I bought a sewing machine

[hippywife]

off of craigslist from a very nice older couple tonight. It's an older Kenmore, all metal body, very simple operation, immaculate in condition as is the cabinet it came with. Only $45.

I haven't touched a sewing machine in 36 years (jr. high home ec! LOL) This ought to be interesting. I'm going to have to buy the operating manual so I can figure it all out without breaking it first!

Another new adventure! :hi:

[lizziegrace]

1. Have fun!

You might find the manual online in PDF format. :)

[hippywife]

2. I was thinking that

and I haven't looked yet but my husband did. I don't know how extensively he searched. The Sears site was selling it for around $16.

ETA: this seems to be the extent of it so I think I'll have to buy it.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&suggon=0&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=ylm&q=kenmore+158-13571+manual&btnG=Search

[madrchsod]

3. watch your fingers........

really hard to do anything with your fingers sewn together...

i have one of these



i reupholster furniture....

[hippywife]

4. Funny you should say that.

When I was a kid, I saw an old movie about women working in sweatshop conditions in a clothing factory. Seems I remember it being set in the early last century. One of the women caught her finger in a machine and I cringed so hard and have never forgotten it! I can't even begin to imagine how much that would hurt! :scared:

That's a beautiful old machine you have. The woman I bought mine from still had an antique treadle machine she is still using. I didn't see the machine itself but the cabinet was beautiful.

I have a whole lot to relearn. Like I can't even begin to remember what it means to cut fabric on the bias. :shrug:

[Shine]

5. Cool, good for you!!

I admire anybody who has the creativity and tenacity to sew their own stuff. That's very cool! :applause:

:loveya: Here's to new adventures and projects! :hi:

I remember jr. high home ec, too. Forever ago.....

[Orrex]

6. Sew what?

This is a total thread-killer.

[kath]

7. I highly recommend "The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" -

very thorough, helpful guide, good for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Explains ALL the terms that show up in pattern instructions, with very good explanatory illustrations. It will refresh your memory on all that old home ec stuff, and teach you plenty of new things too.

The old edition (1970s) is pretty easy to find at thrift shops, used book stores, etc. at a low price. I also see online that an updated edition (which I've never used or seen) came out a few years ago.

I also really like "The RD Complete Guide to Needlework" - another very good reference which includes embroidery, knitting, crocheting and other stuff. Also easy to find a used copy. The projects look dated (70s) but the info on techniques and stitches is fantastic and very thorough.

Have fun!!

[KitchenWitch]

8. I love my sewing machine - I have had it for about a year.

It is a new model Kenmore. My mom bought it for me. I have been sewing up a storm.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

9. Very good!

I'm into Singers.

I have a little black Featherweight (circa 1940s)
and a Slant-O-Matic 401A (circa 1956).

They both make beautiful buttonholes with the attachment. And they're all steel so they will last forever. I don't do the old treadles.

I call them "The Apotheosis of The Machine Age". :D

IOW, "The Peak of the Machine Age".


Check out www.craftster.org

Reading a sewing book is a VERY GOOD idea!!!

Good luck!!!

[hippywife]

10. I got up too late this morning

to reply to everyone but wanted to say thanx so much for the advice and encouragement. I'll definitely look into that book, kath. Thank you!


This ought to be really interesting! LOL

And, Shine, my fine sista... :loveya:

[MissMillie]

11. I got one for Christmas in '06

I still don't know how to use it. But I intend to learn.

I bought myself some denim last night to make a denim skirt... as apparently it is impossible for the stores to stock a denim skirt that doesn't have pockets on the ass.

[kath]

13. Oh, man don't EVEN get me started on the pockets-on-the ass thing!

I've been looking for some shorts lately. But almost all of them have those damned *flap* pockets on the back, which make your ass look as huge as the side of a barn, unless you wear a size 0 or so. No rear pockets is the most flattering look, and I can sort of live with the jeans-type patch pocket if it's a jeans-type style (smaller the better) or the smooth slit-type pocket. But those ones with the frickin' flaps are absolutely unflattering. What the heck are they thinking, plastering those all over the rears of everything? ARGH!

[MissMillie]

15. yep....

mixed messages:

on the one hand: look thin

on the other hand: we're only going to make and sell clothes to you that add volume to your look.




boggles the mind.

[raccoon]

12. Good for you. I have one, though I do little sewing these days, it's good

to have it for mending and hemming.

Is there a forum here that deals with sewing?

[hippywife]

14. There is the Crafts Group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=390

[KG]

16. you may be able to find the manual online and be able to d/l and print it.

check the kenmore website.

[applegrove]

17. Sewing can be addictive. I was sewing bathing suits for a while. Then I found

out the special stretch stitch I was using wasn't strong enough. Ouch.

[whistler162]

18. A girl's best friend. WATCH THE VIDEO

http://www.lyricsvault.net/songs/19631.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=999ph8iRT4o

:evilgrin:

Actually my brother has two or three old machines. He is teaching my nephew how to sew using one.

My mom has a 50's Singer machine. We bought her a newer machine a few years ago that drove her nuts with a the geegaws and settings.