[Nfb-krafters-korner] Adaptive Sewing Tips

[Zimmer, Cindy]

Karen,
I teach sewing to clients and my father owned a sewing machine shop for over 25 years so I grew up around sewing machines.  You want to find one that you are comfortable with.  You can learn to thread a sewing machine and there are some sewing machines that have special needle threaders on them or one you can purchase special, but you can also learn to thread a sewing machine using a loop dental floss threader.  Sewing a straight line can be done by placing a straight edge on the machine.  They sell these devices, but I tend to use built up magnets or tape on foam.  Use something that gives you a little height so your fabric can run up against it.

If I were you, I wouldn't go to fancy to start with.  Find a machine that is reasonable in price and does what you want it to do.

Cindy Z.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Karen
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2011 3:46 PM
To: List for blind crafters and artists
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Adaptive Sewing Tips

Hi,

I'm getting really adventurous in my crafting and would like to purchase a sewing machine. I called a local sewing shop that carries Janome, Brother and Viking brands. Is there a brand that is more blind-friendly? 

There was an article in Ziegler about adaptive sewing techniques last week and I noted the author who has low vision purchased a Viking. It seems like the key is to have a machine that is easy to thread and to be able to sew straight. I'm curious to know what your experiences have been with the newer machines and what features you find most essential and helpful. 

The Ziegler article can be found here:

http://www.matildaziegler.com/2011/05/25/contributor-jaqueline-anderson-adaptive-sewing-tips/
   

Karen
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