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Archive: Sewing Machines
January 4, 2008
ThreadHeads - Sewing Machine 101 (Video)
Watch this great ThreadHeads video that great for beginning sewers, a sewing machine 101. You learn what each of the parts are, how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, and more.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jan 4, 2008 07:00 PM
Sewing Machines |
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A Dress A Day's Guide to Choosing Sewing Machines
Erin of A Dress A Day has an extensive write up on how to choose a sewing machine. I really like all her tips on how to test out machines and time limits for research. Pictured above is her recent purchase, a Juki. Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jan 4, 2008 09:00 AM
Sewing Machines |
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December 21, 2007
Bernina Sewing Machines - CRAFT Video Podcast
If you are like me, you've probably been dreaming or drooling over a Bernina sewing machine for a while now. With Bernina at the Maker Faire in Austin, I wanted to find out more about these fantastic sewing machines and why they are considered to be the gold standard. I got a chance to get a little demo from a Bernina sewer, Erin Bosik, who shows us the ins-and-outs and key features of Berninas, perfect for sewers of any level!
Head on over to the Bernina web site to find out more about their sewing machines and find out which model is right for you. - Link.
You can subscribe in iTunes and get this podcast downloaded automatically! - Subscribe Link
And here it is! After 3 years of deciding, I finally decided on which Bernina to get. I bought the Bernina Activa 230 Patchwork Edition. It's perfect for the kinds of projects I really want to do more of -- sewing clothes and lots of quilting. It does sew like butter which just makes you want to sew even more. I bought it at an authorized Bernina dealer in San Francisco. If you are nearby, you should definitely go there. California Sewing & Vacuum (5025 Geary St. 415-751-4880). Ask for Celie, she's got amazing sewing tips and you get a free one-on-one lesson on how to use your specific machine once you purchase it. Happy sewing!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 21, 2007 11:24 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Sewing Machines |
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December 3, 2007
Sewing Tutorials at Burda Style
Burda Style has started a series of sewing tutorials for beginners. This week the tutorial is for threading a machine and a previous tutorial explained pattern layout. Link.
Posted by Michelle Kempner |
Dec 3, 2007 06:00 AM
Sewing, Sewing Machines |
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August 27, 2007
Maker Faire Austin Sponsor: Bernina Sewing Machines
We are so happy to announce that Bernina sewing machines will be a sponsor at Maker Faire Austin, October 20-21 at the Travis County Fairgrounds! So for those of you looking for a new sewing, quilting, or embroidery machine, come by to the fair to check out Bernina. I'm excited to test one out myself! We've had quite a few Bernina recommendations by crafters which you can check out in our sewing machine archives here and here. Visit the Bernina web site for more information. Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 27, 2007 04:29 PM
Maker Faire, Sewing Machines |
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August 1, 2007
Brother CS-6000: Good Beginner Sewing Machine
Malissa Long writes in to let us know that the Janome Hello Kitty sewing machine, although super cute, just isn't a good machine. Malissa recommends the Brother CS-6000 which we also talked about in our sewing machine round up last December.
Malissa writes:
The machine you recommended with out a review is a piece of crap. I've had 2 sewing students who owned them and a third person I met who had one and not one of them worked properly. If your looking to recommend a machine to a beginner sewer check out the Brother CS-6000, there are several different model # that are the same. It has speed control, comes with a DVD, and has lots of cool stitches. It's very easy to use and very light weight( 5lbs). I'm an expert sewer, but use one as my carry around machine I've put it through the trenches the past 1 1/2 years and it's held it's ground. When I first got it, I used it at least 30 hours a week for at least 4 months, that's a lot for a machine I paid $215 with tax for.Get a great deal on the Brother CS-6000 on overstock.com for only $139.99 - Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 1, 2007 05:48 PM
Sewing Machines |
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Sergers 101
BeSewStylish has a great in depth article online all about sergers and their many stitches. I've been dying for one for a long time and might just have to take the plunge now! Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 1, 2007 04:44 PM
Sewing Machines |
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July 27, 2007
Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine
Who can resist the power of Hello Kitty? Now you can get a Hello Kitty Janome sewing machine for only $59.99 at Target. It's the perfect little beginner machine, complete with cherries and all! Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 27, 2007 03:02 PM
Sewing Machines |
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May 29, 2007
New Singer Embroidery and Sewing Machines
At the Maker Faire, Ralph Morehouse from Singer was on hand to demo the latest in Singer sewing and embroidery machines. Ralph was stationed in the CRAFT Corner and also provided sewing machines for Giana Gonzalez to use for her Hacking Couture, the Italian Hack workshop, that ran all weekend. Giana and I opened the boxes together on Friday afternoon to set everything up and we were amazed there were a two embroidery sewing machines in the mix. "This must be what guys feel like when they see a Ferrari," exclaimed Giana. I agreed, likening it to a surprise Christmas in May.
