The Sewing Room

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pws52

I have a back problem and agree with the post above. I would add that you should not sit for too long - I have been advised no more than 1 hour. Then you must get up and stretch and move around a bit. Also check that you seat is not too high. Can you get your feet comfotably on the floor? Tuck your tail into the back of the seat and try not to hunch your shoulders (I must remember my glasses rather than peer!).

Unfortunately I can only sew for very short periods which is very frustrating but I love to look at all the makes on this site.

It is best to look after yourself and I think with some trial and error you will find a good comfortable position.

Justamum

Tete_en_l'Air wrote: »

PWS52 - I was going to suggest one of these computer stool things, but you wouldn't be able to operate the pedal - d'oh! Can't help otherwise I'm afraid

I used to have one of these chairs when I was working as a secretary. I still managed to operate the foot pedal of the dicataphone.

sarahpowell

Good Morning Ladies (any any gents if your about on here)

I am a total newbie to sewing, I struggle to sew on buttons - No thats a bit of a lie. I do cross stitch though.

I am hoping you maybe able to point me in the right direction, I have never used a sewing machine in my life, however I am hoping to get a bit more perosnal this Xmas and was hoping to make an apron for my niece and possibly a few other bits and pieces but forst things first I need a sewing machine. I have been looking at the Jerone Mini Sew, would this be ok for a starter like myself who only plans on making little things, no heavy fabric just cotton really.

I dont fancy paying out an absolute fourtune on something and find I really cant get on with it, but the JML Easy Sew does not look as impressive and lacks some other stiches which the Jerone has.

Wow I coul dhave talked a load of drivel then as I really have no idea what I am looking for for a basic beginners sewing machine.

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks

Sarah

flossie217

xxvickixx wrote: »

I'm on the verge of a breakdown trying to choose! It's the most stressful descision I think I've ever had to make.

I'm waiting to see what my Mum says as she is having a look this evening for me. She's of the "you need to spend a lot of money on a decent one" school of thought though so I'm unlikely to get a helpful answer!
I just wish I'd bought myself one when I had a decent job and a large disposable income!

Have a look on Yell.com to see if there is someone in your area who services and repairs sewing machines. A lot of them have old reconditioned machines for sale at a good price. Don't be put off by the age of a machine. You will most often find that the oldies are much more solidly built than todays models. I'd advise you to go for a sturdier basic machine than one that is lightweight with more stitch patterns.
Don't forget that lighterweight models can often jump about the table which can be a pain.

If you think you may be able to add a bit more to your machine budget then have a look on here http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/viewallsewmachines.htm

This company was recommended to me by members of 'thesewingforum'.
I bought my machine from them and am happy to pass the recommendation on to you. I bought one of their own SMD models and am really pleased with it. This one looks good http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD12_info.htm
and the free gift is wonderful, especially when you are on a tight budget. I use the scissors all the time. Have you got a good pair of fabric scissors? If not have a look to see how much you can expect to pay on a pair. You will need more needles too. It all quickly adds up. Free next day delivery too.
My funds are limited too and I agonised over which machine to buy so I completely understand how you feel. It doesn't help when you are desperate to start sewing either. I phoned them for a chat about choosing my machine before ordering. They are really friendly and helpful.

Kandipandi

Some good advice there about the sewing machine purchase, I guess you will have to just jump in and get one and see. I think that if you get it from John Lewis or Argos if it turns out to be crap you can get it replaced or refunded with little hassle.
Was off work poorly the other day and did some sewing and came up with this, mainly using recycled bits and bobs:



more photies on blog but you get the picture.

ETA: Its just my opinion, but I would be very wary of the JML machines I bought one for my Mam a few years back and it was total rubbish, I returned it three times before I demanded my money back.

Justamum

Kandipandi wrote: »

Some good advice there about the sewing machine purchase, I guess you will have to just jump in and get one and see. I think that if you get it from John Lewis or Argos if it turns out to be crap you can get it replaced or refunded with little hassle.
Was off work poorly the other day and did some sewing and came up with this, mainly using recycled bits and bobs:



more photies on blog but you get the picture.

ETA: Its just my opinion, but I would be very wary of the JML machines I bought one for my Mam a few years back and it was total rubbish, I returned it three times before I demanded my money back.

All your bags are lovely. You are so talented. Do you sell them?

Kandipandi

Thanks!
I am just making them for pleasure at the minute, but a couple of people have approached me to buy certain bits and pieces.
I plan to give them away as gifts to family and friends and whatever I have left over I might do a craft fair or set up a shop on Folksy or Etsy or Ebay them, not really planned that far ahead. I am quite suprised that people actually think my bits and bobs are good enough to buy

sarahpowell

Sorry I must apologise, if I had read in the last day or so i would have seen the answer to my question! Doh!

Sorry for repeating ladies.

Sarah

cuddles123

Kandipandi wrote: »

Thanks!
I am just making them for pleasure at the minute, but a couple of people have approached me to buy certain bits and pieces.
I plan to give them away as gifts to family and friends and whatever I have left over I might do a craft fair or set up a shop on Folksy or Etsy or Ebay them, not really planned that far ahead. I am quite suprised that people actually think my bits and bobs are good enough to buy

Shame we aren't closer cos I'm in exactly the same position

flossie217

sarahpowell wrote: »

Good Morning Ladies (any any gents if your about on here)

I am a total newbie to sewing, I struggle to sew on buttons - No thats a bit of a lie. I do cross stitch though.

I am hoping you maybe able to point me in the right direction, I have never used a sewing machine in my life, however I am hoping to get a bit more perosnal this Xmas and was hoping to make an apron for my niece and possibly a few other bits and pieces but forst things first I need a sewing machine. I have been looking at the Jerone Mini Sew, would this be ok for a starter like myself who only plans on making little things, no heavy fabric just cotton really.

I dont fancy paying out an absolute fourtune on something and find I really cant get on with it, but the JML Easy Sew does not look as impressive and lacks some other stiches which the Jerone has.

Wow I coul dhave talked a load of drivel then as I really have no idea what I am looking for for a basic beginners sewing machine.

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks

Sarah

Hi Sarah. Can I refer you to my post above to Vicki? I made tote bags for pressies last Christmas. It can become addictive and it won't be long before you want to make a bag from an old pair of jeans. Cut the legs off and use the bottom hem for the top of the bag. A back pocket sewn onto the front and frayed round the edges and the waistband for the handle.
Old curtains and upholstery fabric make great bags. I'm sure once you get your machine you will see fabrics with different eyes and wish yours could handle a heavier weight material.
When I was choosing my machine I had a set budget in mind as I too didn't want to pay a lot in case I didn't get on with it. That was last year and already I am planning on saving to upgrade. This model was recommended to me as being ideal for beginners by a sewing teacher who said that the machines cope with anything the students ask of it. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome525_info.htm
I don't know what your budget is but have a look on the website, I'm sure there will be a machine that will fit your needs. After all, even if you just want to hem a skirt or make an apron you still want a perfectly sewn finish.