Hello Dear Reader,
Back in September of last year my blog award was sponsored by Idealo, who I had never heard of before. My bread machine came to me via their website and now this sewing machine. I wanted a machine to teach people to sew on, that I could use here or take to them. I wanted something sturdy, reliable and that wouldn't rock about when a beginner used it. I wanted a machine that was a simple as possible yet didn't feel like a cracker prise.
I have a basic Brother machine, which is good enough to use as a travel sewing machine and at £80 it did incredibly well and I made all of my first quilts on it. It's now ready to be passed on to my daughter for her to use. I now sew on a professional quilting machine but wanted something half way. I didn't want it to cost too much but I didn't want it to be cheap. Also, essential for a fumbling beginner, I wanted a threader so the novice could enjoy learning to sew with out the fuss of trying to get the thread through the needle.
I've used this little Husqvarna tonight and it has a low throaty hum which makes the whole thing sound reliable and it's certainly quiet. I learnt to sew on a Husqvarna at school a million years ago and I'm delighted that this is still as easy to use. I've put it through its paces and it does everything my huge Elna does!
Now, I never ever suggest you ever get anything unless you really need it but I can no longer imagine life without a sewing machine. I've put lots of links up across the blog to take you to Idealo, where you can find sewing machines at the best price. It's kind of the compare the meerkats of everything!
I'll be listing my next sewing workshops really soon, including a couple of just come and sew and natter days. I'm also available to come to you (within Devon and Cornwall) to teach you to sew in the comfort of your own home. I'll also be able to offer the use of this lovely machine for workshops here if you can sew already but don't know if you want to go to the expense without testing it first.
For those who live too far away, if there's anything you would like a tutorial for, then let me know and I can post it on here. I've not forgotten that one dear reader wanted me to demonstrate how to turn up trousers and I will get round to it.
Now over to you. Who else can't imagine life without a sewing machine? Who else has saved a huge amount of money by recovering their furniture or making curtains or keeping the family warm with quilts?
I love hearing from you.
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxx
I am not as talented as some people on the sewing machine. I can do curtains, pillows, table runners and fix hems. I am hoping to find someone who knows how to sew who I could teach to knit/crochet and they could teach me to use the machine. I do have a nice singer machine that was a hand me down from friend but I wish I could do more with it
ReplyDeleteWhere abouts do you live Judy? Maybe someone reading Froogs blog can help?
DeleteOooh, nice machine! I quite agree that sewing saves a lot of money. I make decent quilts and curtains but have never been able to make clothes that fit and looked nice.
ReplyDeleteMarti, I found a site on the interwebs about altering patterns, but I would not be able to tell you where it was. There would have to be stuff on youtube as well. One investment you could make is a body form that is fully adjustable so that you have all the measurements of the different lengths and widths specific to you on your form. That way, you can pin the pattern pieces to the form and see where you need to make adjustments, as not all of us have the same proportions as the pattern bits.
DeleteGood luck
I couldn't imagine life without my sewing machine. It's saved my sanity as well as my cash on numerous occasions :)
ReplyDeleteI am in my 60s and learned basic sewing techniques in school when I was 13 or 14. From high school through my 20s, with a difficult to fit figure, I made almost all of my clothes because ready-made clothing rarely fit. I expected to sew for my DD when she was little, but sadly I didn't. I did make a few dresses for her and a little suit for my DS when he was 3. I rarely sew clothing anymore.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've saved a fortune over the years sewing curtains and drapes. In this house, I made two sets of bathroom curtains, a matching shower curtain and valance, kitchen valance and a custom valance for the bedroom, using ready-made panels for the curtains themselves. I also made tab-top curtains for a bedroom. I mostly used purchased yardage, except for the valance in the bedroom--I got the matching fabric by purchasing a set of sheets to match the panels.