On Sunday when I had more time to walk around the expo hall, Ralph gave me a special demo showing me the latest that Singer is bringing us with embroidery and sewing machines. And lets just say I was more excited than when I was opening the actual boxes!
Singer Quantum Futura (CE-200)
Suggested Retail Price about $800
The Singer Quantum Futura is like an affordable first class plane ticket to heaven. I am pretty computer savvy so when Ralph showed me the process of the machine embroidering the image from the laptop, I believe I had my jaw open. He explained to me that this machine could be likened to a "sewing machine printer". Whatever design in most any kind of format that I wanted to create on the computer from illustration, design, to photos, could be embroidered by this sewing machine.
A special computer software program processes the image or illustration and creates thread layers (for photos, details are simplified). Once a color is all done, the machine will stop for the next color that's set to be embroidered. Pictured above, the Quantum Futura machine processes all the brown first, then starts in on embroidering the yellow to make up the final wheat stalks. Currently, these sewing machines connect only to PC laptops but for those of you tech savvy enough, you can see if the new Intel Macs running Windows will be sufficient enough.
But wait, if $800 is still a bit too steep for you, you can get the embroidery basics with the Singer Futura (CE-100)which retails for about $500 and still lets you connect a laptop to the machine!
Singer Quantum XL-6000
Suggested Retail about $3,000
The top of the line right now is the Singer Quantum XL-6000 which has more power with a color touch screen display, multiple thread spools, multiple languages, improved embroidery lettering, and a continuous hoop which allows for creating borders for garments and home decor projects. Pictured above is Ralph testing a "G" design for Giana's Italian "Gucci" hack explorations.
Here's a close up of the "G" embroidery and you can see the fine detail this machine can go to.
A sample from the Gucci hack showing a modfied Gucci print embroidered by the Quantum XL-6000.
Ok I'm sure by now after reading all this, you'll all be running out to get these machines. I'm happy that Singer is coming out with these great sewing and embroidery machines that can fit into any crafter's budget. Thanks Ralph for the great demos!
- See all the photos from Ralph Morehouse's Singer demos as well as some shots of the Hacking Couture workshop here - Link.
- Find out more about these and other Singer sewing and embroidery machines, including some video demos and more photos on the Singer web site here. - Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 29, 2007 02:45 PM
Maker Faire, Sewing Machines |
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May 2, 2007
Vintage Morse "Margaret" Sewing Machine
CRAFT reader Wayne emailed me and sent in pictures of this vintage Morse "Margaret" sewing machine.
Wayne writes:
We just received this machine from my wife's client who is no longer able to care for herself. I have never heard of the morse sewing machine company before and was wondering if this machine has any value. We would never sell it but wondered if its worth insuring for the future. I plan to clean it up a bit and maybe find the case.
Any CRAFT readers care to help Wayne with his question? Please post it in the comments. Thanks!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
May 2, 2007 10:11 AM
Sewing Machines, Vintage |
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April 17, 2007
Sewing Machines: How a Bobbin Works
Candace at Crafty Daisies posted up this animated graphic that shows how a bobbin catches thread in sewing machines. It is very mesmerizing to watch! Also, don't miss our special sewing machine feature in CRAFT: 03, "Anatomy of a Sewing Machine". Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Apr 17, 2007 11:01 AM
Sewing Machines |
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April 4, 2007
Martha + SVP (Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking) - photos
The CRAFT/MAKE team was at the Martha Stewart announcement / gathering today, she's endorsing SVP's sewing machines (Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking). I dig Martha, she's really sharp. Photos here.
