firmly believe that the machine makes the difference. I tried to teach a friend on a manual Brother from Target and nearly went crazy. I love the computerized tension and all the other attributes of my 'nina. So Amen and Amen, girl!
Learned on a Bernina and loved it! Now I have a Viking that I got a really good deal on so I'm trying that out. I really loved your blog this month and think you should extend sewing month for one more month! Make your own dedicated sewing month...
ReplyDeleteI have a Singer that I recieved as a gift last Christmas, its the basic of basics but I love it! What I don't love..is how I have NO idea how to care for it- when and how often do I clean and oil it!? And I have NO idea which presser foot does what or even how to use my button features (which I know it has since it came with a button foot LoL!). I am interested in purchasing a serger ...can you give your advice on that?! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSewing on Sally the Singer-You should oil the bobbin case surrounding mechanism every 2-3 weeks if you're a serious sewer. Mine pops out by pushing to "arms" up and I put a drip of oil on and let it roll down the half-circle. Of course I learned all this in my Bernina class. I've never had to have it serviced, although she would probably appreciate a little tune-up and deep cleaning. I also have a Bernina Serger.
ReplyDeleteI know this is an older post, but it sure brought back a lot of good memories with sewing in Mrs. Price's class and the late night parties trying to get our projects done for Make it with wool contest. I am so impressed by your sewing skills. I hope I can make some amazing things like you have. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteChiara Miller Aldridge
Sorry posts hubby's name.