Sewing machine recommendation for beginners?

Do ya'll have any recommendations for sewing machines perfect for a beginner??

My hubby's ex-boss' (thanks to a nightmare of a re-organization) wife is thinking about taking up quilting. AFAIK, she's never sewn before, much less quilted, and he wants to get her set up for quilting ... He's a really wonderful guy and I'd really like to help him .... not to mention the prospect of converting someone to quilting is EXCITING!! :)

Right now, he's thinking of a Janome QC (don't know the specifics) ... and I think he wants to keep the machine under $1000. So far, I've told him that the ideal situation would be for her to test drive and choose her own machine. And that first, she should take a beginner's quilt class at our LQS - that way she can use the classroom machines and decide if she enjoys quilting enough to invest in a nice sewing machine.

That being said, my SM is about 10 years old and not a beginner's machine ... I have no idea what SMs new on the market are best for a beginner (I know what the manufacturers and reps sayf, but I trust ya'll WAY more).

If I've not imposed on ya'll enough, he also wants to get her set up for a

*small* quilting studio - they live in a condo, so they don't have much in the way of extra room. So any recommendations on quilty stuff ya'll couldn't possibly live without?

TIA!!

Quilty hugs!! Connie :) Queen of Quilting Magazines ;)

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Reply to
SewVeryCreative
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She should try out the machine before he buys. If he wants to surprise her, he could give her a gift certificate or simply a card with a note telling her what he wants to do. She might want to start with a good used machine; it would be less investment if she decides it's not for her.

The minimum equipment would be a cutting mat (18"x24" or so), a rotary cutter and a couple rulers -- minimum a 6x24" one and perhaps a 6" square; at least those are the ones I use the most. And of course, fabric! A gift certificate for a class would also be a good idea.

Julia in MN

Reply to
Julia in MN

The main thing is to make sure he knows that quality counts for more than a gazillion stitches (that most quilters will never use.) A beginner never wants to have to fight the machine.

Personally, I think a straight stitch treadle is perfect for beginners -- easy to use, you have absolute control, not much to go wrong, and it makes a superb stitch. But most people want something a little snazzier. :)

Reply to
Kathy Applebaum

Funny... I have a 6 in. square ruler and never use it, but I use my 6.5 in. all the time. Does anybody else find this to be true or am I missing out on something.... again? VBG

Leslie, Missy & The Furbabies >> Do ya'll have any recommendations for sewing machines perfect for a >> beginner??

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I also would suggest a basic book about quilting and piecing. Maybe Carol Doak's Your First Quilt Book.

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Mary

Reply to
Mary in Rock Island IL

I don't think I'm in a Cranky Pants mood this evening but just must toss in a, mercy, what was Kate's funny expression? A wet kipper? Yes. I just must climb right in this discussion and toss in a wet kipper. It seems to me that a well-intended DH who showers his wife with quilty stuff when she's never stitched is not a keen idea. She might be appalled. She might decide she'd rather be a rock star or go on digs in an ancient burial ground. For a start, I'd strongly suggest that he get her a tiny toy SM - a music box one would be sweet - along with the promise of funding a real one of her choice *if* she would like to have one. IMHO, of course. Polly

"Mary in Rock Island IL" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

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Reply to
Polly Esther

It probably depends on what you're doing. My two most used rulers are the

8.5" x 24" and my 8.5" x 12", but when I was making the squares for my indigo quilt I was using nothing but my 6x6.
Reply to
Kathy Applebaum

Yes, that's pretty much what I thought, too. That's why I'm STRONGLY suggesting to him that she take a class (or two) first (THAT can be his Christmas gift to her, I figure). If she finishes the class(es) and still enjoys it and wants to quilt, then I'd think that she was interested enough to buy a machine for her. As a plus, she'd have more experience with a sewing machine (using one provided by the LQS) to be able to choose one better. I know several people that were so comfy with a machine they used in a class that they bought the same model!

However, that being said ... he really, really, really wants to buy her one NOW. And he *says* she's been nagging him to buy her one. However, I know plenty of well-adjusted, sane adults, who become entranced with the *idea* of something and isn't quite as happy with reality.

*sigh* In any case, I'm supposed to accompany him to our LQS later this week to help him choose one for her (not only am I being pressured by the friend, but by DH as well) - and as I said, I'm not familiar with the new machines enough to help him choose one. Mainly because I really believe that buying a SM is a personal decision. I would NEVER want my hubby to just go out and buy for me ... unless he KNEW that I wanted that particular one.

And Polly, if you ARE in a Cranky Pants mood, I sure as heck can't tell!! You're the epitome of the gracious Southern Lady - tonight especially!! :)

hugs!! Connie :)

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Reply to
SewVeryCreative

I wholeheartedly agree that she needs to test drive and select a machine for herself. I love the Husqvarna/Viking machines I have, but they drive some people up the wall. Haven't yet met a Bernina I would want to sew on for very long, and so on. If there is a chance to take a class with the type of machine he/she is thinking about getting, that would be wonderful. But at least she needs to try out all the possibles on her own.