The machines they showed off we (mostly) computer controlled, and with laptops. One had a stylus and touch screen, and embroidered automatically without user assistance (I'm not sure what format it uses, but looks like you can do just about anything). It was interesting to hear Martha talk about the Singer sewing machine she still has from 1901 (it's still in working condition) and how she won bet dressed student (she made all her own clothes). That's about it, Martha putting her name on some of the best machines out there and using her influence to get more folks sewing is really a -good thing- .
Here's a bit of the press blurb.
"My mother taught me the basics of sewing at a young age and I have had Singer sewing machines in my home since I was a girl. I used them to make many of my clothes in high school and college and I even sewed my wedding dress," stated Martha Stewart. "Sewing is a wonderfully useful skill. It enables anyone to create beautiful and functional projects or even enhance something as basic as a paper gift bag. I'm delighted that sewing is enjoying a national renaissance since I know very well the pride and pleasure that can be derived from this rewarding pursuit." From the fashion savvy to the crafts enthusiast, sewing is back in vogue. According to the Home Sewing Association, there are approximately 35 million sewing hobbyists in the U.S., up from about 30 million in 2000. The resurgence of sewing is providing individuals of all ages and backgrounds with exciting opportunities to create and personalize quilting, crafting, fashion sewing and home décor projects and to embellish readymade items.More:
- Photos from the event Link.
- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Announces Endorsement Of SVP Worldwide Products: SINGER(R), HUSQVARNA VIKING(R) And PFAFF(R) Sewing Machines - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Apr 4, 2007 12:28 AM
Fashion Tech, Sewing, Sewing Machines |
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December 14, 2006
Sarah Neuburger's Sewing Machine
Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object shares with us her sewing machine, the Bernina Activa 130.
Sarah says, "A Bernina Activa 130 that was purchase used from a local quilting guild last year. It was a gift but it was pretty pricey at around $400 I think. I had been sewing on my mother's first Singer (don't recall the model, about 40 years old) which was an awesome metal machine but when a pin broke some gears a few belts (don't ask, I didn't realize a pin was in there) fixing it became cost prohibitive. While I was afraid of a computerized machine I have fallen in love with this one. I used to have trouble adjusting the tension on various fabric weights and this one is no trouble and I seldom have to adjust it. The fancy options I use most: the knee lift for raising the presser foot, the needle up/down by use of the foot pedal--which I really love. Otherwise, it's just a good solid machine with few thread breaks and tension problems (unlike the Singer through anything but cotton) and its heavy enough that it doesn't bounce over my table. I was trying to decide between a comparable Janome and honestly got this one since my mother + sister both have Berninas and the presser feet/attachments which are all compatible between our models so that meant the perks of having access to more cool stuff like a pleater foot! " Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 14, 2006 02:48 PM
Sewing Machines |
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December 7, 2006
Kristen Rask's Schmancy Sewing Machine
I couldn't resist the play on the word "schmancy" to describe Kristen Rask's of Schmancy new sewing machine.
Kristen says, "This is my new sewing machine. It is a "Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 31 Stitches, Built-in 1-Step Buttonhole." Why did I buy it? Well I wanted another sewing machine so I could have one at home and then one at Schmancy. My friend got this sewing machine for Christmas from her mom who is a quilter and seems to sew a lot and know a lot about sewing machines. As Pamela and I were looking for similar things in a sewing machine (for making stuffed creatures, working with heavier materials, etc.), I trusted her mom's purchase and got this one for myself. (Well actually my mom got it for me for Christmas too...i am a copy cat.)" (Read more on her site.) Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 7, 2006 02:56 PM
Sewing Machines |
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December 6, 2006
Betz White's Sewing Machine
Betz White, crafter of the cutest felt cupcakes and coffee cup pincushions around, shares with us her personal sewing machine which happens to bear her name.
