tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post1445357156079759650..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Better Buttonholes (and Thoughts on Fancy Machines)Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-39420087550681231572012-12-11T23:40:47.619-05:002012-12-11T23:40:47.619-05:00I was searching for the best machine for the money...I was searching for the best machine for the money after my wife decided to sew Christmas quilts for the kids. I found four of the most popular and best priced right now on Amazon and wrote about them on my website. All 4 have outstanding reviews. Check them out on my page: http://www.squidoo.com/bargain-sewing-machines<br /><br />I'd love to hear what you think about them.Natehttp://www.squidoo.com/bargain-sewing-machinesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-68027465616556986202010-11-13T05:18:21.307-05:002010-11-13T05:18:21.307-05:00Yay thanks for the buttonhole tips! I also did not...Yay thanks for the buttonhole tips! I also did not realise that there was a dedicated buttonhole foot (blushing in embarassment) and this post inspired me to read my manual!!! I've got the same machine, and I love her so much! Mine's called Bernina Von Teese and she's a doll! Happy sewing! <3Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6949874174514465612010-02-28T21:42:27.815-05:002010-02-28T21:42:27.815-05:00A few years back, my mother was dating the owner o...A few years back, my mother was dating the owner of a sewing machine store, and for a combined present he wanted to give me one of the top of the line bells and whistles computerized sewing machines. She got one and loved it. I figured she knows what she likes, since she went to college for costuming and has sewn garments for years.<br /><br />I wasn't going to turn down a new machine that I needed, since my lovely sew-anything Singer had started breaking and flinging needles across the room for no reason anyone could discern. So I sewed a few things on hers and I didn't like it at all. I went in, took a look at everything available, went home and did some research, and asked for a mechanical machine comparable to the Bernina 1008. I seriously thought about getting a long-arm, but I couldn't afford to replace my regular sewing machine, so a regular one it was.<br /><br />I had to send three e-mails before I could convince him I didn't want anything more complicated.<br /><br />I ended up getting what I wanted, and he gave me a new set of dressmaking shears to boot. I couldn't be happier with my machine, and I too love dials and feet!Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02633249028174585430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17920981883708601002010-02-20T16:03:32.678-05:002010-02-20T16:03:32.678-05:00I mainly wanted to comment to say thanks- my sewin...I mainly wanted to comment to say thanks- my sewing machine died and I was inspired by your blog to go and look for a bernina. I found that there was a tiny sewing machine shop just around the corner from me which I never knew about. When I said I wanted the bernina 1008 the lady was really pleased and never suggested I look at the computerised ones. She said it would last me for the rest of my life. They even had a friendly dog in the shop and give 2 hours of free lessons with the machine as part of the deal. I hope yours lasts for ever too!Hannahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79964102808186645452010-02-19T09:32:51.388-05:002010-02-19T09:32:51.388-05:00When I bought my machine my sewing machine guy ins...When I bought my machine my sewing machine guy insisted on "Metal and Mechanical", for a long fuss free life. I am glad I listened even though I looked with desire at the fancy pants type. I ended up with the Bernina 1008 and I love it too.<br /><br />Sadly, from what my guy said (a few years ago now), there are fewer and fewer of these sturdy machines being bought out since the market sees them as clunky and out of date. Maybe we can change that, as there are enough readers here that are passionate about Metal and Mechanical!Heydayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06582877693530878536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13699100571862170612010-02-19T01:51:45.352-05:002010-02-19T01:51:45.352-05:00Ok, so I will be the odd man out here, but I would...Ok, so I will be the odd man out here, but I would like to offer a glimpse from the other side. I work for a Bernina dealer. I am not your typical "salesperson", but I am sad to hear that so many of you have had a bad experience shopping for machines. I wanted to work at the store because I LOVE my Bernina. I am young, at 31, to work in this world and I do sometimes feel that the sewing machine dealer world is a little out of touch with today's sewer, but I think it is more a generation gap than anything. I feel that our generation shops a lot differently than previous generations. We are not boomers and are more conservative with our money. Also, by having access to the internet and being able to find information instantly, we come in educated. With that said, there are a lot of machine options out there in every price range. As a salesperson, I ask two main questions. 1. What kind of sewing do you want to do? 2. Did you have a price range in mind? The second may seem a little forward, but I don't want to waste someones time showing them something that they are going to die form shock when they hear the price. Another thing, I always ask the customer if they want to try the machine. It's the best way to experience why a Bernina is worth the money.