Sewing Machine

I tend to like Singers. If you can afford the ones with the automatic designs, you will be much happier. As you do more sewing you will enjoy the preset designs.

Block quilts are some of the easiest sewing anyone can do. Look in Simplicity patterns. There is a lovely baby quilt that can be a bear, cat, or dog. I can make one in a couple of days now. I have made several. They are so cute and easy.

Good luck,
M. M

If your not trying to be a professional seamstress then go for something affordable. I have a brother which I got from Wal-mart. This is my second brother and prior to that I have had 2 singers. They work so well, either of those brands. I wouldnt reccomend paying over $200 for a sewing machine, unless like I said above your going to be using it daily and professionally. I've had my Brother fo 3 years now and have never had any issues with it. It's easy to use and very straight forward. I do everything from mending and hemming to sewing patterns, and crafts. Curtains, to pillows. I do it all and It rocks. I paid $150 for it from Walmart. Good luck.

I am a big fan of the Pfaff. I had one for 22 years and just upgraded to the new model last year. I never had a problem with it and it's easy to use. I bought my last one aat King's Sewing Maching in Northridge--they specialize in Pfaffs.
I have been sewing since I was 5 years old, and owned a lingerie company for 6 years where I designed and made all the samples myself. I have tons of sewing experience and would buy a pfaff again if needed.
Try Joann's fabric also. They sell sewing machine's too.

M.

I've used Janome machines for years. I have never had one break in all the years I've used them. I take them in periodically for check ups, but that's it. And I quilt on them, which is heavier duty that standard mending and such.

I've watched friends with Vikings, Pfaff, and Singers bring them in for this, that, and the other.

Regardless of which you purchase, try it out first for sure. If you have a local dealer for whichever brand you decide on, they frequently have demo models or trade ins that they've gone over and are less than new models would be, usually far cheaper.

I highly recommend a Viking. They're pricier, but they are SO easy to use. I had a less expensive machine, and ended up buying the Viking. It's more quiet, and more fluid. I wish I had saved my money on the 1st one.

I would suggest a Sears Kenmore. They aren't too expensive and you can get one without too many bells and whistles and is relatively inexpensive.

Probably the most expensive is the cabinet. I didn't get one and I've regretted it. My machine bounces on the all-purpose table I put it on.

I have been sewing for greater than 40 years and have had great luck with either Kenmore or Janome. I currently have threee machines-one computerized Janmoe 8000 ( which they no longer make) but I was told by a machine repair person that it is a work dog and he was right. it sew beautifully and their machines have many extra features. My daughter has a Singer and I sewed on it last week and it was nice. I reccommend that whatever you buy, sew on it in the shop. Try zig-zag as it is one of the hardest stitches to maintain tension and even stitiches on. I like automatic thread cutters and automatic buttonholes. Aggod shop will let you try any of those features prior to purchasing. Good luck and send me an email with any specific questions you may have.
Barb

Hi M.,
I love my Kenmore. Sears has good prices and return policy. they also usually have a BIG sale around X-mas! I bought mine at full price and was able to get money back later on by taking the receipt back to the store when it went on sale -pretty cool!
Creating things for my kids has been so much fun, especially around Halloween. I also even ended up designing this Wrap for Kids (BearHug) and started my own business!(www.bearhugsunlimited.com)
Enjoy your projects!
Y.

M.,
I am a women who can sew anything and I mean anything I have several machines plus a surger I know this will sound crazy but I love my very cheap Brother LS-2125 it was under $150 at wal mart.They sell Singers and White machines also I have one of the Singers which is great to I guess what I am trying to say is it does not have to be expensive to do the trick the simpler the better and your sewing will be great. Good Luck.....J.

It doesn't sound like you should look for the high end expensive models, you might decide you don't have as much time to spend as you would like. I recently purchased a Brother computer sewing machine from Costco, they had a really good price and lots of accessories. Brother seems to be at the top of the computerized machines, but you can look online for reviews of different models.

The Elna sewing machines are great. The Viking are great as well. I have owned both. Go to a larger type fabric store and try out a few machines. You will get a feel for what you want. If you don't like your machine you won't use it, so get what you really want. Also, buy one from a store where they will give you lessons on how to use it. Have fun.

I suggest you visit NAET.com, and consult with a practitioner in the area. I use Dr. David Karaba in Fullerton. You may also want to read Say Good-by to Children's Allergies by Dr. Devi Nambudripad (you can order the book through the NAET website. It sounds as though your son's difficulties may be allergy related and that the throwing up and the sore may be his body's ways to rid itself of something(s) is perceives of as toxic.

One of the wonderful things about NAET is that it is non-invasive, and CURES allergies.

I have a viking from 13 yrs ago and i've never been disappointed. it's the basic model (the lower end of the computerized new ones for back then). it's solid, no problems, ever, and german made. i highly recommmend it. eddie's quilting bee (in sunnyvale) sells them and offers classes to get to know your mACHINE as well. D..