[Nfb-krafters-korner] Need Sewing Machine Recommendations

[Ramona Walhof]

Eleni, your Grandmother's machine would probably be fine.  If you want to 
call me offline, my phone number is 208-338-1595.  I taught sewing to blind 
adults in the 1970's and have been blind all my life.  A lot of new machines 
will have embroidery stitches which may not be settable by a blind person. 
Basic sewing should be doable, but the good old machines are simple.  You 
don't need much adaptation, just some simple techniques.  There are a couple 
of different techniques for cutting out patterns, but two-way conversations 
might have some merit.  It's a lot of fun.

Ramona
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eleni Vamvakari" <magkisa83 at gmail.com>
To: <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 12:51 PM
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Need Sewing Machine Recommendations


> 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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