The Sewing Room (part 2)

nmm

Thanks, I did buy one of those handheld machines before and it broke on the first use, so I imagine this isn't much better. I'll keep an eye out for some auctions

pennib

Update on sewing machine in auction, seems to work perfectly :j so worth a go for that small price....or even better a free site in your area.

Jobo88

Hi everyone, can I join in? I've loved sewing since my mum taught me how to use the machine when I was young. I've recently dusted off my machine and have made a few things, and decided earlier this year that I would make my own wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses for my wedding next year :eek:

My wedding dress is currently under construction, and I was thinking of starting a thread on the wedding board about it, but some of my recent makes are a couple of midi skirts, one in a black twill and one in pink chiffon with satin lining. I also made myself a bodycon long sleeved dress and a maxi skirt from some gorgeous stretchy Jersey that I found at the fabric shop. I am constantly thinking about what I can make next, although I might need to calm down and focus on the dresses for my wedding!

Jobo xx

CandyB101_2

Well what a weekend, 2 and a half days sewing cushion covers for our motorhome, really pleased how they have turned out .... just ordered self covering buttons and twine to complete .... will post photo's when finished ☺☺☺

chilligirl

Hi, my old brother XL2130 has finally died after 12 years of good service. My local sewing machine shop say its uneconomical to repair and I was beginning to be frustrated by its limitations and temperamental behaviour! It did make every set of curtains in two houses, and numerous dresses and home furnishings so it didn't owe me anything.

I've got up to £150 to spend, and mostly use it for basic dressmaking and curtains so it does need to be able to handle curtain fabric occasionally.

I've narrowed the choice down to the SMD Project, SMD1000, SMD110 and Husqvarna E20.

What do people think? Does anyone have the SMD project, if so what is it like to use and which feet fit it? (I'd need to buy standard and invisible zip feet, and probably a blind hemmer - the main advantage of the others, to me, is they come with all the feet I'd need). The 'basic ness' of this one does rather appeal as does the 110.

I've managed to find a video demonstration of the Husqvarna and it does look easy to use, which also appeals, but I can't find much other information about the reliability of this brand.

Thank you all in advance for any help you're able to offer!!

CUL8R

**zon and am really delighted with extra features and I also wouldn't want to be without stitch length, width and speed control. I got it for £99 off - at the moment the fs70 (more stitches) has £120 off but is only slightly above your budget.

CUL8R

Not sure what happened to my quick reply but I was referring to my new Brother fs60 from A**zon a few weeks ago and suggesting you take a look at same machine fs70 which has more stitches as it's such a bargain at the moment.

chilligirl

Thank you cul8r - not sure what just happened to my reply either! That looks like a lovely machine but I don't think I want one with the screen display because I've never used one. I'm sure I'd get used to it but the more basic style suits me fine at the moment.

Been doing some more thinking and I'm tempted by vintage, there are some lovely compact all metal machines on ebay so I'm going to ask our local sewing shop how much it would cost to service and check one. If I do that it should give me some budget left over to turn a corner of the spare room into a sewing space, rather than having to put the machine away every time like I do at the moment. Also a little bit 'greener' to reuse

CUL8R

Talking of compact vintage, I've had an Elna air electronic for over thirty years, ahead of it's time with speed control, but they usually get a good price on the bay. It is an excellent basic metal bodied machine. Good luck with your search.

chilligirl

I went to the sewing shop yesterday and they were very keen to sell me what they called a 'modern sewing machine' - one that was computer aided. I tried it and although it was easy I didn't like it at all!! It took away the fun, somehow. I've bought a frister rossmann cub 4, fully serviced and it is arriving tomorrow - and it only used a tiny bit of my budget I'll have length and width control which I didn't have with my old machine, and an overlocking stitch!

Our neighbour was throwing out a little desk, so that has become my sewing table. I found some spur shelving wall brackets in the garage, so all I need now is a couple of shelves and a lick of paint Thinking about putting some pegboard up too, to have scissors etc easily to hand.