And, Scarby is right around the corner! Mom's skirt is not finished! Panic time!!! :o :o
I knew this was coming. We've been having trouble with it forever. But now, I finally need to replace it permanently. I've been looking around, but haven't seen a machine that "speaks" to me, yet. I want a heavy duty vintage zig-zag machine. I really prefer older machines. But, I'm strapped for time and need something ASAP!
We have a featherweight 221 that is like new and sews great, but I'm afraid to abuse it. And, it only sews straight stitch. I used to zig-zag a lot! And, will severely miss it. Especially, since I don't own a serger.
Which brings me to my questions:
Do you think I would be able to get by with straight stitching featherweight and a serger until I find a suitable machine for me?
What should I look for in a serger when I have $500 to spend?
Can anyone recommend a particular brand/model? I need something rather heavy duty, since I do various crafting. I'm a crafter more than a sewer, but I do a little more sewing than the average person. And, we sew just about every type of fabric in just about every way and have plans for denim in the near future. The worst part is I've got a possible 15 yard skirt to sew by Saturday!
Lastly, should I dare try the Featherweight for a future denim project?
Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We might go to JoAnn and Hancock tomorrow to look at sergers.
Check all the Goodwill/ Salvation army stores . Just maybe?
Okay, first take a deep breath. Since your current machine only sews straight stitch, you can still get the skirt done for Saturday. Just use a french seam. I did that with the skirt I made last year and it was great. No poky fray checked fabric or bulky zigzag stitching. I learned about it from the great ladies on this forum. If you've never done it, you start with the wrong sides together. Sew about a 1/4" seam. Then press the seam so that the right sides are together and sew a 3/8" seam. This give you a great seam where the edges are all tucked into a little channel. Here's a website if you need a better explanation with pictures. http://sewing.about.com/od/techniques/ss/frenchseam.htm (http://sewing.about.com/od/techniques/ss/frenchseam.htm)
This way you can at least finish the skirt. Good luck on finding the machine you want!
If you weren't strapped for time I would recommend the Singer embroidery machine I just bought. $600 thru Costco. Unfortunately they have sold out. Limited time offer, I suppose. It has a steel body as apposed to most AL frames and does heavy fabrics such as denim, canvas, leather, and even vinyl. It has a thousand stitches plus, of course, the embroidery aspect! I haven't sewn with it yet (I have a Brother sewing machine) but I have loved it so far.
Look for a steel frame, heavy but heavy duty. My mom has a Singer, very old, with a steel frame. Great machine. For a while Singer produced some really low quality machines. Very disappointing. But it seems now they are re-earning their good name.
Hmm -- your machine died ... but you have a 221 that sews like new. Okay, I'm not sure what the problem is then!
Don't worry about "abusing" the 221 -- it's almost impossible to do so (unless you leave it out in the rain a lot). You can do most anything you'll need to with it (denim's no problem -- just use the right needles). Extra stitches are over-rated -- French Seams finish much better than zig-zags.
If you're interested in a heavy-duty metal machine, then the Singer 201 or 15 are decent candidates. Again, straight stitch only -- but they can handle anything and will last forever (you know this because they already have lasted forever!). If you absolutely have to have zig-zag, then the Pfaff 130's come to mind -- but I'd probably look for an older model Bernina. The 830's and 930's are much sought after (and priced accordingly), but the slightly older model 730's and 732's sew just as well. All metal machines -- so they'll last.
Sergers? Depends on what you want to do. If you're just interested in finishing seams, then a good 3 thread machine will do fine -- but a 4 thread may be easier to find. If you're looking older machines, both Elna and Pfaff have some nice models that you can probably find for $100 to $200 (or less).
Thanks, so much for all the advice. I'm breathing deeply. :)
Morgan Dreadlocke, I'm a regular at our local thrift stores and flea markets, but never find a decent machine here. They all look like they've been sitting outside since they were removed from their original box. :) But, I keep looking.
Baroness de Vale, forgive my ignorance. It's been awhile since I've done any proper sewing. I was introduced to french seams way back in school. That is a great idea! Will a french seam work with gathers?? I've never tried that. I'm making a patchwork skirt that has at least 4 gathered tiers. I was also under the impression that using a french seam would take more seam allowance than I had calculated for. But, if a 1/4" is enough, I think it could work! I'm working with flannel here. She's probably going to be baking wearing black/red flannel in the Scarby sun. But, it's what she wants for her pirate garb. :)
Dinobabe, thanks for the suggestions. I really have my heart set on an older machine. I've had a couple and have enjoyed them to pieces. Newer machines just don't feel right to me. The funny thing is, I work on the computer just about all day but don't want anything to do with them on my sewing machine. :)
Pascal, I'm going to have to break down and start getting to know the featherweight. I just wasn't sure the motor could take heavy fabrics and long periods of running. I'm hard on sewing machines. I don't want to be held responsible for it's early demise. Thanks for the reassurance. :) Mom and I have been wanting to try a serger for a long time. I played on them over 10+ years ago in school. Seemed very complicated to keep running smoothly at the time. This is why I've been hesitant to get one.