We also own a vacation home, and in the last two years I have made all of the curtains and drapes. I made a shower curtain with matching valance and tie-back window curtains from two sheets purchased for a total of $3. I made tie-back curtains for the half-bath, also from a $1 sheet, and paired them with a Battenburg lace valance I had in the kitchen of our previous residence. In both cases, the sheets had a lot of polyester in them--why I got them so cheap--that made sewing a little harder. I made curtains for the kitchen out of toile and ticking and edged them with wide grosgrain ribbon. They are black and white and very striking! I also made matching lined panels for the living room and dining room that use clip-on rings. These were dead simple--just hem them all the way around--and they don't require much fullness, so they were fairly cheap.
I've just finished two sets of lined bedroom drapes, using Rufflette tape for pencil pleats. This is not very common in the US (had to order the tape on the internet) but I saw them in Britain and fell in love. These were almost as simple as the clip-on panels, and GORGEOUS. The fabric was uber-cheap on close-out. Other than kitchen and bathroom curtains, I usually line drapes with unbleached muslin bought on sale. I hem leftover or repurposed pieces of unbleached muslin to dry dishes.
Same here. Learned so much about sewing and cooking in high school Home Economics classes. Do they even teach that anymore??? Seems that younger women dont even know how to thread a needle or repair a ripped seam. I could never have raised two boys without knowing how to replace buttons, repair clothes and make curtains, etc., for the house. Now I am teaching my granddaughters hiw to sew, quilt, knit, crochet and do all the things their mom doesnt have a clue about.
DeleteI forgot to mention that I also made two sets of curtains for the sleeping loft. I bring it up now only to give you a money-saving tip. These curtains have clip-on rings. However, I used one fabric for the first 12 inches or so, and a coordinating fabric for the rest of the curtain. This sort of makes it look like a valance, but more importantly, it lets you use up odd pieces of fabric you might have on hand. You can also put the strip at the bottom of the curtains. You can do decorative top-stitching or sew a tuck where the two fabrics come together if you don't want a plain seam.
DeleteA friend needed to lengthen some white sheer curtains to use on a French door--rod top and bottom. She sewed plain red cotton to each end and made her casing with the red. She had a small window in the same room and used bits of red and white polka dot, red and white stripe and the same plain red, etc., to make the curtains with banding on the top, bottom and sides. She ended up with two fabulous curtains made from an old sheer panel of the wrong size, and scraps from other projects...basically free.
Hi Froogs, How does a professional quilting machine differ from a normal sewing machine? A friend of mine was considering buying one and asked my opinion but I have no idea what one even looks like. I have a nice basic machine which is fine for the things I need it for but I was just curious. Kay xx
ReplyDeleteEvery day sewing machines have a level of durability, they are not designed to be used day in day out, they are for occasional use. It's just the quality of engineering and the power of the motor which is greater in a professional machine. Mine does a few more tricks but I bought it to last me a while and I sew every day and needed a machine that could do that.
DeleteBrilliant, thanks for the reply :-)
DeleteI used to make all my own curtains but am now too ill to manhandle big bits of material. I did, however, remake a pair of patchwork curtains into a door curtain and relined it with a thermal lining that doesn'r fit in our new house. I've made Roman blinds in the past; they are very economical as they need just enough fabric to cover the window, plus lining, a few battens, some cord, and a cleat to anchor the cord, and plastic or metal rings. I now am reduces to making a few simple clothes and refashioning too.
ReplyDeleteNice machine! I have three actually. One that I lend out to various family members who need one, one that I will be passing on to my daughter in law who has expressed an interest in learning to sew and then my "nice" one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever recovered furniture though I do want to learn. However, curtains, quilts, clothing etc have been sewn successfully. When my daughter was younger I made more of her clothes than not. Now that we have our first grandchild on the way I intend to get back into sewing more than I have been for the last few years. I know it has saved us money in the long run because the quality is often better than "cheaper" items, but I can honestly say it is hard to pretend to put a price tag on the hours of pleasure a good sewing machine can help provide.
I love my Elna sewing machine and use it just about every day. It's paid for itself hundreds of times over. I took my love of sewing and turned it into a small home based business sewing and selling dolls clothes. Too much fun to be called work LOL. Kind regards Julie XX
ReplyDeleteI have a nearly 20 year old Viking that is still humming along nicely. It did need a tune-up last summer when the feed-dogs got wonky, but considering that is the first time it had seen the repairman in all that time - very trustworthy machine. So glad you got this machine to help others learn!
