choosing a new sewing machine

The one that makes you happy.

Seriously, this is a very personal decision. What have you got now, and what, besides knits, would you like it to do better? Maybe you really want a serger (overlocker) instead or in addition to your sewing machine? (I'm quite addicted to serger methods of construction!). If you're going with a new machine, I'd seriously consider an electronic machine at least: the stepper motors used give you full "needle force" without stalls, unlike the old mechanical White and Singer straight stitchers I learned on. But go and try and test and see what's out there... even the ones that are way out of budget -- it's the only way you can really evaluate how things have changed. But a good, well-overhauled old mechanical can be a good choice, too. Depends on your style.

Some sewing machine and serger help:

Morning, Kay,

Thanks for a great response. I'm going to go try some machines and take some sample fabrics with me to see which one feels best to me.

I'll have to do some research on the serger/overlocker as I don't have a clue what this is or does. I'll go to the websites you suggested and see what I can learn there. I'll also go take a look at the book.

Thanks again and have a great day.

Pamela

Some of us have one of each.

Or, two...or three..... ;-)

Beverly

Let's just admit to 'several' and leave it at that! :D

And some of us are worse than that.

Kay

If you keep the duplicates in different rooms, it isn't quite so obvious........

I don't have a clue how to respond to each of you so will try just replying to the last entry.

I have limited space at the moment since our oldest (baby due in June) and our youngest (w/ our 21 month grandaughter) have returned home for a bit so I'll have to be clearing up after each use. A bit of a pain but I'll make it work.

I'm not going out looking until the weekend but will continue my research before that trip.

Thanks for all of the input and for the wonderful humor. It's always nice to start the day with a grin and a chuckle!

Cheers, Pamela

Think seriously about an older pre-loved machine in a cabinet! You'd have storage for the sewing kit and current project all close to hand in a neat bit of furniture that could be close up out of eye's view and the way of little fingers. baby locks could be fitted if no locks existed...

Try to put a baby gate between you and the 21 month old when you are sewing: that way they can SEE and HEAR you while being safe. I did this when I had to sew in the kitchen/dining room: James could see and hear me and I him, but we could both get on with our hobbies (me sewing, him making a great project from Duplo or Playmobil), and we met at the gate regularly for kisses and cuddles. He had the whole (baby safe) living room to play in, and we could have a game together and eat together without me having to put stuff away.

One time when this trick failed to operate properly he buttered his legs (and the carpet!) with margarine, another time he rubbed banana into his shins, and the third time he made a 'sammich' with the baby changing mat and Sudocrem nappy cream... I learned my lesson! Luckily no sewing was accessible at any of these times!