The Sewing Annexe

Sew_Determined

prudent_princess wrote: »

Question for every-body:
So what's the first thing you ever made on your sewing machine?

I made a drawstring bag to put all my rags in.
Made from an old skirt of mine...

Many years ago, first thing sewn on foot treadle machine at school when 12 years old....was...a blue plaid pencil skirt ....sewing wasn't too difficult...matching up the small plaid at seams was a real chore....
Skirt didn't last long...ripped it when jumping over back fences...cuz I was a bit of a tomboy.... still love plaids...and they're still a chore...have stopped jumping over fences...

prudent_princess

Sew_Determined wrote: »

Many years ago, first thing sewn on foot treadle machine at school when 12 years old....was...a blue plaid pencil skirt ....sewing wasn't too difficult...matching up the small plaid at seams was a real chore....
Skirt didn't last long...ripped it when jumping over back fences...cuz I was a bit of a tomboy.... still love plaids...and they're still a chore...have stopped jumping over fences...

:rotfl:

Glad to hear you have stopped jumping over fences now..!

prudent_princess

mikedeaders wrote: »

Hi all, I have decided to buy a sewing machine I'd like to make bags, gifts and sock animals (I got the book for Christmas) What machine should I be looking for the one I have been looking at is the Toyota JFS21 or JSA21 think it’s the same machine it's about £100, unless you know where it is cheaper.I like this one because it can sew denim and leather. Should I go for new or second hand. What makes/model should I be looking for, please help I don't know what I'm doing. Thanks Mike

Hi Mike!

There are a few posts on here about sewing machines..if you have the patience to read them.

I have a basic Toyota machine, but wish I had got the one that can cope with denim and other heavy-weight materials.

sillyrabbit

I made my first bag! So pleased with it :-) It's on my blog if you want to see a pic. Followed a great tutorial online, and then hunted out a separate pocket making tute! It's made entirely from donated pieces of fabric - the only thing I bought was the interfacing, from ebay :-)

Going to have a go at making a different style of bag next - and perfect the size of pocket I need for my phone!

prudent_princess

sillyrabbit wrote: »

I made my first bag! So pleased with it :-) It's on my blog if you want to see a pic. Followed a great tutorial online, and then hunted out a separate pocket making tute! It's made entirely from donated pieces of fabric - the only thing I bought was the interfacing, from ebay :-)

Going to have a go at making a different style of bag next - and perfect the size of pocket I need for my phone!

That bag looks fantastic! Can i buy it off you? :j

sillyrabbit

LOL noooo - if I can make some more then I may well start selling them, but for now that's my own new bag! :-D

prudent_princess

sillyrabbit wrote: »

LOL noooo - if I can make some more then I may well start selling them, but for now that's my own new bag! :-D

You should consider making more and selling them - the one in the picture looks great!!

jackyann

mikedeaders wrote: »

Hi all, I have decided to buy a sewing machine I'd like to make bags, gifts and sock animals (I got the book for Christmas) What machine should I be looking for the one I have been looking at is the Toyota JFS21 or JSA21 think it’s the same machine it's about £100, unless you know where it is cheaper.I like this one because it can sew denim and leather. Should I go for new or second hand. What makes/model should I be looking for, please help I don't know what I'm doing. Thanks Mike

I don't know the Toyota ones, so can't advise specifically. But as a general rule, cheaper modern machines can't handle heavy fabrics - you either have to get a more expensive model, or use older, more robust machines.
I think that you first step is to find your local sewing machine shop. They are an invaluable source of support. They will have second hand machines and will be able to advise you about the best model to begin with. They usually let you practice and sit with you to advise.
Do remember to get the correct needles, and change them often. Practice with needles & stitches on scraps of fabric so that you can see how best to handle what you are doing.

PS: keep an eye on freecycle / freegle & your local newspaper ads; sewing machines pop up there quite often, but don't come with advice & support! Also, I would get one that came by that route serviced before use, and that will cost £40-50 (once used to it you can do your own service, but it can be tricky at first)

miffy257

That bag is fab Silly rabbit. Well done you, it's amazing how time flies when you are doing something you love. Happy sewing.

vl2588

Agreed, tis utterly gorgeous, well done!