The Sewing Annexe

corrag

Hi all, I did a bit of research and I've done and ordered it. I question that is was £299 in the beginning but I've seen it available consistantly for £169 so I'm happy I'm not being ripped off.

I'm getting it from a home shopping catalogue on interest free so feeling slightly less gulity. I've wanted a sewing machine for years now and can't wait to get started. I've got loads of material but I've never had the time to hand stitch projects.

RosyRed

Corrag-
I had a Toyota sewing machine for a few years.I got it when I started sewing again after a good few years,mine was an FSR21.I was perfectly happy with it -it did everything I asked it at the time.I did upgrade last year as I wanted more embroidery stitches.On reflection,I havent used the extra stitches very much on my new one-should have saved my money!
I sold the Toyota to a friend and she is happy with it too.Hope you get lots of fun out of it.

Miffy & jpscloud-those quilts look fab-well done.I'm just about to go and finish a little dress for my baby granddaughter-she's off on holiday soon.Its the 2nd I've made with the pattern,and just bought some cotton off our local market this morning-£3,happy with that.:)

miffy257

Hi there sewing peeps. Hope you have all been busy sewing. Have just made a start on a patchwork bag. I bought the pattern in a local sewing shop and had the fabric, so I started it. Need to make 2 more cat quilts but need the right colour fabric. Am going to Malvern Quilt Show next Saturday with a friend so no doubt will find some there and some more inspiration.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Sewing all.:)

jpscloud

Oooh hope you have a good time next Saturday miffy, I would definitely be going if it were closer to me!

I haven't started a new project yet - I'm stalling because I need to make some cushions for my mum, but I need to learn to insert zips first!

In the meantime I'm not really feeling at my best, so have just started crocheting some fabric scraps to make rag rugs for upstairs rooms.

I have bare floorboards and rag rugs, but the floorboards aren't really very good - it's a case of not being able to afford carpeting rather than being shabby chic by choice but it doesn't look bad really. Or it wouldn't, if I got round to de-messying!

valk_scot

corrag wrote: »

Hi all, I'm hoping for a bit of advice please. I'm a complete sewing machine novice and not sure what to look for in a machine. I've seen a Toyota Black sewing machine reduced from £299 to £149.

It has:
Automatic needle threader, Single dial selection incorporating 24 stitches (including embroidery), Extra length stitch (5mm), Buttonhole balance compensation control - can use on most fabrics from fine to heavy inlcuding quilting, denim, leather suede, curtains and soft furnishings.

Does this sound ok for a complete beginner? I want to do things like make tote bags, bunting, lavender pouches, cushion covers and the odd repair?

Many thanks for any help.

I'm currently doing almost all my sewing on an old black Singer 201k treadle, with nothing more than straight stitch, reverse and a handful of attachments. It cost me £10 out the local junk shop. I've got two machines that do about 160 stitch patterns plus almost cut out the fabric for you but tbh, any machine that can do straight stitch and perhaps zig-zag will cover 99% of most folk's sewing needs. So before investing £££s in a new machine, ask around your relatives and see what they've got going free.

Isis_Black

I'm a newbie :-) hi there
I picked up a beldray machine the other day just for a basic starter to get me going :-)

corrag

valk_scot wrote: »

I'm currently doing almost all my sewing on an old black Singer 201k treadle, with nothing more than straight stitch, reverse and a handful of attachments. It cost me £10 out the local junk shop. I've got two machines that do about 160 stitch patterns plus almost cut out the fabric for you but tbh, any machine that can do straight stitch and perhaps zig-zag will cover 99% of most folk's sewing needs. So before investing £££s in a new machine, ask around your relatives and see what they've got going free.

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I come from a very small family and I seem to be the only one interested in sewing. I did years ago buy a lovely old Singer from a car boot sale, complete in a hard wooden case and you had to turn the handle to get it to sew. Unfortunately it was lost when we moved house and the removal company never found it I got insurance money but I'd have prefered the machine.

miffy257

Good luck with the sewing Corrag, nothing like a new machine to inspire you. Just heard today I'm going to be a great Aunt again, so that's another quilt for me to make. Happy sewing all.:)

jpscloud

Congratulations miffy, lovely news!

Taadaa

Just found this tutorial on making a union flag cushion - great project for the Jubilee year.