ReplyDeleteI have the same sewing machine that my parents gave to me 31 years ago. It's a lesser known make - Adler. It was a used, but refurbished machine when my parents bought it. It runs a little rough, but is a reliable and very simple machine, and I can repair it myself. I've used it to sew my wedding gown, draperies, new upholstery for a sofa, several quilts and duvet covers, craft projects, a good deal of alterations on second-hand clothing, and all sorts of household items (I just did another batch of compostable tea bags earlier this week, on blog today). My two daughters also sew, and my machine is now ready for me to pass on to them. So, I am in the market for a new to me sewing machine. Thank you for the link. I'll check them out.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tracked how much I have saved using this machine (except my wedding dress -- I wanted a very expensive dress, but sewed a copy for a tenth of the price). I do know that I have managed to craft a lifestyle that we enjoy, that could have cost far more, by doing things like sewing, even with just a simple and very basic machine.
I would love to see you do a tutorial on the swirly stitching you do on your quilts please- through the three layers. My current sewing machine doesnt do it (free arm? long arm? summat), but if you made it look easy enough I might be tempted by a better machine ;)
ReplyDeleteI try to sew on my hand turn 1906 singer machine bought for twenty pounds and it stitches patchwork and pretty household curtains, tablecloths and clothing with a gentle smile. Beautiful ....
ReplyDeleteI came from a non sewing family - Mum and Nan hated needle and thread. Imagine Mum's surprise when I was taught to sew at school - age 8 and loved it! I have never bought made curtains in my life. I sewed the girls school summer dresses. I made my 3 daughter's ball gowns when they were at Uni. Saved so much money over the years.
ReplyDeleteI have a Janome P6000 a treat to myself a few years ago when I upgraded from a basic janome. I love my machine and wouldn't be without it. Being able to sew has saved me a small fortune over the years - I've even made myself slippers, knickers and bras!
ReplyDeleteI too had basic sewing lessons at school, had private lessons in my early 20's and 6 years ago did a lingerie and pattern cutting course at the local college of FE. Best money I've ever spent!
I very rarely buy clothes as I have patterns that are cut specifically to my, (slightly odd), figure. I love knowing that I can cut a pattern out and it will fit me. I'd definately recommend a pattern cutting course to anyone wanting to sew their own clothes, it taught me how to alter shop brought patterns to fit and means that even with my short attention span I can have beautifully made clothes. I'm really lucky in that I live within travelling distance of Birmingham Rag Market - a bargin fabric hunter's paradise!
The only problem now is that I tend to be overcritical of the level of sewing in shop brought clothes and the first thing I'll do when looking at an item of clothing is to turn it inside out and look at the seams.
I make my own curtains and plan to recover my living room chairs this summer, (providing I can get some curtains large enough from ebay or the charity shop to get the material from).
Catsister, I'm hearing you on the store bought stuff! My significant other has worked in the clothing trade for more than half his working life and he is a seam checker as well. I often would go clothes shopping, only to come home with nothing because I was disappointed in the finish for the amount of money being asked!
DeleteMost of my wardrobe of clothes is a collection of stuff gathered over years, so I rarely buy or make myself anything because of this. If it isn't worn out, then I really don't care whether or not it is in this year's colours. Some of my quality buys have come from the charity shop nearby. You really can get a bargain there.
Cheers
My first sewing machine was a gift from my parents for my 21st. Just a basic brother. I used my mums before. I saved up for a more up to date machine 3 years ago which is great but I cannot machine quilt big quilts on it. I just cannot manouvre the big quilts around, nurses joints unfortunately. I am going to try and save for a machine that has a larger throat space. I am always mending,sewing or making quilts for others. My plan for this year is to make a bit of extra money from my sewing this year. One of my friends has the machine you have featured, she loves it. Froogs can I ask which elna model you have. Are you pleased with it? Jan x
ReplyDeleteIt is super hot here in Australia at the moment. Coming out to the car from an errand means a steering wheel too hot to touch, so some of us bloggy friends have been making quilted steering wheel covers! I show the two I have made on my blog, but there are others. I have always had several quilts and other projects on the go at all times since I was 13. Sewing is the best therapy for life stuff. x debbie
ReplyDeleteHey Debbie, what's your blog? I'm in Oz and fed up with the cooked steering wheel. A quilted one would certainly demonstrate to the world what I like to do with my days!