<br /><br />I will admit that I am a sucker for the bells and whistles on a machine. I have a huge crush on our top of the line machine, the 820. With that said, I have what I call my "baby" Bernina, an Activa 240. It is a newer machine with buttons, but at the beginning of the line, and I sew everything on this machine! To me the best thing about a Bernina are all the feet and accessories. The right tools make a huge difference and I rely on a machine that will always deliver a quality stitch without any fuss.<br /><br />Gertie, you could make something beautiful on ANY machine, but I know you and your new Bernina will be friends forever. I am happy that you had a positive experience with your local dealer.Patchwork Architecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09357351295714335638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19305481151102527092010-02-18T12:40:00.078-05:002010-02-18T12:40:00.078-05:00i have an old, used Bernina 1020 that has been jus...i have an old, used Bernina 1020 that has been just the best old warhorse of a sewing machine. It makes perfect stitches on everything from chiffon to leather. The key is frequent, regular cleaning and maintenance and changing needles often.<br /><br />One hint for best buttonholes (along with using the right foot ;-))--use a stabilizer. It will keep even thin fabric from 'tunneling.' <br />Happy sewing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-18167852689442228202010-02-18T03:18:07.983-05:002010-02-18T03:18:07.983-05:00After seeing this post I stayed up late playing ar...After seeing this post I stayed up late playing around with the buttonhole function on my machine to try and get the perfect buttonhole. I'm almost there, having experimented with stitch length (I'm setting mine narrower than the machine suggests) What I kept finding though is that I get a dense mound of stitches at the back, on the first bar of the hole. Gertie, if you or anyone else have tips for avoiding this, I'd be very grateful!Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11068859188360245469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75783295630332147022010-02-17T17:40:45.316-05:002010-02-17T17:40:45.316-05:00my 20+ year old singer died about a year ago. It ...my 20+ year old singer died about a year ago. It was heavy as heck, had virtually no bells OR whistles, was scratched cracked, dented and marked on and I loved it dearly.<br /><br />Thankfully, my madre was visiting during it's demise, and we did a quick tour of machines on line, looked at some ratings and prices and headed off to Sears - just about THE most pressure free zone imaginable, unless you wander over into electronics, appliances or tools :)<br /><br />I got the one of the more basic Singer models, with only 20 "special" stitches. (I know some people (like my sister) scoff at Singers, because they use plastic parts, but it's what I grew up sewing on, and I can thread them in my sleep)<br /><br />So far the few things that I've found to be a wonderment are the one-step button holer with the special foot - the last time I made a button hole, these things didn't exist. Also, the addition of stretches stitches and a blind hem stitch/foot have been revolutionary.<br /><br />I'm dying to get a ruffler foot and some twin needles. Maybe also a cording foot, an invisible zipper foot, a gathering foot....(you can see where this is going)<br /><br />For some reason, I'd rather play around with feet then do some fancy stitching....Binkydollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03114235723389534329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74835474850739078132010-02-17T17:34:51.239-05:002010-02-17T17:34:51.239-05:00I've sewn for years-my 16th birthday present w...I've sewn for years-my 16th birthday present was a Kenmore machine that got used until the tension went. For a while I used an old Singer from my grandmother. It does make the most amazing straight stitches I've ever seen, and I keep it around. I did the research, thought I wanted a Bernina, went to a sewing show to try them out and ended up with a Viking. It's computerized, but not nearly top of the line. It does a lot more than one straight stitch and gets constant use. I can't say I wouldn't have been happy with a Bernina, but honestly, the dealer just wasn't as helpful or informative as I'd have liked.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-55553285806351682172010-02-17T16:59:11.817-05:002010-02-17T16:59:11.817-05:00Oh, Gertie, I should have also said... When we we...Oh, Gertie, I should have also said... When we were told the 1222 was kaput, we went on ebay and bought a Pfaff 1222E. Honestly? I could have bought a new machine for cheaper, because I paid $600 for the E. I'd be lying if I said it didn't give me any trouble, because it was having stitch length problems and needed the top tension assembly taken apart and a little drop of superglue to fix it. ;) Lucky me, I'd found a Pfaff servicing manual on ebay a few years back, and a whole yahoo group of people who love old Pfaffs and could tell me what was wrong and how to fix it!