Thanks again everyone for taking the time to help me out! I'm going to try some experimental french seams tonight. Then, go shopping tomorrow. Wish me luck. :)
With such narrow seam in a skirt, I'd go for the serger and serge them all!
Yes, the 221 will cope with most fabrics and a lot of stuff, but it's a light weight machine and a heavy skirt can drag it off the table (I know, I have one!).
My personal take would be to get a nice Brother 1034D serger, for a couple of hundred, and look round, taking your time, for a decent older zigzag machine. You could land both inside your budget, and the serger + 221 will see you through most emergencies and the present crisis.
::)
So sorry about your problem, but - when I saw the title of your post, it was right above something with the word Viking in it. My mind's eye envisioned a Viking burial ship, ablaze with jumping flames, and your poor little sewing machine perched high in the center.
I laughed out loud.
Just had to share that moment.
^^ LOL! We should give it a decent burial. It's been around so long it's like family. My mom owned it before I was born. I can just see it lit up floating away on the lake on a pile of flaming wooden spools! :)
But in reality, ours will most likely be stripped for parts and donated.
Kate XXXXXX, I'm sorry. I should clarify that the seam allowance is 1/2", but I typed 1/4" thinking of the first sewing pass before it is folded over. Thanks for the warning about dragging the machine. This skirt will be a handful and the table I'm on is not very big. Hmm... may have to move myself to a larger table for this one.
I'm leaving here in a bit to find my dream machine. :) I post the outcome.
I'd still go for the serger... ;D Happy shopping!
I should offer the whole old machine up on a free-to-good-home-buyer collects parts machine only basis on the Wefixit Yahoo group. If you strip it first, no-one will be interested as it'll be landfill only.
Just out of sheer nosiness, what machine is the dead one?
Try to see if there is a sewing machine repair shop in your area, sometimes its cheaper to fix it rather than buy a new one.
there is one inside Golden D'Or on Harry Hines in Dallas.
I had a really good experience buying a refurbished serger from Overstock.com for $179. It was a Janome, and it's my first - and it definitely holds up to the abuse of me trying to figure out how it works... I also got a good Janome sewing machine from them as well, plus warranties for a grand total of about 400 dollars.
Well, I took my mom shopping for sergers, today. We looked at a few shops in Mesquite area. We didn't end up buying anything. :( We looked at a few Janome, Viking and Singers. Couldn't find any Brother or Babylock to compare.
The lady at the Janome dealer was very friendly and helpful. She showed us the machines she had, and explained how they were different. Mom really liked the 1110DX model which was easier to thread and, of course, would wipe out our $500 budget (even on sale). :) We brought along some denim scrap that she was happy to run through one for us. The best part of our visit, for me, was the Singer museum the had all along the top shelves of the store. There was a machine for every year up to the 90's.
At the next place we went the lady didn't know anything about the Viking and Singer models she was showing and kept trying to push us into the $1500 computerized Viking that is the only serger she knew how to use. Frustrating and not helpful at all. By the time we got out of there, we had to fly through Hancock before heading home. All they had was a couple lower end Janomes that mom wasn't very impressed with after the other store. :)
BTW, the deceased was a Fashion Mate 257. With plastic parts inside, it's not a very sought after machine . It would cost more than it is worth to fix it, for certain. I'm not going to strip it, just yet. Not until we find a replacement. Who knows. I may get another Singer that will use some of the same parts, like the attachments, foot pedal and new belt.
A refurbished Janome wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll see what I can find.
You need a store that will let YOU try the machines, and will be happy to sell you a nice reconditioned older machine. Mind you, the Brother 1034D serger is pretty reliable and robust, and you should be able to find it on line. It really is a 'plug and play' machine, and the manual is good.
