Knitting and Sewing
|
|
How To Choose a Sewing Machine
   
|
How To Get A Job Fast
In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, golden handshakes, mergers, leveraged .....
In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, golden handshakes, mergers, leveraged .....
You have finally come to the conclusion that you need or want a
sewing machine. Now, what is on the market and how do you make
the right decision?
There are many brands of machines out there and everyone boasts
different features. Some machines appeal to quilters, others
want you to embroider everything including the toilet seat and
the shower curtain. Searching for the right machine is going to
Sewing Box
The Well-Stocked Sewing Box
Many people today never even think about sewing. Since clothing is relatively cheap these days, many would rather toss it in the trash before trying to mend a hole or .....
take some time.The Well-Stocked Sewing Box
Many people today never even think about sewing. Since clothing is relatively cheap these days, many would rather toss it in the trash before trying to mend a hole or .....
Shopping for a new machine can make your head spin. The girls on
my boards discuss which machine is best every time someone needs
a new one. We all know the name brands but I am not going to
suggest one, that decision is yours. It's a personal one and an
important one. I will, however give you a few basic questions
you should ask yourself.
1. What type of sewing do you plan to do? - clothing - crafts -
repairs and alterations - home decorating
2. Where will you sew?
- sewing room - kitchen table - integrated into other family
living area
3. How will your machine be stored? - in its own cabinet - in a
closet hiding behind the coats - leave it out to sew every spare
moment
4. Consider your budget and buying habits? How long will you
keep this machine? - 6 months - a few years - forever and a day
When you answer these questions, you are on your way to making
the right decision. Obviously if you are going to sew from the
kitchen table, you don't want a machine with lots of accessories
or add-ons that will take up too much room. If you are doing
repairs and alterations, you don't want a machine that
duplicates the quilting stitch. If you have small children
around, your machine needs to be tucked away safely. Just a few
things to think about.
Research is the name of the game here. Check out the latest
Step By Step Foreskin Restoration Guide Using T-Tape Method - For Those New To Foreskin Restoration
PART I
A BEGINNERS Introduction & Pointers to the T-Tape Restoration Method - For Men Curious About NON-Surgical Foreskin .....
consumer reports. Visit the forum discussions onPART I
A BEGINNERS Introduction & Pointers to the T-Tape Restoration Method - For Men Curious About NON-Surgical Foreskin .....
sew-whats-new.com and see what the girls are using. They will
gladly tell you what works and what doesn't. Another source is
the well known sewing magazines. Sew News and Threads do
comparison studies all the time.
If you are lucky enough to have local dealers, pay them all a
visit. Test drive all their machines and ask lots and lots of
questions. Take fabric with you that you use and test out things
like stitch length, reverse and some of the different presser
feet. Find out about lessons. Lots of dealers will give you a
few free lessons to get you acquainted with your machine. Above
all, take your time. I cannot stress this enough. Don't let
anyone rush you thru the process. Leave the kids at home so you
have no distractions. While you are in the shop asking
questions, you can see how the staff relate to customers and if
they have the answers to all your questions. If they seem
impatient or brusque, imagine how they might be after the sale.
If they are not helpful now at the prospect of a sale, they
probably won't be later if you need help.
A Short Course In Mail Order Fraud
What you need to know about mail fraud!
When the mails are used to intentionally misrepresent a product or service it constitutes Mail Fraud. The U.S. Postal Inspection .....
What you need to know about mail fraud!
When the mails are used to intentionally misrepresent a product or service it constitutes Mail Fraud. The U.S. Postal Inspection .....
On the other hand, a strong sales pitch can also steer you in
the wrong direction. Paying for a top of the line model doesn't
mean you are getting the machine you will be happiest with. You
must resist the urge for that impulse buy. Go home and talk to
someone who sews. Find out their experiences and listen to what
they have to say. Again, take your time with this decision.
If you have visited all the dealers, and test driven their
machines visit them all again. Visit again when you are rested
and can make a clear decision. Go back and take a second look at
those machines. You are looking at them with new eyes now. Maybe
there are a few things you never noticed the first time that
stand out now. What about that foot pedal, is it comfortable? Do
you want the even feed feature? Does the machine run smoothly
and quietly? Are there more programmes than you will ever use?
If so, make a mental note and you can scale down your possible
choices. This second visit will tell you more than you expect.
Ask about the warranty that comes with each machine. Be sure you
know who is responsible for standing behind it, your dealer or
the manufacturer. Are repairs made locally or will you have to
pack everything up and send it away.
Be very sure you understand what is included with the sewing
machine. Which feet, how many bobbins and what about a manual.
The manual is very important. You will refer to the manual time
after time so it should be a good reference guide to all the
accessories and stitch designs along with any other functions.
The manual should be full of pictures and diagrams for the basic
sewing as well as clear directions. If your manual isn't
helpful, do you want to go searching out the answers every time
you have a problem. I wish I had a penny for every time someone
has emailed me with a problem that their manual doesn't answer.
Be sure you get your sales agreement in writing and keep your
copy in a safe place. Nothing less will do.
The bottom line is you must do some work before you ever sew
your first stitch. If you make the effort and educate yourself,
the rewards of a great sewing machine are yours.
About the author:
Mary is the mother to three grown children and six perfect
grandchildren. She is also owner/editor of
http://sew-whats-new.com Her site has been recognized in many
national sewing magazines.