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53771472486676883612010-02-17T16:51:32.689-05:002010-02-17T16:51:32.689-05:00lovely buttonholes indeed! All I know is that of a...lovely buttonholes indeed! All I know is that of all the sewing machines I've had, I still pine for the basic Singer I had when I lived in France. It produced the most perfect stitches, weighed a ton and sewed ANY fabric. I gave it away when I moved back to the UK and have regretted it ever since. My latest singer is slightly more sophisticated but still very basic in comparison to most models on the market. I don't imagine ever wanting or needing anything more complex, although I wish I could produce better buttonholes on it! I paid more for my overlocker because I wanted a coverstitch function. <br />I wouldn't want to be a new sewer with the baffling variety of machines available - one could easily be dazzled by the many functions, end up parting with too much money, then sew infrequently and / or projects that just don't require more than the basic stitches. I have see some stunning designs (as well as a lot of crap) done on computerised embroidery machines but could never, ever, ever justify that kind of purchase as I don't embroider my clothes, bed linen or towels!Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11068859188360245469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-59870071509539503782010-02-17T16:49:40.123-05:002010-02-17T16:49:40.123-05:00I knew about the buttonhole foot. Couldn't ma...I knew about the buttonhole foot. Couldn't make a buttonhole without it on my 45 year old Pfaff. And Gertie, since you're a dial turner, you'd love my Pfaff for buttonholes! You turn *two* dials to do it! First, you have to get your fabric pencil out and mark where you're putting the buttonholes. Then you put on the right foot. It's clear plastic with a groove in it. Then you turn the dial, then the other dial in the middle, and make sure the dial on the top of the machine is in the right place. Then you start sewing. And a medium speed is best for smoother buttonholes on my machine. So you carefully sew down to where you have the end marked, press a button (Yay! both buttons *and* dials) and when it's done the end enough, you let go and start sewing the other side. And then when you get to the top, you press the button again. It took me a while to get the hang of it. I don't think I really did until I'd put off putting buttons on for so long that I literally had 25 buttons to sew on various things and buttonholes to make for each one!<br /><br />Honestly? I'd like to see people in repairs who actually know what they're talking about. I took the 1222 in for repairs three years back at the local sewing machine repair joint. They charged me $70 to tell me the machine was shot before trying to sell us a new machine. And they <i>lied</i>. They said the cam was cracked, but it only controls the seldom-used embroidery stitching. It sews the basics fine without it, and we obtained a replacement easily. They said the drive belt was dying, and it was just the sticker on it was cracking from age! And they said that the top tension assembly was shot, because it was a tad rusty. I took it apart, scrubbed it with steel wool and fixed the slight problem with it with a drop of superglue. Turns out that the problem I took it in for was that the tension screw in the bobbin case was missing. For $25, I got two new-to-me bobbin cases off ebay. I still have the old one, and I hope to someday find a tiny screw to fit.<br /><br />Before I fixed it myself, though, we took it into a Pfaff dealer for a second opinion. The guy there told us it was shot, and then tried to con us into giving it to him. Snake oil salesman. He also tried to convince us that we needed a $2,000 machine while he was at it! Yes, my machine is old, but it's durable. The 1222 and the 1222E were the last all-metal models made by Pfaff. (I love the manual--"It's so light at only 25 pounds!")<br /><br />I understand that they're in the business to make money, and to do that, they need to sell new machines. But I like my old one. I don't need a fancy embroidery machine when I barely use the embroidery stitches that I have. <br /><br />In its day, mine was a fancy machine. When I was volunteered to quilt the RS quilt at church, I was told that I still have a fancy machine. It was news to me since mine is pretty much mechanical. Some days, I would like a computer controlled one... just for the absolute automatic buttonhole feature.<br /><br />I took a Textiles class in college in which we had to dye our own fabric and then make something out of it. At the time, we'd just moved and couldn't find the pedal for the 1222, so we borrowed a machine from a friend. Now <i>hers</i> had a fancy buttonhole feature. You dropped in the button, and it made the buttonhole for you. I'd like me one of those! Though I can (obviously) live without it.Sorry to write a book and take up so much space...Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23226352538375777312010-02-17T15:50:04.249-05:002010-02-17T15:50:04.249-05:00The ironic thing about your taking a couture sewin...The ironic thing about your taking a couture sewing class is that you likely will be sewing more by hand than by machine! That you are served well by a simple machine that makes stitches evenly, and that stitches well, means that you are likely a better sewist than most who are trying to cover up their inadequacies. Sorry, but a machine that you set up and push a button and it does everything for you instead of constructing a garment from scratch would be the equivalent of comparing a ride in a minivan to driving a posh vintage convertible with a stick shift. Give me the stick shift anyday!