06-20-2011, 02:46 AM
Oog.. curtains are a PITA.. despite watching 'The Sound of Music'.. where curtains (drapes, actually) are made into clothing in the course of one brief evening. Most curtains are sheer material, and sewing that stuff is a biotch and a half... holding tension, fine needle, avoiding bunching. Ick.
FWIW, the fancy schmancy umpty-hundred computerized stitch machines are not necessary. All you really need is a good zig-zag and a straight stitch. (admittedly, I like the extra stitches like overlock, embroidery, etc..)
I started with a cheap Japanese (now Chinese) machine, but of course I now have my late mother-in-law's "Pfaff" machine, which is the Mercedes of sewing machines. I did plenty of work with the cheapo, it was a good start. But an awesome machine is a joy to use... jamming is a thing of the past, clean stitches, good handling.
But start slow. Play with some machines at the store. Buy a simple relatively inexpensive machine after using it. Do NOT give in and get the cool one... you will never use all the gizmos.
Ed: FWIW, I'm NOT very good. I can hem, repair, etc. Making stuff from scratch ? I stink at it. I think I've made a few capes and ropes for school plays, and some blankets and things like that. Don't imagine I know what the heck I'm talking about.. this is just what has worked for me.
PPS... Sewing machines are very manly tools !!! (thumps on chest). Machinery ! Gears ! Sharp things ! Grabbing things ! Intricate parts ! Possibility of blood !
Rrraaarrr ! manly !
FWIW, the fancy schmancy umpty-hundred computerized stitch machines are not necessary. All you really need is a good zig-zag and a straight stitch. (admittedly, I like the extra stitches like overlock, embroidery, etc..)
I started with a cheap Japanese (now Chinese) machine, but of course I now have my late mother-in-law's "Pfaff" machine, which is the Mercedes of sewing machines. I did plenty of work with the cheapo, it was a good start. But an awesome machine is a joy to use... jamming is a thing of the past, clean stitches, good handling.
But start slow. Play with some machines at the store. Buy a simple relatively inexpensive machine after using it. Do NOT give in and get the cool one... you will never use all the gizmos.
Ed: FWIW, I'm NOT very good. I can hem, repair, etc. Making stuff from scratch ? I stink at it. I think I've made a few capes and ropes for school plays, and some blankets and things like that. Don't imagine I know what the heck I'm talking about.. this is just what has worked for me.
PPS... Sewing machines are very manly tools !!! (thumps on chest). Machinery ! Gears ! Sharp things ! Grabbing things ! Intricate parts ! Possibility of blood !
Rrraaarrr ! manly !