I learned on my grandmothers Singer. As long as it's not built into a cabinet it's portiable.

I learned on a featherlight that is in the garage in working order. My current machine is a 1972 Singer. Not much modern technology in this sewing department.

Sold my sewing machine to put in the computer/desk (many years ago)....love to try again, but Disney doesn't pay enough to buy a new machine that is portable. I'll share with Morrigoon, if that is still an option.

I still might have my old one that my dad fixed, and if I do, someone is welcome to have it. It runs ok, but will probably only last another couple dozen uses or so.

Eliza and BTD, you can share mine. Since I'll be teaching, I won't really need it except for an occasional demo.

FWIW, Walmart has some beginner machines for under $100: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4698205
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4764724
Holy cow, not sure if this is a normal machine or not, but for $40... http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5006454

(Their whole collection)

My opinion is don't buy a machine for $40. You'll be very frustrated and annoy the people around you.

I would suggest going to an actual sewing machine store and buying the least expensive new or used machine there. Then take the free classes they have on using your machine. If you buy at normal retail stores you're on your own in trying to figure out how it works and if there is a problem the people at walmart will just look at you with a blank stare. I can get a discount for maybe one or two people from Upland Vacuum and Sewing if you pay cash.

That being said, if you do buy from walmart, etc. (costco usually has a good deal on a Brother machine), I can probably help you learn the basic functions.


P.S. don't buy an off brand - stay with brother, babylock, bernina, elna, viking, pfaf. Older singers are great machines, newer ones not so much. Babylock and Brother would probably be the more affordable ones.

Oh, and don't buy a machine from a second hand store. It will cost you more to fix it than it's worth. (and probably more than a new machine)

Yeah the $40 doesn't quite look normal. But the ones around $100 are major brands (Singer, Brother).

I'm willing to help too. I can also show folks how to take them apart for basic maintenance (oiling and cleaning) that will keep them running smooth for years. My latest is a computerized Brother from Costco that was $160 after an instant online rebate.

The only reason it replaced my last Brother, is because the old one took a bad fall and jammed. My dad repaired it, but it won't hold up to my larger projects anymore. Prior to that fall, it worked really well, even on the thick and difficult fabrics. It last me a good 10 years. They really do make a good machine.

How much fabric does one need for something like this?

My mom has a TON of fabric that she forgot about that I shall go raid.