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TIPS & TECHNIQUES AT WWW.TIME4ME-WORKSHOPS.CO.UK
10 TOP TIPS… 1. Before you go anywhere near a sewing machine dealer… think very carefully about all the projects that you’re ever likely to want to tackle. Make a list to take along with you to the dealer. 2. Ask sewing friends or tutors for details of any reputable sewing machine dealers in your area… Only choose a dealer that will offer you help and instruction on your chosen machine before and after you’ve bought it. 3. Always, always buy from a reputable dealer… Supermarkets, catalogue stores, shopping channels or newspaper ads will not be able to give you any advice on what you need and once you’ve paid your money you’re on your own. 4. Choose a sewing machine with separate stitch-width and stitch-length controls… There are a number of budget sewing machines on the market that have many fancy built-in stitches but no separate stitch adjustment controls. You will soon find that these are of limited use. 5. Choose a sewing machine that has a drop-feed facility… and avoid those that come supplied with a plastic plate to cover the permanently-raised feed dogs. You will only be able to do proper machine embroidery with a drop-feed facility. 6. Ask your dealer to show you his range of second-hand sewing machines... You may be able to pick up a good robust second-hand model that has all the basic features you need, for the price of a new, flimsier one. 7. Check which presser feet are included with your machine... Generally, new machines have fewer extras than older, second-hand models. You will need a standard zig-zag foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot and a darning or open-toed embroidery foot (compulsory for machine embroidery but you may need to buy it separately). 8. Choose a sewing machine that will take all sizes of thread reels. Machines with self-threading cartridges may look inviting and easy to use but they’re a real pain when the thread you want is on an awkwardly sized reel. 9. If you are going to want to try machine embroidery… (and you will when you see just what you can do) try and choose a machine with a front-loading rather than a drop-in bobbin. These are more robust, easier for adjusting bobbin tension and much easier to dismantle for cleaning and snarl-ups. 10. Whatever machine you choose, make sure it is robust… enough to cope with your sewing needs but light enough for you to manage to sewing classes and one-day workshops. And remember, you will need a dust cover (hard or soft) for those windy, rainy walks to classes (you won’t always be able to park near the door) and those periods between sewing projects. I hope you found this TIPS & TECHNIQUES useful. If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions for more tips, please write to me at margo@time4me-workshops.co.uk Enjoy, Margo
Copyright © 2007 Margo Price. All rights reserved.
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