Last year I needed to buy an extra sewing machine. I had two criteria.
It should be able to sew a one-step automatic buttonhole and should also have a speed control that would allow it to go MUCH slower than was possible on the basic machines where the only control is the foot pedal.
This meant it had to be a computerized model. Another feature was an automatic needle up or down setting, so no more turning of the hand wheel for this purpose.
And no more accidental pulling out of the needle thread when they started out sewing again with the needle still on its way up from the last time. The children loved it. But, since I only had one, most of them still had to sew on the basic machines.
A few weeks ago, I decided to reinvest some more of my sewing earnings on another computerized machine. This one has a few additional features.
It can also be set to sew nice and slow, (note the slider) but it won’t even start unless the presser foot is DOWN. Guess how many times my beginners engage the foot control before they remember to lower the presser foot! The results are big nests of thread under the fabric
The new machine also has a button to push that cuts the thread and raises the needle (they love that) and an
automatic bobbin threading feature, so… no more fishing to bring up the bobbin thread.
It should be able to sew a one-step automatic buttonhole and should also have a speed control that would allow it to go MUCH slower than was possible on the basic machines where the only control is the foot pedal.
This meant it had to be a computerized model. Another feature was an automatic needle up or down setting, so no more turning of the hand wheel for this purpose.
And no more accidental pulling out of the needle thread when they started out sewing again with the needle still on its way up from the last time. The children loved it. But, since I only had one, most of them still had to sew on the basic machines.
A few weeks ago, I decided to reinvest some more of my sewing earnings on another computerized machine. This one has a few additional features.
It can also be set to sew nice and slow, (note the slider) but it won’t even start unless the presser foot is DOWN. Guess how many times my beginners engage the foot control before they remember to lower the presser foot! The results are big nests of thread under the fabric
The new machine also has a button to push that cuts the thread and raises the needle (they love that) and an
automatic bobbin threading feature, so… no more fishing to bring up the bobbin thread.
Oh, by the way, the slower sewing has allowed some of my more experienced
students (terms two and three) to sew the tiny seams that are called for on stuffed toys
and other non-wearable items. And the 'needle down' position makes pivoting much easier.
They’ve been working on penguin pillows, stuffed elephants, and piece-work bags.
Actually the lined, stripped piece-work bag was also successfully sewn by a six
and a half year old beginner. It was her fourth project after a baby
blanket, a drawstring bag, and a pair of pyjama shorts.
This week we had the last sewing classes before Christmas.
Now is the time to reserve a spot for your children for January.
Presently I am planning for classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Mondays: 2pm – 3:15pm … 2 spots left
Mondays: 4pm – 5:15pm … 3 spots left
Wednesdays: 2pm – 3:15pm… 2 spots left
Wednesdays: 4pm – 5:15pm (Questionable. I’d like to fill Mon. at 4pm first)
Thursdays: 4pm -5:15pm… 1 spot left
students (terms two and three) to sew the tiny seams that are called for on stuffed toys
and other non-wearable items. And the 'needle down' position makes pivoting much easier.
They’ve been working on penguin pillows, stuffed elephants, and piece-work bags.
Actually the lined, stripped piece-work bag was also successfully sewn by a six
and a half year old beginner. It was her fourth project after a baby
blanket, a drawstring bag, and a pair of pyjama shorts.
This week we had the last sewing classes before Christmas.
Now is the time to reserve a spot for your children for January.
Presently I am planning for classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Mondays: 2pm – 3:15pm … 2 spots left
Mondays: 4pm – 5:15pm … 3 spots left
Wednesdays: 2pm – 3:15pm… 2 spots left
Wednesdays: 4pm – 5:15pm (Questionable. I’d like to fill Mon. at 4pm first)
Thursdays: 4pm -5:15pm… 1 spot left
