Cheap Singer Nostalgia Nost-3 14.5x7" Flatbed Sewing Machine Review
6/30/2010
Butterick Sewing Pattern 4113 for Girl's Fifties Style Poodle / Rock'nRoll Skirt, Sizes 4-5,6-7,8-10,12-14
Cheap Butterick Sewing Pattern 4113 for Girl's Fifties Style Poodle / Rock'nRoll Skirt, Sizes 4-5,6-7,8-10,12-14 Review
6/28/2010
Singer(R) CurvyTM 8763 Sewing Machine
Cheap Singer(R) CurvyTM 8763 Sewing Machine Review
After many decades of service, my wife's old Singer finally went kaput so we researched several different machines before deciding on this one. Not only did Amazon offer the best value, but my credit card had barely cooled when the machine and case arrived - super fast shipping. I know, I know - guys aren't supposed to give APPLIANCES as gifts but that's what she wanted and that's what she got.
Although this was a Christmas gift the wifey has been dieting and had quite a few outfits to alter before the holidays, so I encouraged her to open the boxes and get acquainted with her new machine. Right away, we were struck by just how much larger this machine was in person than when viewed on the web site. It's not really huge, just a bit bigger than we's envisioned. The machine works great, and she is still learning all the functions and features.
One curiousity - there was no instructional DVD with this particular machine, and nothing in the product description to indicate there would be one included, but it sure would be helpful - especially for a guy like me that is not very sewing machine savvy. Beyond the presser feet described on the web site, ours came with a whole 'nother bag of different presser feet - 4 or 5 others that we have not yet identified. Not sure if this was a packaging mistake or what, but it was a bonus. Singer *should* at least include a descriptive sheet of the different presser feet along with the intended use for each one so we'd know exactly what we're working with here. My bride is no stranger to Singer products, but this has even her a bit baffled. There's a double fistful of presser feet and are left to discover their useful functions on our own. This is the only reason I only rated this product at four stars instead of five.
Overall, first impressions are very favorable and we are both pleased with the purchase. Whether you are new to sewing or a wily veteran seamstress I think you could do quite well with this middle of the line machine. Buy with confidence, but do your homework first.
6/27/2010
Clover Double Needle Threader
Cheap Clover Double Needle Threader Review
These have always been my favorite needle threaders. They are much stronger than most, although the wire will break off if someone, like a grandchild, jerks it too hard. They are also large enough that they don't get lost among the other sewing things.
6/26/2010
6/24/2010
Mundial CushionSoft 8-1/2-Inch Sewing Shears, Red/Black Handle
Cheap Mundial CushionSoft 8-1/2-Inch Sewing Shears, Red/Black Handle Review
When I went to take a beginner sewing class at my local fabric store, I had never sewn before and didn't have a clue what scissors to buy. I asked the ladies at the cutting counter which scissors they would recommend and the lady was using these and said that they were her favorite. I bought them and have been extremely happy with them ever since. They are fairly light weight and very comfortable to hold. I later bought a pair of Tonic brand scissors Tonic Studios 839 Kushgrip 8-1/2-Inch Left Hand General Purpose Scissors because of their pretty color and cushy grip. They were terrible and wouldn't even cut through a double layer of knit fabric. I have cut many types of fabrics with these with no problem and many of those were double layered. So, if you're looking for a good pair or sewing scissors, you should really give these a try. I have these Mundial 1860 scissors in blue, but they are the exact same scissors, just blue instead of red.