DeleteCheers
Hi Robyn, nice to meet you. I show the 2 I made at my blog, http://sweet-little-cottage.blogspot.com.au/ Feel free to stop by and say hi. My bestie De has photos of 6 others she made for Chrissy presents for various family members. They really do help with the heat. debbie
DeleteI have two machines and I have named them too. I didn't know anyone else did this, thanks for reassuring me that I MIGHT be normal.....or not.....debbie
DeleteI have 2 sewing machines, a super duper Singer Futura XL 400 embroidery/sewing machine which I use for my kindle covers and clutch bags for my shop. I also use it to embroider skirts and jeans for myself. It has more than paid for itself since I got it last April. For ordinary straight stitching I use Persephone my lovely 1954 black and gold Singer. They sit side by side and it's so funny to sit down and sew with Persephone whilst her futuristic sister (Helena) is whirring away embroidering!
ReplyDeletePersephone produces beautiful even stitches and has a lovely sort of mechanical type sound when she sews. It's such a pleasure to use her :-)
Linda xx
I can't imagine life without my sewing machine.
ReplyDeleteI started sewing about 2 years ago with a very cheap machine which I bought at Lidls (it was a silvercrest - cheap but really really good enough for beginners)I took a training course at an adult education centre. It was amazing! Our teacher was a dressmaker who teached us in making clothes (blouses, pants, skirts - what ever we wanted) and this lady was amazing she was so full of stories regarding everything which had to do with her job and it was such a pleasure to learn how to sew, to learn about fabrics, etc. with her that I also started sewing at home in every free minute that I have. I decided to buy me a better machine with a stronger motor. I wanted to buy a PFAFF.
So I bought me an used sewing machine via ebay. It is a pfaff quilt expression 2044. A great machine although I did not knew at this time anything about quilting. So I came by chance to the pleasure to start quilting only because my machine has a lot of quilting stitches. I am an absolute quilting-beginner but I think the quilting virus has already infected me....
Sorry for my english:-) Nicolexxx
Congratulations Nicole on joining the world of quilting. Beginning is good and you will learn lots. Take your time. If the adult education centre holds the odd quilting class, jump on board. There is also heaps of tutorials on youtube that can help you heaps.
DeleteEnjoy your journey. :)
My dear husband bought me a new sewing machine when I stopped working (due to health issues) a little over a year ago. Because of these issues, I needed a machine that would auto thread as I can no longer keep my hand still enough to thread any type of needle. As a result of my tremors, I can no longer hand embroider, hand quilt or sew on buttons. It killed me to give up my "crafty" endeavors. But, this machine does it all! To say that the sewing machine has been a lifesaver would be a significant understatement! Although I can't sew every day, the portions of time when I can use my machine have absolutely saved my sanity. Believe me, my new Babylock machine is less costly overall than a padded room!!! On days when I am not capable of sewing, I lie in bed and daydream about all of the wonderful quilts I will someday make. Planning keeps my mind occupied and my spirits up...an absolute necessity when dealing with chronic illness. Over the past year and three months I have made several items that I was able to give as Christmas gifts...significantly cutting down my holiday expenditures! I have mended a few ripped seams, which allowed me to extend the life of some high quality clothing items...and I didn't need to pay a tailor! Now that I am home full time, lack of funds and lack of physical ability is forcing me to adopt a much simpler lifestyle...and it is a wonderful change. My goal for 2013, and the coming years, is to continue to simplify our lifestyle and budget...and my sewing machine will be an important tool in reaching that goal!
