[Nfb-krafters-korner] Need Sewing Machine Recommendations

[Blindhands at aol.com]

Eleni,
 
Well I am not sure what you mean by mechanical here.  An electric  machine 
is an electric machine.  I personally lerned how to sew on aSinger  foot 
treddle machine.  So no electricity with that one.  Just as fast  as you could 
push that peddle back and forth with your foot.
 
As far as a light weight old machine that just goes back and forth that is  
electric a Singer Feather weight is a fantastic machine.  They can be a bit 
 pricey due to folks wanting such a  small work horse machine.  They  had 
stopped making them, but I think they have brought back that model.   There 
are a lot of sewing machines out there today that you can purchase brand  new 
for $100.  Start out with Grandma's and if you like sewing go from  there.
 
Joyce  Kane
_www.KraftersKorner.org_ (http://www.krafterskorner.org/) 
Blindhands at AOL.com   

 
In a message dated 1/27/2011 12:07:24 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
magkisa83 at gmail.com writes:

Hi  guys,

I can't help but notice that alot of you are into sewing.  I  know
absolutely nothing about the art but would like to learn.   My
grandmother has a sewing machine, probably from the 70's or 80's,  but
it's an electric model.  I want to work with a completely  mechanical
one.  I adore old technology and have a special love for  all things
mechanical, so figured I could buy a new/old toy and learn a new  skill
at the same time.  But I need some suggestions.  Can anyone  recommend
a simple, durable machine for a beginner?  I would prefer  something
relatively compact and not the type in the cabinet, but  I'll
investigate those if they're worth it.  The machine could be  brand new
or totally vintage.  So long as it's accessible to the blind  and
affordable (under $100 or $150 at the most) I'm willing to try  it.  I
know that there are many sewing machine collectors, but my  main
purpose is to learn, not necessarily to get something of value.   But
if it turns out to be worth something, that would be  great.

Grandma said that she's willing to teach me.  So if we  start and I
only have her's to work on, would that cause me a problem later  on
when I go to a nonelectric machine?  Would it be better for me  to
learn by hand first?  Also, I've seen many things about patterns  on
this list and I've always wondered one thing.  How can they  be
accessible to someone who is totally blind?  That is, do they  really
explain the pattern?  Is it necessary to have had sight in  order to
start sewing on your own or could I do it without a teacher?   Keep in
mind that I've never seen so don't understand colours  etc.

Speaking of sewing, I'd like to pass on an adorable video that I  just
saw today.  You don't need to see it for it to make you  smile.  Talk
about starting them off  young!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGzadRSOHbE

Thanks,
Eleni

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