Betz says, "My mom bought me this used/rebuilt machine back in 1985 when I started college for Fashion Design. I have been using it ever since! It's such a workhorse and powers through all of the felted sweaters I sew, which produce an incredible amount of lint. I keep a can of compressed air handy to blast out the fuzz balls from the bobbin case. Did you notice the brand? I've had the machine longer than my married name...perhaps it was some kind of foreshadowing? :)"
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 6, 2006 04:27 PM
Sewing Machines |
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Susan Beal's Sewing Machine
Susan Beal of West Coast Crafty gives us the deets on her sewing machine and serger.
Susan says, "I have a three-year-old Viking Huskystar 215, which has been great for all my sewing projects, from making handbags and clothes to light quilting. It came with a 25-year warranty so I can take it in for free tune-ups once a year, which is a huge bonus. I've bought some extra feet and accessories for sewing vinyl, but besides that it's been perfect right out of the box. I learned to sew on a 1960s Singer, which I loved, but it was a little moody when it came to heavier-weight and stretch fabrics--the tension just snarled up and freaked out, and I had to take it to be serviced over and over again. So the Huskystar has been a dream so far, and it has handled every craft project I've tried beautifully. I'd love to upgrade to a Bernina someday, but in the meantime my Viking and I are very happy together!
I also have a BabyLock Eclipse serger, which is wonderful. I love using it, but absolutely hate threading it, so I cheat by tying my new threads to the current ones and pulling them through. I usually use the 3-thread option for most projects." Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 6, 2006 09:30 AM
Sewing Machines |
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December 5, 2006
Fabienne's Vintage Singer 222K
Fabienne Serriere, Engadget how-to writer and Netscape anchor, got herself a great vintage Singer 222K sewing machine. Fabienne says, "If you learned on a rock solid sewing machine and ever since have lamented the plastic creations that pass for sewing machines nowadays, you will understand why I needed this gadget so badly. A Singer Featherweight, reputed for solid forward and backstitch, can even outlive its owner. All this one needed was a new belt, some oil, a needle, and voila, a stalwart sewing machine for decades to come." Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 5, 2006 05:15 PM
Sewing Machines |
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Not Martha's Sewing Machine
Big thank you to Megan Reardon of Not Martha who gave us the scoop on her sewing machine she uses for her crafty business.
Megan says, "I have a Juki TL-98E, it's a straight stitch machine usually marketed towards quilters. I bought when I was starting The Organized Knitter for purely practical reasons - knee presser foot lift, extra wide and tall area under the arm, a very large removable working surface, and mostly metal body and parts. I got to use a lot of industrial machines in college and trusted the brand. Because it is a straight stitch machine it is very fast and strong, and I have not missed zig zag or decorative stitches yet. I've used it nearly every day for about three years and have had no troubles, which makes me very happy. The only disadvantage is the lack of a free arm which would be nice to have when doing things such as hemming cuffs." Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 5, 2006 12:45 PM
Sewing Machines |
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Evil Mad Scientist Lab - Lenore Edman's Sewing Machine
Lenore Edman of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories wrote up a great review of her sewing machine as well has how she makes trebuchet slings. Lenore says, "I can't compete with the lovely vintage Singers, but here is mine. I have had it for several years and I even made my wedding dress on it. It is a Huskystar, which is a descendent of the Viking brand. I went with the top of the mechanical line on sale at the end of the model year. (Did you know sewing machines have a model year?) I didn't see a need for computer control since I wasn't planning to do embroidery. This was a good choice and I have no regrets. My favorite feature is the automatic needle threader, with the automatic buttonhole coming in a close second." Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 5, 2006 09:35 AM
Sewing Machines |
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December 4, 2006
Stitch Lounge Recommends Beginner Sewing Machines
Hope Meng from Stitch Lounge and co-author of Sew Subversive was nice enough to give us her expert opinion on the best beginner sewing machines. Since Hope and her two Stitch Lounge co-founders, Melissa Alvardo, and Melissa Rannels teach a lot of beginning sewing workshops, they're the ones in the know for the best ones to use.
