Given the title of this thread, you can derive what my stance is on DIY. I'd like to try to get better at this kind of thing. My first step is sewing. What type of sewing machine am I looking for? And I'd love a link to some sewing videos with practical advice and instruction. I'm not wanting to learn how to sew lace onto satin pillow cases. Thanks!
HF member Ramblinrev has a good 10 part series I found helpful. Also, you'll get a lot of recomendations for getting an older machine. Rev's signature line also has some tips on buying.
Don't let life get in the way of living.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!Originally Posted by Bubba
You're welcome. I suggest looking at thrift stores, garage sales, or Craigslist for an older no frills machine. They tend to be reliable (I have machines that vary in age from 40 to 100 years old), easier to maintain (Google and YouTube) and cheaper (cheapest machine I got was for $15.00) than new machines. You may even know a family member or friend who has one just sitting around. For gear making you really only need a straight stitch machine. Lots of help available here as well.
On another topic, did you like the episode VII trailer?
Last edited by Bubba; 01-19-2015 at 18:14.
Don't let life get in the way of living.
I drive a Pfaff and like it quite a bit, a good simple machine, Select 3.0 I believe is the model. In my sig. below is a link to my youtube channel on which I have some tutorials on making various kinds of stuff sacks. You can mix and match the various features of each style if you like- roll top on a round bottom etc.
Good luck,
RED
My Youtube Channel
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace without end to you.
adapted from - ancient gaelic runes
X10! Can't say how much Ramblinrev's videos helped me, as far as a machine goes, yard sales/thrift stores are your best bet.
"Never corner anything meaner than you are...."-Unknown
Ask around among the women in your life "of a certain age". I'd be surprised if you didn't uncover one in a closet somewhere you could get for free or super cheap.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series
Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies
Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint
Good advice. I've got two nice machines this way. Also, as mentioned above, craigslist.
My head is an animal
Ditto on Ramblinrev and ditto on looking for an older simpler machine.
Growing up my mom had a 1950's era Singer that I messed around with as a kid that could sew through steel. My sister still has it and uses it today. When I started getting the hammock DIY itch, I broke out my wife's fancy modern machine which has given her no end of troubles. I didn't have any better success.
After reading a through the forums and watching Ramblinrev's videos, I decided to look for an older machine. I found a decent deal on ebay for a vintage Singer 404. Just got it a few days ago and what a difference! All metal, tough as nails, straight stitch only. As easy to work with nylon as denim or canvas. Knocked out a small peak bag out of a nylon remnant my wife had in under an hour! I might have a tarp in me yet...
Last edited by potshot; 01-23-2015 at 22:40.
I second the old singer machines. They are solid and easy to use. I have been sewing all my life. My mother was a professional with a industrial shop. She still has some of the old singers. That said. you probably cant go wrong with any of the old basic machines.
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