As far as other "can't quilt without-s" here are a few of mine:

  1. A Martelli rotary cutter, with extra blades. Love the Martelli cutter because it is so much kinder to both my hands and back. (It is designed so you can *easily* cut while sitting down.)
  2. A good rotary mat. At least a 18" x 24" size. Plus a smaller one is nice for taking to classes, beside the machine and so on.
  3. Rulers..... all one brand, I like the Omni, either the OmniGrid or OmniGrip. Sizes: 4" x 14", 6" (or 6 1/2") x 12", (My personal 2 favorite sizes). 9 1/2" square, 4 1/2" square, and 12 1/2" square are good for squaring up blocks and parts of blocks. This is a generous starting set. I also like to have at least one of the 1"x6" rulers on hand, so handy for checking seam size, checking exactly where the needle is in relation to the edge of the pressure foot and so on.
  4. Cutting table at the correct height. If a separate table isn't possible (and there are ones that are not too expensive that fold down) then risers of some sort for raising a table. (Of course, I generally use my raised table for layering/sandwiching now, since I do most of my cutting while seated.) I use lengths of PVC pipe cut to the same length. The legs of my table fit into the PVC and stop at the crosspiece. raises the table nicely, and inexpensively.
  5. Good quality thread.
  6. extra bobbins
  7. thread snips.... in addition to good fabric scissors and cheaper paper scissors.
  8. Good quality needles, both machine and hand sewing, in a variety of sizes. (Plus a well fitting thimble for doing hand work.)

Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't all that much when you get right down to it. There is lots more that I like having, and probably would be lost without... but this is a good starter kit. For basting the quilt sandwich there are some additions.... safety pins or good basting spray. But let's get the top made first..... A growing number of people are "toppers" and let others do the quilting. This is a fine way for some people to deal with it.

Pati, > Do ya'll have any recommendations for sewing machines perfect for a > beginner??

Reply to
Pati C.

I agree, Leslie. I use my squares that have the 1/2" on them more. I seldom use my 6"x24" ruler, it is just too long for me to be comfortable with. (I use it mostly to cut freezer paper.....)

Pati, > Funny... I have a 6 in. square ruler and never use it, but I use my 6.5 in.

Reply to
Pati C.

I think so, too. But he's adamant about her getting an SM under the tree this year.

Spouses who don't quilt or sew just don't understand what a personal decision choosing a SM is. I don't get it!!!

Thank you for the recommendations!! I tend to be pretty stubborn about my notions - I've still got the same rotary cutting mat, rotary cutter, and rulers that I've had since I first started quilting .... only when they break or can't be used anymore will I get more!! :)

Hugs!! C> > Do ya'll have any recommendations for sewing machines perfect for a > > beginner??

Reply to
SewVeryCreative

I don't even have a square ruler - I use a 6x24 and a 8x24 and that's it!! :)

I do have a 2x12 ruler that I take on retreats and classes, though!!

Hugs!! Connie :)

Reply to
SewVeryCreative

Oooh!! Very awesome list!! Thank you!!!

Though I have all the things you put on your list (except the cutter - I use Olfa ... but now, I'll have to check out Martelli. I have arthritis in my hands and having an easier time cutting would be *nice*!!!) ... I wouldn't have thought of half of them. Usually, I have no problem spending money on quilty stuff, but I'm at a total loss. Probably because I couldn't imagine working without the tools I have and can't imagine a notion I don't have that I'd need ...

'Cept of course, an embroidery machine, a bigger cutting table, and more fabric!!!!!!! :)

Hugs!! Connie :)

Reply to
SewVeryCreative

Reply to
Taria

Okay, Connie. After those kind words, I'll put down the kippers. I still think though that you ought to join the Witness Protection Program and disappear. Most of us are mighty fierce about SM choices even though we can be polite to others whose preferences are different. Want to come hide out in the Swamp? Polly

"SewVeryCreative" Yes, that's pretty much what I thought, too. That's why I'm STRONGLY

Reply to
Polly Esther

I mostly use my 6x24, and my 6 inch square. I have a 6 and a half inch square, but I always goof when using it, I think probably because I had the 6 first. I got a triangle for a prezzie once, but I have never been able to make much sense of the thing.

NightMist

Reply to
NightMist

On the other hand....if she's never sewn before, she won't have experience on other machines to compare. The one she gets will be "hers" and she'll adapt to it. Now the NEXT machine will be a whole different story!

Reply to
KJ

I don't have a 6.5" -- that's probably why I use my 6" so much :)

Julia > Funny... I have a 6 in. square ruler and never use it, but I use my 6.5 in.

Reply to
Julia in MN

and Pins - need pins!

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~ (uk)

SewVeryCreative wrote:

Reply to
Sally Swindells

I agree with everyone here....a sm is a personal choice....like picking a husband!

Launie, in Oregon

Reply to
simpleseven

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