computer patterns

I know there is a coumputer program to generate patterns, which would be the best one, or which do you like best. Thanks

Reply to
Vikki In WA State
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I just bought LivingSoft.

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I used it in 1991 and it was good then. I'm really looking forward to my first project. You can download it and work with it before buying. It will not print a pattern until you purchase. Wild Ginger
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has a free Accessory download which you may want to preview. I'm guessing this nice, free tool is representative of their other products.I haven't sewn in years and am so excited to get going again. My first project is a reversible hobo purse with tie handle and a matching, reversible newsboy cap. Here's my question. I have two old machines which I'm not going to use (one is a Singer treadle and the other is an early Singer electric which was my grandmother's). I just committed to a Singer 401a on an eBay auction.

What I really wanted was the shiny new junk from Wal-Mart and a matching junk serger. I stalked the items for a week and finally decided to get something reliable. Did I make a mistake? It may not be too late to void the auction commitment and get the Wal-Mart bling. My use will be light. My goal is hassle-free versatility.

I'll value the opinions of you who have been keeping up with your passion for sewing as I have not.

Reply to
Joanne

IMHO, you have made a *very* good choice. The Singer 401A I bought new in 1961 is still going strong, and I have sewn hundreds (thousands?) of garments, home dec. kids stuff, etc. I like it so much I bought two additional ones on eBay, so that I will *never* be without one. I also own two sergers, and a Singer XL5000 for embroidery. But for actual *sewing* the 401A is my machine of choice.

NAYY, HTH,

Beverly

Reply to
BEI Design

I don't think you made a mistake at all with your machines. I prefer a computerized machine, but would never buy from wal-mart. I have bought decent computerized machines at different (estate sales) for less than $100. But, the machines at wal-mart, I believe are made cheaper and are less reliable than the same machine at a sewingmachine store.

Reply to
Vikki In WA State

Thank you both. I'll stop obsessing over the decision and know it was right for me.

Joanne

Reply to
Joanne

You absolutely did not make a mistake! The 401 machine is one of the best ever made. It will sew through anything you can fit under the foot, and is one powerful machine. I really believe they cannot be killed -- LOL They were top of the line when they came out and they have no belts or plastic - they are all metal and gear driven. They really are fantastic and a joy to sew on.

Many of us here have 491s so we'll assist with any questions you may have!

When you get your machine it may need a good oiling and cleaning, and possibly new grease on its gears, which should be done before being used! Also check the wiring to make sure it is safe. Once thse things are done the 401 will reward you with the nicest, trouble-free stitches you've ever seen.

Post back when you get it and we'll help you with the maintenance!

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

You absolutely did not make a mistake! The 401 machine is one of the best ever made. It will sew through anything you can fit under the foot, and is one powerful machine. I really believe they cannot be killed -- LOL They were top of the line when they came out and they have no belts or plastic - they are all metal and gear driven. They really are fantastic and a joy to sew on.

Many of us here have 491s so we'll assist with any questions you may have!

When you get your machine it may need a good oiling and cleaning, and possibly new grease on its gears, which should be done before being used! Also check the wiring to make sure it is safe. Once thse things are done the 401 will reward you with the nicest, trouble-free stitches you've ever seen.

Post back when you get it and we'll help you with the maintenance!

-Irene

That's really good advice. I think I'll just take it to the local shop and let them do a "new puppy vet check".

I ordered the instruction book from someone who reproduces them but I'm sure I'll have questions and this is a very experienced group.

I believe this is a dual, slant needle and I want to read the book to understand how that differs from an old vanilla Singer. It also appears to have a system of combinable stitch discs which will be interesting to learn about.

I have various attachments for the older machines and I'm not sure if they are interchangeable with this machine. I'll learn about that as well.

Today I cut and pinned my "welcome back" projects. Had to laugh when I went hunting for cans of tuna to hold the pattern down. It's been a while. I stabbed myself with pins a number of times and that brought back memories, too.

As with all things, I know the art of sewing has evolved in 15 years. I don't know any of the new methods, shortcuts, tools or accessories. I just saw something on a sewing how-to show about zippers that are trim-to-length. Wow, what a deal.

This will be fun in a Rumpelstiltskin sort of way.

Reply to
Joanne

One of the nicest things about the 401 is that a good cleaning and oiling, which you can do yourself, is all it is likely to ever need. It is a fun machine to use, and is amazingly versatile. It is also a metal machine - any plastic on it is just trim. No electronics to fail, either. It's mechanical.

Reply to
Pogonip

Vikki,

I have used a few of the different Wild Ginger programs. I'm saving my pennies for Pattern Master Boutique. If you go to

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you can look over all their products. They have several different programs to choose from. What I like about them is they are very easy to use. You really don't have to know very much about pattern drafting to create the patterns. The software does all the heavy lifting for you. You can then tweak here and there to change styles. Try the Wild Things download if you have room for it on your hard drive. It has bags and hats, etc. I have that and a couple of the Click and Sew programs. The Click and Sew ones are another good way to sample the Wild Ginger stuff without a big financial commitment. NAYY. But I've been very pleased with what I have so far. :)

Sharon

Reply to
Sharon Hays

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