Kate XXXXXX, I agree. This was my objective the whole day. I wanted mom to sit at as many different machines as possible to see what see liked. The biggest problem was the selection, or lack of. And, it was majorly frustrating that the Viking and Singer machine threads had been cut and the salesperson wouldn't (or didn't know how to) rethread them. So, we didn't have the time to figure it out ourselves to try them out. It wouldn't have really mattered much, anyway. They were the same or more costly than the Janome at the other store. So in all, the day was not a complete bust. But, with our deadline looming I was not a happy shopper.
I did look up the specs on the Brother 1034D. I think mom would like it if we could just find one. It had many of the features that made her like the Janome. She preferred tension dials over knobs and easy threading. The dual feed dogs and differential feed that help make ruffles was also kinda cool.
We are still trying to work out a successful gathered french seam. My other thought was to hem all the tiers and overlap the finished edge over the lower gathered tier (kinda like a tiny ruffle??). But, I think mom just wants to wait and sew them when she gets a serger. I don't think the skirt is going to see Scarby this weekend. :(
Wish you were closer - I'd lend you mine for the skirt! NOT gonna work from the UK, though...
Good luck finding what you want.
Thanks, Kate, for the offer. :) I'd be there in a heartbeat, if I could. We've been wanting to take a trip to Europe for the longest time.
You have a functional straight-stitch machine right now, yes? I doubt your mom is going to wear a skirt so hard that it falls apart in one day of wear. Just put the thing together with the straight stitch, and finish the seams once you have your new machine. If you're really worried, pink the S/As.
What makes a sewing machine "dead"? About the time when the tension mechanism fell off of my heavy duty Necchi, I learned a whole freaking lot about fixing them, and there seem to be sooo many issues that are expensive to have fixed, but all you need is a screwdriver..
UPDATE: Looks like opening weekend was just not in the cards for us. We won't be managing to make it to the faire this weekend at all, anyway. My mom's 10 year old Yorkie is ill. It's not looking good for him. They may have to put him down. Mom is crushed.
gem, my mom won't agree to leaving the edges raw. That is the first thing I suggested, too. :) She isn't having that. She's putting a lot of work into sewing all the swatches together and would be sick if it frayed up to nothing before she got it finished. :) But, thanks.
Maggiedoll, we've had trouble with the machine breaking thread routinely for a very long time. After taking it in for service and inquiring on wefixit group, we are still stumped about the problem, which continued. I tried everything recommended to stop the problem! But, the other day solved the problem permanently. It's a long story. But, you asked. So, here goes.
Our machine is in a portable case with latches on the sides. And, we like to leave the lid on it to prevent dust. Well, let's just say the latches weren't latched properly when someone attempted to pick it up. It did a face plant into the floor breaking several parts which caused it to finally up and quit running, so it's just not worth fixing it. If ours was a Necchi or even an older Singer without plastic parts, I would probably try to revive it. But, I think it's time to let old Bessie go. :)
We're still looking for a serger. With everything that is happening and mom's birthday around the corner, I'm thinking of just getting her the Janome serger we saw. To heck with the price if it cheers her up. Shhhh...nobody tell her!
All the plastic does kinda seal the "not worth fixing" part, but I still feel the superfluous need to ask if "quit running" means "motor doesn't go at all" (in which case I'd ask if there could be a loose contact in the wiring, which happened to me) or "motor goes but it doesn't sew" which is usually a timing issue from knocking the needle bar out of place, which this diagram (http://www.fixsewingmachines.com/How-to-Adjust-the-Needle-Bar-Height.html) shows you how to do pretty easily. (It happened to me because my dog sat on my foot pedal. I've heard people complain about it happening while sewing corsets too.) That probably doesn't help you now, but will most likely come in handy at some point.. Apparently repair places charge over $100 for that three-minute fix.
When I stopped by a Janome dealer to casually inquire, the 1110DX was what they kept trying to sell to me for the "wonderful limited-time sale price" of $499. I'm still set on the Juki MO-654DE, which has all of the features that the dealer kept trying to push, except for lay-in-tension, but I don't think I like the lay-in tension to begin with. And the Juki is $399 on allbrands.com, or $499 if you get the package with 8 extra feet, 12 threads, and 100 needles, which is what I'm leaning towards. The Juki really seems like a better deal to me, and it gets all rave reviews.
Maggiedoll, thank you for the info. Very helpful. I'm going to keep looking at sergers. I didn't make it to the dealer in time to get the Janome machine mom was eyeing. But, this will give me more time to research.
The great news is I found not one, but two vintage zig-zag machines since I posted! The first one was a funny story.