Here, Hope reviews four great sewing machines from the most beginner to the most advanced. Take it away, Hope!
Janome Jem Gold
Janome Site - Link.
$199 at Sew Vac
We came to know the Jem Gold when Sandra Betsina donated about 6 of these to Stitch (for those of you who haven't heard of Sandra, she is like the Cher of the established sewing world -- a quirky personality with a sense of style all her own who also happens to be a master at her craft). At first I was skeptical -- it didn't have a stitch length or a stitch width selector. Instead, you choose the stitch length and width using the pattern selection wheel, which means that you only get 3 choices of stitch length and 3 choices of stitch width. Turns out that beginners LOVE these little machines. They are totally stripped down, fool-proof, invented for the beginning seamster. Fewer features means less confusion. And the thing is pretty solid! True story: an entire astroturf suit was sewn on one of these so you know it's a workhorse. Nice, even stitches. Definitely not for an intermediate seamster, but if you are just getting your feet wet, the Jem Gold is a great machine.
Janome Sewist 509
Janome Site - Link.
$199 at Stitch Lounge
We had a great experience with the Janome Jem Gold at Stitch, so when we first decided to sell sewing machines, Janome was at the top of our list in terms of manufacturers. Their machines are great for beginners due to their ease of use, simple design, and light weight (great for people living in small apartments!). The Sewist 509 did not disappoint. Actually, we were rather shocked with the number of features that you get for the price, since the Jem Gold was actually more stripped down but had a higher price point. This machine has everything you need as a beginning seamster--all the basics stitches, stitch length and stitch width controls, buttonhole, etc. I'm not really sure I can say anything bad about this machine--it runs a little louder than some of our other machines at Stitch, but between the features you get and the low price, I think I can live with a little noise.
Necchi 4595
$249 at Sew Vac
This was one of the first machines I bought when we first opened Stitch, and it's still around! That tells you a lot about this workhorse. As a seamster who learned how to sew on a vintage machine, the Necchi 4595 was right up my alley. Since it is made by a European manufacturer, it has a front-loading bobbin (rather than a top-loading bobbin), which I prefer because even though they are a little harder to get used to at first, you have a lot more control later on if things go wrong. The machine has all metal moving parts, which means it is built to last (it also means it is heavier than most modern machines). It also means it is well suited for tough fabrics like faux fur, denim, etc.--this machine will sew through anything!. It is not so great for delicate fabrics like chiffons or silks, so it's not the machine for you if you plan on using these fibers. My other complaint about the Necchi 4595 is that it has a completely non-intuitive bobbin winder. You'll definitely need to use the manual to figure this one out, but once you do, it's a piece of cake. Also, it is a pretty speedy machine, which makes it great for intermediate seamsters (not so great for beginners). Overall a solid workhorse and a definite must if you want a industrial-strength machine in a standard sewing machine body.
Bernina Activa 220
Bernina - Link.
Everyone knows that Berninas are the Rolls Royces of sewing machines--luxurious, high-quality machines at luxurious, high-quality prices. Our need for beginner machines at Stitch (and my bias towards vintage machines in my home) made me shy away from Berninas for a long time, but the first time I used one, I knew I was in love. I mean, the thing just sewed like there was no tomorrow. I was working on a Burning Man costume made out of vinyl and chiffon (um, could I have chosen two more difficult fabrics to put together?!?), and I was sewing on a standard sewing machine. I had to keep ripping out the stitches because it was just not working. Then I turned to the Bernina. The things just ate that fabric up like it was buttered toast. Perfect, beautiful stitches in a perfect, beautiful straight line. I couldn't believe it--I had spent a full hour trying to sew one straight seam and the Bernina just churned it out like nobody's business. You're paying for that privilege, though--I think this machine retails for around $800. So if the sewing bug has really stung you, start saving your pennies now. The good news is that you won't ever need to buy another machine if you get this one.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Dec 4, 2006 05:44 PM
Sewing Machines |
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