(no subject)

[serindrana]

So, I've gone through three machines, and all three don't sew well enough for me to be comfortable wearing ANYTHING that comes out of them. So, that's it. I give up. I could finish the dress in three, four hours if I had a working sewing machine, but I GIVE UP. I don't care that I could go to this person's house or that person's house - it's obviously not supposed to happen (because I don't love it enough to keep going).

Dad's taking me shopping tomorrow night to see if we can find something. Aside from department stores, where else could I look?

Comments

[epiic.livejournal.com]

Sewing machine stores? That's where I got mine. Make sure you try them out first. Bring your own material, and listen to how it sounds on the heavier stuff. See if the levers and knobs are in reasonable places and offer the control you need. Also check the warranty - that's a good indicator of how confident the manufacturer is in the machine.

When I was looking, stuff in the ~$100 range seemed really not worth it. $200 or so is when the machines started getting more worthwhile.

I have a Janome 525S. It's the same manufacturer as Elna. It hasn't given me any problems in the almost 3 years I've owned it, and used it on ~7 costumes. (Not a ton of use, but that includes use on pleather and even cowhide leather) Though, in my shopping, I liked the Viking 4xx series I think it was the best. 417? But I decided my use wouldn't be enough to justify the price difference. (~$450 for the Viking vs ~$300 (maybe $320?) for my Janome)

Though, not to offend you, but you say they don't sew "well enough" - since you have tried three machines, are you sure it's the machine's fault? What exactly is the problem?
Machine frustrations I've had with other machines are generally that they sometimes get jammed, and sometimes skip stitches. But neither of those affect the wearability of the garment. (unless it's a massive amount of skipped stitches)

[serindrana.livejournal.com]

Meant dresses, but this also works! Thank you :D I hope I can get it fixed and not have to buy a new one, though.

Also, found a dress, so the initial question is irrelevant. :)

And as for well enough: The one machine that actually sews consistently has a problem that happens, continually, with the bobbin tension. It's a front-loading Brother, and the bobbin thread always sort of... bubbles up? It doesn't get pulled tight. While it's still a strong seam, it gaps when pulled too tightly, which isn't good on a fitted prom dress. My step-mother's has consistent bobbin tension problems (which result in massive tangles of bobbin thread), and my machine is currently having a problem where the bobbin shuttle jams. I can still sew, but I have to correct it every time that it happens, which is once every twenty stitches or so.

[envirion.livejournal.com]

I second the sewing machine store. I got mine (Janome) on eBay but I researched about sewing machines in general as well. :3

Janome is the more economic "better sewing machine" brand but if you can get a Viking, I say go for it! I've also heard good things about Pfaff and Bernina.

Good luck!