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65830298674464062552010-02-17T15:47:38.744-05:002010-02-17T15:47:38.744-05:00Gertie, your buttonholes look much better. I also...Gertie, your buttonholes look much better. I also didn't know there were buttonhole feet for mechanical machines. But Bernina makes the best feet, as far as I can tell!<br /><br />I like the hemstitches on my computerised machine, I must say, and I've used the deco stitches on a range of things, but I could no doubt sew without them; I sewed for many years on a Singer 66 that went forward only. Yes, but it also went through leather without any trouble... I did hand-worked buttonholes, which were very pretty.<br /><br />Gertie, my mom finally sent me my copy of VoNBBS that I ordered many moons ago and had sent to her house. I am having such fun looking at it!<br /><br />And also, I think I'm on your side: I bought my first serger today, a Bernina 700D. None of the dealers thought I should get a top-of-the-line model, and this was within my budget. But the dealer wanted to charge me £100 more than I could get it for online; and then I happened into a used one. Hooray!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15192375200229277802010-02-17T15:04:22.293-05:002010-02-17T15:04:22.293-05:00I faced this choice for a little while ago. I chec...I faced this choice for a little while ago. I checked out all latest machines and was overwhelmed by the number of buttons, electronics and stitches packed into the new generation. Being the person who loves quality I was preparing myself for parting with a large sum of money. But being hooked up on quality of the good old stuff, the beauty of vintage design and immense advantages of second hand shopping I bought this loveliest piece of equipment http://cees.blogg.se/images/2008/symaskin_22404410.jpg<br />In a sleek 60's design, mint green, solid metal (heavy metal :D) machine, that does all those stitches perfectly. It has everything I need and even more - if I want it has all those beauty-stitches too. Some of which pass for blind-stitch very well indeed. And I payed guess how much? 40$ !!! And I love every bit of this machine, apart from it's weight. <br />I think it's very much the same thing happening with all appliances-industries. Like mobile phones - they do amazing things that no one needs. I need to call, text, have an alarm clock and an address book. That is why I can't find a phone I'd like to have - I approach any purchase as if it were clothes. If it doesn't make me fabulous by every part of it it's not worth the money, especially if not being used at all. <br />Surprisingly there's a lot of people out there that wish their life made simple and free of all the unnecessary functions and not that many products that would satisfy them. Very strange.AnyaKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03124928418768027228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-77426496818074059342010-02-17T14:58:07.888-05:002010-02-17T14:58:07.888-05:00Nice button holes. I hope I can learn to sew as we...Nice button holes. I hope I can learn to sew as well as you.<br /><br />Thank you for your nice comments about the skirt that I made. I hope you will come back and visit me again soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85096854296134284702010-02-17T14:41:56.404-05:002010-02-17T14:41:56.404-05:00I'm from Milwaukee - land of proud tightwads. ...I'm from Milwaukee - land of proud tightwads. Most women here don't bother "shopping" for a machine. They just go to the local Sprawl*Mart and buy a cheapy $95 job that works for crap and then they throw up their hands and declare sewing to be too complicated (couldn't possbly be the Cracker Jack box prize of a mahcine they bought). I shopped around for my newest and instead of answering my questions, the sales man just invited me to sit and play with all of the models and said, "I've found the customer always knows more than me what they need." Wow.Twill Jillhttp://www.peoplearentflat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54311276192884080992010-02-17T14:13:40.812-05:002010-02-17T14:13:40.812-05:00I bought my current sewing machine - a Janome - on...I bought my current sewing machine - a Janome - online without road-testing it first. My previous one - also a Janome - was bought from a store but I didn't road-test that either, so I've never had to listen to the salesperson spiel. First time, my choice was motivated by the (low) price; second time, because the first one had been such a war-horse and continued to work despite all my attempts at sabotaging it (atrocious home-made servicing, breaking it when tripping over the power cable, etc.). I guess I was lucky both times because the first one was cheap and cheerful and great to learn on, although sewing on it did sound like something out of the St Valentine's day massacre. The new one is fabulous, sewing beautifully straight and even stitches, very silently. I love it. Especially the up/down button which has been a revelation.