I've bought a new sewing machine....

kingfisherblue

I bought a new Janome sewing machine today. I had a cheap one that wasn't much good, and today it gave up. I was just beginning to get into sewing on a machine and my son was learning (he's 12). Anyway, I returned it to the shop and as I only bought it a few weeks ago, they accepted that it was faulty. I decided to upgrade to a better make and model, and it was very MSE as it was in the sale

Until recently, I haven't used a sewing machine in about 30 years

I'm attending classes at my son's ssecondary school and made a cushion cover today , as well as learning about the machine. I also had a chance to try overlocking, which was easier than I expected.

Next week, I'm going to start a simple gusseted bag, possibly with a simple applique on the front.

So, is there anyone who uses a sewing machine regularly? Any tips? What have you made? Where is best to buy fabrics?

I've probably got a dozen more questions, but I'm too tired to think at the moment and I'm off to bed. I'll check in tomorrow for any answers though

KFB x

Tiddlywinks

Try asking on this thread - they are all experts over there:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2169321

I've got a Janome machine - had it for over 15 years after my Singer machine only lasted 4 years.

I've recovered my sofa and chairs twice, recovered the dining chairs, made cusion covers for the cats (well, for their chairs not to cover the cats themselves, that would be cruel), have done basic alterations to clothes etc... the Janome has been my friend (touch wood).

My only problem - and it's a big one - is that no matter how hard I try, I can't sew in a straight line so all the coverings and curtains I've made have had a check or stripe to help keep my on track .

peachyprice

I Lurve my sewing machine, infact I had it out just tonight.

I have a son with fairy short legs so always use it to take up his trousers and jeans.

I've been making curtains for years, especially for the children's rooms, I've also made quilt covers and pillow cases to match the curtains.

I've used it loads for costumes for school plays and those Tudor and Victorian days the children go on.

One fabric I will never sew again is the plastic coated cotton stuff, I had some left over from covering my DD's toy box and promised I'd make her a school bag with it, it was a bloomin nightmare.

Padstow

peachyprice wrote: »

I Lurve my sewing machine, infact I had it out just tonight.

I have a son with fairy short legs so always use it to take up his trousers and jeans.

I've been making curtains for years, especially for the children's rooms, I've also made quilt covers and pillow cases to match the curtains.

I've used it loads for costumes for school plays and those Tudor and Victorian days the children go on.

One fabric I will never sew again is the plastic coated cotton stuff, I had some left over from covering my DD's toy box and promised I'd make her a school bag with it, it was a bloomin nightmare.

Wait 'till she wants you to make her a chiffon dress!!

kingfisherblue

Thanks for your replies. Tiddlywinks, I'll pop over to the other thread later today (I'm just having my morning coffee before sorting the kids for school, so don't have much time just now).

Recovering sofas, making curtains and duvet covers all sounds very adventurous, but the sewing teacher did say that we'll probably end up doing these things :eek:

I surprised myself by sewing a reasonably straight line, and the kids all want new cushion covers after seeing the one I made yesterday, so I'll practice that this week.

I did have a quick browse for ideas online last night, and found a bag made from a bra. I might give that a try, but it is hand sewing, which I am relatively competent at. I was quite surprised at how nice they looked

luxor4t

peachyprice wrote: »

.....i have a son with fairy short legs so always use it to take up his trousers and jeans.........

....................

Taadaa

I use my sewing machine a lot I have a cheap Singer too, was thinking the other day it will be time to upgrade soon. I've had it for four years now I think.

I make household stuff - blinds, curtains, cushion covers etc - as well as dresses, altering, all sorts really. I am pregnant so am just in the middle of adding a panel to the front of some non- maternity leggings. Yesterday I ordered some fat quarters to make a quilt for the cot. I can't imagine not being able to make things now; I really enjoy it, and it works out so much cheaper too.

peachyprice

luxor4t wrote: »

....................

:rotfl::rotfl:
There seems to be an 'L' missing in there.

JodyBPM

I do lots of sewing!

My tips would be:
-charity shops are great for cheap fabric - look at things like curtains or tablecloths as well as actual fabric lengths. Otherwise local markets or ebay are a good bet, and Dunelm does some good curtain weight fabric.
-children's clothes are good to make as they take up little fabric, but adults clothes aren't often cost effective to make once you've bought the fabric and pattern.
- things to make, if you are a beginner I'd start with little gifts - carrier bag holders, aprons, doorstops, oven gloves, tea cosies, tote bags etc

Google "sewing tutorials" and there's loads of good ideas and step by step guides to get you started. I also really like the Cath Kidston "Sew" book, which can often be picked up pretty cheap on Amazon.

Mayflower10cat

I sew far more now I've got a reliable, modern machine! I probably make more soft furnishings than anything else - blinds mainly, cushions and altering curtains. But I do like buying something in the sales (or charity shop) and altering it/customising it into something umique. Oh, you can make handbags out of old denim jeans! And old knitted sweaters make lovely cushion covers. Years ago I used to decorate plain white cotton pillowcases bought cheaply from the mill shop, with oddments of ribbon, lace etc cut from clothing or found in the oddments bin.They made very good wedding presents!

kingfisherblue

I bought 'Sew' (and 'Patch' and 'Stitch' ) late last year when they were on offer on Amazon. I've had a glance through them this afternoon whilst waiting for my son to come out of school. Once I'm a bit more confident, I want to make the bag that came with 'Sew'. I was going to handstitch when I bought the book, biut it would be a shame to waste my new machine :rotfl:

I like the idea of making a door stop - not too difficult for a beginner, and I could really use one at the moment! I'll try the denim bags and the cushions from jumpers as well.

I'm hoping to have a sort out next week, and I know I have several old duvet covers that haven't sen the light of day for goodness knows how long. I can use them for making a few items. My daughter has a couple of lovely single covers that she no longer uses as she has a double duvet. They could make extra pillow cases

I've treated myself to some dressmaking scissors today. Well, I do need them

I also bought a basket with a lid from Dunelm Mill - reduced from £12.99 to £3.24, to keep everything together.