ReplyDeleteoh geez, i have practically made everything for my kids apartments. Quilts, curtains, shams, rugs, baskets, coasters, placemats, tablecloths, tre skirts, table toppers, kitchen towels, potholders, runners. bedskirts, bridesmaids gifts, tote bags, picnic quilts, did I miss anything????
ReplyDeleteI've sewn since I was a young gilr, about 8? I first learned on a Singer black and gold treddle (is that the term?) machine. Fast forward and I was given Mom's first machine when I was in high school-a 1935 Singer black and gold painted again, electric model that Mom bought second hand in '58. I later invested in a Kenmore automatic buttonhole style machine with assorted decorative stitches. Plastic parts broks. : (
ReplyDeleteI eventually stopped using it, it was donated to Goodwill.
This Summer, I was fortunate to get another Kenmore, from the 60's-an all metal, automatic button holer, zigzag-thru Freecycle! Yes!
Very happy.
I've made clothes, curtains, pillows, made so many repairs-a sewing machine definately is a frugal tool.
I don't know what I would do without my sewing machine. Everyone in the family now has a quilt or some sort of cuddly blanket that has come off my machine. Some have been ditch quilted because my free motion is rubbish, others have had the professional treatment, and a couple have even been partially machined and partially hand quilted.
ReplyDeleteMy granddaughters all have toys that I have made for them as well. For the cost of one pattern, or the odd freebie off the interwebs, they have gorgeous softies sitting on their beds looking all gorgeous. I think if it wasn't for my sewing machine, I would go mad.
I love that you are imparting your skills onto others. This is a good thing, and there is nothing like learning to sew your own clothes or modify hand-me-downs and thrift shop purchases to fit better. It is a shame that patterns are so expensive (I now only acquire my patters from the thrift shop), as they are often as dear as a high street garment!
Keep these skills moving, Froogs; you are a gem!
Sewing is such a part of who I am. My mother and grandmother were both great sewers and made many things for me as I grew up. I then learned to sew and used to make so many little dresses for my daughters. So much fun. Now I sew for my grandchildren and it's a real pleasure to be able to create something that was just a piece of cloth to begin with. I feel very blessed to have learned this art. It has saved us lots and lots of money! I have my own sewing machine and my grandmother's sewing machine that she bought in the 60's or 70's. It's not made from plastic like the ones nowadays. It's still very good for sewing.
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention i have 3 machines. A Bernina serger, a 1950s Featherweight Singer from my husbads mother, and a Pfaff machine that hubby and I purchased which was a year old store display model on salw. Wonderful because only Pfaff has the built in quilting or walking foot which provides feed dogs on top as well as on the bottom. Otherwise to quilt you have to buy a separate attachment to quilt without the top fabric dragging and messing it all up. Funny story: when my hubby and i were dating he willingly attended quilt guild mtgs with me and got interested in quilting himself. Since he is an eye surgeon i told him he could certainly learn to quilt. So i taught him how to quilt. Until he took up a new hobby, post marriage--playing the drums at church. Ha!
ReplyDeleteBut I don't have a sewing room, where would I sew?? Haha just kidding! I'd like to be able to sew but no machine and no clue probably means it's not the best plan for me! Have just started some embroidery and knitting so will stick with those for now
ReplyDeleteJudy xx
I started sewing at age 11- in those days we still had Home Ec classes for sewing and foods. My grandmother and her mother were seamstresses so it was "in the family".
ReplyDeleteMy first machine was a treadle that I bought second hand for $10. I made all my clothes on it, including remodeling clothes from the thrift store. I moved after high school and had to leave it behind.
Then I saved up and bought a new Kenmore with buttonhole and zig zag capabilities. I used it to make my own clothes and clothing for my children, as well as home decor and quilts. I also briefly had an alterations and mending business at home.
Next was a Pfaff, but as it was a floor model, I had a few problems with it, and it didn't last as long as I had hoped it would. I was still sewing for the family and quilting.
My most recent machine is a Husqvarna Lily, which I am very happy with. I am now making clothes for the grandkids. I have a small 11 lb Brother machine that I use when camping as I need something to do while my husband goes fishing. It runs off the solar panel and I use it for quilting only.