6/18/2010
Dritz Sew Organized Sewing Basket Rectangle
Cheap Dritz Sew Organized Sewing Basket Rectangle Review
6/17/2010
Clover Bags & Totes 1/2-Inch Snap Closure, Black Nickel
Cheap Clover Bags & Totes 1/2-Inch Snap Closure, Black Nickel Review
6/16/2010
Singer(R) Elastic Foot - Quantum Lock, 14T948 & 14T957
Cheap Singer(R) Elastic Foot - Quantum Lock, 14T948 & 14T957 Review
6/14/2010
Janome 204D 204 D MyLock 3/4 Thread Overlock Serger
Cheap Janome 204D 204 D MyLock 3/4 Thread Overlock Serger Review
6/11/2010
Arrow Model 98501 Compact and Versatile Cabinet with Convenient Air-Lift - White Finish
Cheap Arrow Model 98501 Compact and Versatile Cabinet with Convenient Air-Lift - White Finish Review
6/10/2010
6/08/2010
Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine 74 Stich
Cheap Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine 74 Stich Review
I rediscovered my sewing bug and bought this one after the Kenmore brand-- which really is Janome, but for Sears-- was recommended by a friend (seamstress & instructor).
Price -
I bought this for 0+tax from Sears and it is now on sale for 0+tax.
Weight -
It's not too heavy. I've got Xena strength, but my scrawny friend could carry it easily. Plus it has a nifty handle.
The Manual -
This is VERY easy to read. I had to read it because I forgot a lot of basics, plus my other (non-working) machine is a Brother so I needed to learn the mechanics of this one.
The Controls -
Seriously, this machine makes it so that you don't have any problems. You pick your stitch and the displays show recommended settings for stitch width and length. You change the tension based on fabric. For most things, 4 (or 3) is fine.
Odd Fabrics -
This machine handles stretch and denim fabrics like a champ! I haven't tried quilting with it yet, but the reviews I read on other sites have given it a thumbs up.
Overall, I am glad I bought this model over Kenmore's earlier model since I intend to use this not just for clothing and costumes, but for decorative pieces that might require heavier fabric. As is stands, I've made a few belly dancing costume pieces with no problems at all. I'm very pleased!
6/07/2010
6/05/2010
Ribbon - Satin Ribbon- 3/8" Single Face 100 Yards (300 FT) - Yellow - Sewing - Craft - Wedding Favors
Cheap Ribbon - Satin Ribbon- 3/8" Single Face 100 Yards (300 FT) - Yellow - Sewing - Craft - Wedding Favors Review
6/02/2010
McCall's 4396 Sewing Pattern Women's Dusters Top Skirt Pants Size 18 - 24 - Bust 40 - 46
Cheap McCall's 4396 Sewing Pattern Women's Dusters Top Skirt Pants Size 18 - 24 - Bust 40 - 46 Review
5/31/2010
Fiskars 12-59777097 12-IN-1 Sewing Multi Tool
Cheap Fiskars 12-59777097 12-IN-1 Sewing Multi Tool Review
5/27/2010
Janome Memory Craft MC300E Embroidery-Only Machine By The Each
Cheap Janome Memory Craft MC300E Embroidery-Only Machine By The Each Review
5/26/2010
5/24/2010
5/21/2010
Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine with 25 Built-In Stitches and 59 Stitch Functions
Cheap Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine with 25 Built-In Stitches and 59 Stitch Functions Review
I made a decision to start sewing, so I needed to buy a more reliable machine than the one I was borrowing from a friend that was old and annoyingly difficult (not the best thing to relearn a skill you'd never really mastered in the first place). However, I didn't want to spend a lot of money to get the fanciest machine ever when I know that I have a tendency to obsess over things for a few weeks and then get bored. Plus, I wasn't even sure I'd be good at it. So I did my research and although I must admit that my decision to buy this particular machine had a LITTLE bit to do with it being pink, I liked the price and the simplicity. Anyway, 6 months later I still love my machine and it's so easy and reliable. We have our moments but my friend with a 500 dollar machine has the same issues with hers (it's just a sewing thing) so all in all, I totally recommend this machine if you're like me and want cheap, easy and simple. It's a bargain. Maybe it won't last to pass on to my kids but it's a great stepping stone.
5/19/2010
5/18/2010
Black Tutto Mascot Serger Sewing Machine Companion Case
Cheap Black Tutto Mascot Serger Sewing Machine Companion Case Review
5/16/2010
5/13/2010
Singer Stitch Sew Handheld Portable Sewing Machine
Cheap Singer Stitch Sew Handheld Portable Sewing Machine Review
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