[Nfb-krafters-korner] Need Sewing Machine Recommendations

[Eleni Vamvakari]

The other night, I found an excellent page on selecting a treadle
sewing machine.

http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/treadles/selectingtreadle.html

Not only do they talk about how to go about selecting one, as in what
to look for with quality, parts etc. but they also give several
wonderful suggestions on which machines to seek out.  This is
extremely helpful for me, as there are literally hundreds on Ebay
alone.  I found several of the machines referenced here but some don't
have their cabinets.  They recommend buying ones tht have them, but
the ones without are cheaper and some are in good working condition.
So is a cabinet an essential part of the machine or is it decorative
and/or good for protecting it?  Ramona, thanks for your offer to help
me.  I'll be getting a landline this week, so can start making calls
before 9 PM EST on week nights.  Weekends are fine both for mobile and
landline use.

Thanks,
Eleni

On 1/28/11, Ramona Walhof <rwnfbi at q.com> wrote:
> 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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>
>
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