I also have my grandmother's treadle that my grandfather bought brand new for her in 1925. It will go to my daughter, as she also sews and quilts.
Of course, we cannot forget my APQS longarm, which is used for our quilting business.
I think I would go a bit batty with out my machines. I have always told my husband that my toys make money, they don't cost money :-)
Happy sewing everyone!!
Barb from Canada
The other day I packed up our car with treasured items in case we had to make a quick getaway due to bushfires (the fire danger in our area was rated "catastrophic"). My Bernina sewing machine was there (I would have also included my overlocker, but had to desist due to lack of room!). It's my most treasured possession. I've made curtains for our house on it, all sorts of soft furnishings, and often mended clothes. I also make 90% of the clothes I wear on it. It was a significant expense, but has repaid itself many times over.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 and a baby sewing machine. I love sewing, but at this moment in time I dont have the time. I want to start using my MILs singer. She was a professional dress maker and a teacher, I wish she was still alive today. I can make cushions and I am planing to make a simple door curtain, but were to start? Allie xxx
ReplyDeleteIf you can make cushions, you can make curtains. If anything, they are easier. Where to start? Measure the area you need to cover. Rummage through your stash and look at thrift stores for sheer curtains and sheets or tablecloths that can be repurposed to make the curtains. Note the yardage needed if you're going to buy new, and look for a coupon or sale.
DeletePost the type of curtain you plan to make (rod pocket, or?) and the size, and the people here can help you figure yardage and what to do next. (Maybe Froogs will do a tutorial). Honestly, it's just hemming and making a rod pocket, or clipping on rings, or sewing on Rufflette, or whatever. You will be amazed by how simple curtains are to make.
I like the idea of a sewing machine but I think it might be one of my flash in the pan ideas. From time to time I think "there's a craft I'd like to do" and I start, but it doesn't get very far. If it's needlepoint, for example, the outlay isn't huge: a sewing machine however is a different story...! So I think I will just admire what other people do!!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machine is a Husqvarna but I was given mine when I was 16 which is several decades back. I've only ever had it repaired once so reliability is brilliant. In fact the only drawback with mine is that it is all metal and weighs a ton - something that they will have overcome in more modern machines. I've been known to use it on the floor when I just had a bit of sewing to do and there was no one around to lift it on to the table for me : )
ReplyDeleteI made most of my clothes on it as a teenager, made most of my daughters' clothes when they were tots, made curtains, quilt covers, cushion covers and repaired untold numbers of garments. I'm not quite sure what I would have done without it over the years I've had it. I do love my Husqvarna.
I have a three machines, but my favourite is my mum's hand Singer, bought in 1939 by her elder sister. It sews wonderfully, and looks beautiful. I don't know what I'd have done over the years without being able to make things - I still have bags and things made from old duvets covers and recycled fabric going strong after 10 years of use. I really don't like making clothes for myself though!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have 3 machines, a basic Janome, a Brother embroidery and a Janome embellisher (felting machine), which just about covers all my sewing needs. I feel really lucky that I had a wonderful needlework teacher at school, where dressmaking was the norm and it is something that I've really enjoyed ever since. Having just moved house, none of my curtains fit, so I've got a huge job of altering them, 11 windows in all, phew! Best of all, I've got my own dedicated sewing/craft room too, with a killer view, pure bliss.
ReplyDeleteI went to an all girls school and the needlework teacher was a monster.
ReplyDeleteI used to skive her lessons because she used to humiliate us in class if we couldn't sew.
I've never owned a sewing machine but would love to make a start but not sure what to buy.
Would an electric machine be too fast for an absolute beginner to start on?
I will be starting as a total novice but keen to learn how to make things for myself and as gifts.
Thanks
I'm looking forward to your classes, if it fits in with my caring role etc I'd love to try and attend.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to learning where you classes will be, if it fits in with my caring role, and I can attend, I will certainly try.