At a large neighborhood garage sale event about 2 hours away from where we live, a lady at the very first house overheard me talking about sewing machines. She said she had one in storage that we could look at after her sale that afternoon. It was hers from high school Home Ec class. So, the age seemed about right. She didn't know much else about it. We setup an appt. The rest of the morning was a bust with only an 80's Brother that only sews in reverse. :P We just about called it quits and headed home early, but something told us to stay and see the mystery machine in storage.
Fifteen minutes late, she drives up as we were getting ready to leave. As she opened the storage door and started pulling out all kinds of things blocking the sewing cabinet, she was making small talk about her parents and how her mom had just passed and other details. Out of the blue, my SO asked her where her parents lived and what her father did for a living and his name, etc... My, was he getting a bit personal with her over a sewing machine! But, he had put things together! Come to find out, we knew her parents! Her father, a contractor, had built some houses and commercial buildings for SO's family a few years before. What a small world! We bought the machine mostly because of all her trouble digging it out. We didn't even test this machine before purchasing. No manual or extras. But, this Heavy Duty Japanese clone had such a cool retro style to it, I couldn't resist it.
She kept the cabinet for sentimental reasons which was fine with me. I was planning to put the machine in the portable case from the old fashion mate, anyway. To my chagrin, I didn't consider the weight of an all metal machine! It weighs a ton! Not so portable, huh?
When we got home, I opened it up, and the insides look brand new! No build up or anything! Just a light layer of dust on the back where it hung in the cabinet. She must not have taken very well to sewing. ;D We plugged it in, and to my delight it runs beautifully annd quietly considering it sat so long. I've since cleaned and oiled it thoroughly and rewired the damaged wire on the foot pedal. Other than that, I've only had to replace the bobbin tire thingy and felt pads on the spool peg with parts from the dead Fashion Mate. (I don't know the proper terminology for the parts.) The feet are to my relief are compatible with my singer. And, I also have a spare compatible belt and other parts on the fashion mate. I did have to purchase some extra bobbins (It only came with one).
Remember when I said typed that all the machines we run into at thrift stores look like they've been sitting outside? Well, I must eat my words. Just a few days ago we stepped into our usually bargain haunts. Guess what was sitting there right in front of us?! A sewing cabinet with an extremely nice Japanese machine in it. This one even has built in cams for fancy stitches, like blind hem, and a button holer! Yay! It came with a few basic presser feet, too. Only problem with this one is the high shank foot style. It's not as cute as the other, but it had more bells and whistles. :)
If you're still with me here, I must apologize for my long-windedness. I'm still up for any suggestions on a good serger.
Didn't you do well!
Good serger for a first timer is the Brother 1034D. I love mine.
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on May 30, 2010, 11:09:53 AM
...Good serger for a first timer is the Brother 1034D. I love mine.
We're looking for a dealer around us that carries Brother. We'll have to check that model out. (I despise living in the boonies. :(
)
I have the Brother 1034D too, bought it off Amazon, was the cheapest place I could find it and the shipping was free. It is truly an awesome machine, I've run 4 layers of denim through it with no problems, and I use it on just about everything. The nice part is it has the little threading diagram drawn right on the machine, took me about 10 mins my first try, but now I'm down to about 3 mins to rethread the whole thing.
Sorry about both losses (the puppy and the sewing machine)
Have you all tried Overstock? Not only do they have outrageous prices? They carry insurance! Due to my friend having let us say issues with machines, she has broken 3 in the past 10 years, and I mean broke done gone, so we purchased one similar to this one for her with the 4 year warranty, so yep you guessed it not a year later? She broke it and sent it back and they fixed it and sent it back to her! No hassles! Best Extra $79.00 we ever spent!!!!
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Janome-115215-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/3644318/product.html (http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Janome-115215-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/3644318/product.html)
Good luck!
Cilean
Lorraine , this 1034D is a very popular machine. I've been reading lots of reviews. Just wish we could sit in front of one. I'm talking to mom about trying Wal-mart.com. It's free shipping sent to our local store. I just need to verify the return policy at our store. The policy on the site is kinda wishy-washy.
While visiting amazon.com I was reminded about side cutting presser feet that turn your zig-zag machine into a simple serger. Has anyone tried one of these? At under $20, it seems reasonable to give it a try.
Cilean, I'm looking into overstock.com. I'm confused about why the Janome model they sell is only available through their site. Hard to compare prices this way.
Thank for all the suggestions. I'm starting to get a better handle on all the options. So many things to learn about! :)
BTW, if anyone is interested in seeing pics of the first vintage sewing machine I was telling about, I posted a few on my crafting blog (http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-family-member.html) just after I bought it. I still need to get some taken of the second machine.