Old or New Sewing Machine?

Consider taking a class someplace where you can use their machines before you decide to buy a machine yourself. Or see if you can borrow one from a friend or family member. That way you can find out if you like sewing well enough to invest.

33 years is about when the mechanicals were still good, but the computerized/electronic machines of that era are junk by now. That's also about when you start seeing machines built down to price, not up to quality. But yes, if you like a vintage machine, they're generally cheaper to operate, and you can do much of your own maintenance on an old mechanical. (You might want to poke around in the yahoo group "wefixit" for more about howtos.)

Here's my advice on beginner sewing machines: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtVc8... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=201110...

Personally, though I love working on the old machines, I love teaching on the new ones -- there's much less you have to learn at first, which means things are less frustrating when everything you do is new.

Remember, sewing machines don't do the actual work of sewing; they just make the stitching faster. The important parts are still human.

A new basic machine will be nice to begin on. Something with an automatic button hole (trust me on this one), a separate bobbin winder is great but not necessary (just a nice option), and one that has a free arm. If you have an idea of what you might want to do then purchasing a machine will be easier but if you are open to trying everything from clothing to quilts, then you need an all round general machine which can be purchased for a couple of hundred at Walmart (don't knock the cheaper models) to a couple of thousand for an extravagant purchase of an Elna (my favourite brand). Going to a shop who sells machines is your best bet...there you can try out each type of machine..get a bit of an idea what you might like and can sign up for classes if you do not know a person who sews. You can check out quality used machines and learn a lot from the people who work there. Do not jump into buying one..look around first and try them out..if you are still not sure then pick up one from a big box store till you decide if you like to sew or not. I used a $100 machine for many many years before I could afford my first Elna.

A used Viking, Pfaff, Bernina or Janome are going to be good to buy. My Viking is 15+ years old and still sews like a dream. My sister's Pfaff is about 20 years old and still runs great.

Go to a sewing machine dealer. You can sit down and demo the used machines. and get a free lesson on how to use the machine you do buy. And they will be there for you in the future for any questions or problems.

Be aware that older fabric may not be worth using.

We got some great fabric donated for our ballet company. I made trousers for one of the characters and the first performance the material started splitting vertically down the pants-not at the seams. I spent the night making new ones for the next day. Older fabric gets old.

Wash up any fabric you have. see how it holds up before taking the time to cut out and sew