ReplyDeleteTony
Love all the talk about sewing. Part of this years plan was to get back to sewing and to do more of it. I was gifted some very expensive fabric last year which became the basis of the colour scheme for my new kitchen. Made the seat cushions just before Christmas and am going to start the placemats thus week. The seat covers have saved me about £20 (the cost of replacing them) and no idea what the placemats would have cost. But all for a bit of time, effort and imense pride I will have a cooridnated, stylish kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI first learnt how to use a sewing machine at high school. Mum always had a sewing machine, her first was an old singer black and gold if I remember correctly. She then purchased a newer model but I can always remember hearing her shout and swear whenever the 'Damn machine' came out.
ReplyDeleteI bought myself a brother machine about three years ago after mum's 'damn machine' burnt out when I was making some curtains, it is quite basic but fine for my needs at the moment.
Hi I just found your blog...I think on someone else's side bar...now, I don't know who to give the credit to. Either way-- I'm following you and hoping to learn lots from you.
ReplyDeleteI've fallen off the frugal wagon and have only recently in the last couple of years gotten back on it, though it's not easy!
I used my sewing machine to make most of my Christmas presents this past Christmas... it saved me a lot, not to mention; NO STORES OR MALLS OR CROWDS!
I'll be reading you!
Pat
I picked up a basic Brother machine 23 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, to sew blankets and curtains for her room. It's still going strong and now making goodies for her children! Along with the ability to cook, the ability to sew is one of the most frugal things a person can know. I don't sew a lot of clothing, just some basic items, but I do hope to branch out a little on that this year. Last year I attempted a pencil skirt with no pattern. It went wrong, I re-used the fabric for other things. This year I want to find an easy-to-follow pattern for a pencil skirt and learn to do it correctly, which will open up so many possibilities for my work wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI've had a sewing machine all my life (not the same one). When my boys we little I made all their own clothes, that was in the 60's and for one thing there wasn't the choice of clothing shops that you get now. But the main reason was that I could clothe them so cheaply. When my brother married and I had to provide a little suit for them to attend the wedding I just didn't have the cash so I made them each a matching suit with little tailored jacket and long trousers. I was really pleased with the result. I'm not a tailor or dressmaker by any means, I was just grateful I had the ability and the wherewithall to make their clothes when they were small.
ReplyDeleteI still have a sewing machine, I don't use it as much, but there are times when I do running repairs for the family.
I don't own a sewing machine but I do get more for my money by making and repairing things myself. Yes it takes longer but I enjoy hand sewing so as long as I can manage that I'll keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying how many sewing machines I currently own, but I use three regularly; my beloved Jones Medium CS treadle, built in 1909, which takes care of nearly all our straight-stitch work & will stitch canvas, denim & leather without skipping a beat, my 1960s Jones 565 heavy-duty embroidery machine which is also treadled now after a motor blow-out, and a 2 y.o. Bernina, the straightforward all-metal one used in schools & colleges. Love them all, despite the grumpy Domestic Science teachers who said I had two left hands... Now I sell the things I make, as does my self-employed elder daughter.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason why sewing machines were such a hit in 1851 at the Great Exhibition, and why Singer was able to persuade housewives to buy them on HP in a debt-averse world. They can save you an ENORMOUS amount of time & money, with very little effort; they're not hard to learn to use (though please do read the instructions, particularly how to thread it) and can set your imagination free too. Not long ago I bought a bag of secondhand "fabric" for £1.50 which turned out to be two huge pairs of pristine vintage Laura Ashley made-to-measure fully-lined linen curtains, complete with pelmets & tie-backs; half a day with my scissors & the old Jones & we now have three sets and a matching door curtain, which would have cost well over a thousand pounds at today's prices for the same quality of fabric. Home has never looked so welcoming & co-ordinated!
In short, a sewing machine is one of the best investments you could ever make, in financial terms, in terms of space given up to fit it in (even a treadle!) and in terms of time spent learning how to use it to your own individual best advantage.
Ok Froogs, I'm goin' in! I've had the machine for 15 years, and I've never used it, but with a hand me down pattern and fabric from family, it's now or never. No more skirting the issue, I'm off to make my first skirt!
ReplyDelete