<br /><br />I'm very much a knobs person and have this fear that a computerised one will go wrong. Silly maybe, but I look at my grandmother's sewing machine, an Elna, which is 50+ years old and still works like a dream. For some reason I just can't believe that the computerised ones will be that durable and still working in 50 years time.Nathaliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11570545194570856281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31563252623621846802010-02-17T13:44:29.086-05:002010-02-17T13:44:29.086-05:00I have an old Bernina 810 and it sews great. The b...I have an old Bernina 810 and it sews great. The buttonholes are not so great, but if it is a small amount I will do them by hand.<br /><br />I am really thinking of getting an industrial machine. I would love needle up/down and auto tacking. I want more speed!<br /><br />I don't see a problem with so many craft and quilt machines around, so many people craft and quilt, the more people making things the better. But a lack of good quality garment machines is all a bit too naff.<br /><br />I did alot of research online and read heaps of reviews, then I did not need a sales person to tell me.<br /><br />Sewducky you will still be sewing in a black out, good on ya!Minnietheminkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107466485091649724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74904561853999164632010-02-17T12:40:57.410-05:002010-02-17T12:40:57.410-05:00I am not sure that the tech industry is pushing aw...I am not sure that the tech industry is pushing away from selling complicated top of the line items as much as they are pushing toward sleek design that packages items with a lot of capabilities into something without a lot of buttons, ports, or bulk.<br /><br />I would love to purchase a new machine, as there are many things I dislike about mine. The main things I would like are 1) The ability to put my machine in reverse without having to actively hold down the button the whole time; 2) A pre-programed button-holer; 3) A blind hem stitch; 4) A needle-threading gadget. Those are really the only things I actually need. Sure a few more cute stitch patterns could be nice, but they aren't necessary. One of my friends just got a machine as a wedding gift that has maybe ten patterned stitches, and that seems like plenty to me. All of the other things I want can be done via various accessory feet, and I just don't see why I would buy a super high end straight stitch machine just for the features. Ability to sew through tough fabrics, lack of jamming and breaking, an extra-long arm: these are all things I can see myself spending money for, but not decorative stitch motifs.Gaidighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11137796009019992269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38035696429110572522010-02-17T12:25:25.166-05:002010-02-17T12:25:25.166-05:00I'm definitely a knob-turner!
Also, I've ...I'm definitely a knob-turner!<br /><br />Also, I've been on the edges of blogland for too long so I've taken the plunge and started my own. http://nerd-like-me.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Enjoy! Jess.Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06523004537124471839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31286809357817030152010-02-17T11:45:23.037-05:002010-02-17T11:45:23.037-05:00I was doing my button holes *without* a buttonhole...I was doing my button holes *without* a buttonholer attachment on my old sewing machine; I had to call up my lessons from my 1977 Home Ec class to remember how to do it!<br /><br />My new machine has a buttonholer and I am a much happier girl. I may even be more likely to make things that call for buttons now! LOLNancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08444647423337451493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16152393413356094642010-02-17T11:45:02.802-05:002010-02-17T11:45:02.802-05:00I think you made an excellent choice and I only wi...I think you made an excellent choice and I only wish that I had looked into this more before I bought my current machine. I really love my machine, but I, like you, would rather have a mechanical machine and didn't even know these were available. Nor did the sales rep at the Bernina Store even show anything like that to me. I really don't like how sewing machines today seem to be geared much more towards embroidery and quilting. It's really silly. Really silly. I have so many stitches on my machine that I haven't even tried. Mostly because I think using them on apparel sewing cheapens the look of the garment you are stitching. I suppose they would look OK on say, a quilt, but even then nothing beats the look and beauty of a handquilted quilt. Not to mention, I hate the plastic that they make machines with these days. Vintage machines made from real solid metal just seem to be made to withstand the test of time. Why don't they do that anymore?Sunnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16380215145775412897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19065664838771696482010-02-17T11:00:11.480-05:002010-02-17T11:00:11.480-05:00I'm not sure, as I have never bought a sewing ...I'm not sure, as I have never bought a sewing machine before. Mine was a gift from my aunt when she passed away.<br />I love your blog!! Do you have any suggestions or advice for a beginner?<br />I'm a stay at home Mom with a very tight budget so taking a class isn't an option right now.<br />Any pointers would be appreciated!<br /><br />Erica<br />danired922.blogspot.comEricahttp://danired922.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com