5/29/10

Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine 74 Stich

Cheap Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine 74 Stich Review




I rediscovered my sewing bug and bought this one after the Kenmore brand-- which really is Janome, but for Sears-- was recommended by a friend (seamstress & instructor).

Price -
I bought this for 0+tax from Sears and it is now on sale for 0+tax.

Weight -
It's not too heavy. I've got Xena strength, but my scrawny friend could carry it easily. Plus it has a nifty handle.

The Manual -
This is VERY easy to read. I had to read it because I forgot a lot of basics, plus my other (non-working) machine is a Brother so I needed to learn the mechanics of this one.

The Controls -
Seriously, this machine makes it so that you don't have any problems. You pick your stitch and the displays show recommended settings for stitch width and length. You change the tension based on fabric. For most things, 4 (or 3) is fine.

Odd Fabrics -
This machine handles stretch and denim fabrics like a champ! I haven't tried quilting with it yet, but the reviews I read on other sites have given it a thumbs up.

Overall, I am glad I bought this model over Kenmore's earlier model since I intend to use this not just for clothing and costumes, but for decorative pieces that might require heavier fabric. As is stands, I've made a few belly dancing costume pieces with no problems at all. I'm very pleased!


Sewing Awl Kit for Stitching Leather

Cheap Sewing Awl Kit for Stitching Leather Review





5/26/10

Janome Sewing Embroidery Machine Bobbins 10ct Pack New

Cheap Janome Sewing Embroidery Machine Bobbins 10ct Pack New Review




I am a novice sewer and just bought a new Janome Magnolia sewing machine from amazon.com. A couple of weeks into my sewing projects, I realized that the four bobbins that came with the machine just weren't going to cut it. I couldn't find Janome bobbins on any of the typical sewing websites so I bit the bullet and bought a couple of sets of these knowing that I probably could have found them cheaper at a bricks 'n mortar store if I had spent time trying to find them. But now I have 20 bobbins that fit my machine and I can work on lots of new projects without having to worry that I will run out!


5/25/10

Singer 7466 Electronic Sewing Machine

Cheap Singer 7466 Electronic Sewing Machine Review





5/23/10

Juki Sewing Machine w/20-Stitch Patterns HZL-E61

Cheap Juki Sewing Machine w/20-Stitch Patterns HZL-E61 Review




I've had this machine for just under a year, and it has happily sewn through all that I've thrown at it, and that has been a lot. From simple skirts and vests to soft toys, it hasn't missed a beat, and is easy and quick to use. It comes with a good selection of feet, and has a large range of useful customisation for sewing with needle placement, stitch length and even maximum speed for sewing - useful for the small fiddly pieces.


5/21/10

Singer 611 Universal Carrying Case

Cheap Singer 611 Universal Carrying Case Review




I am a former sewing machine dealer, and I have found this sturdy, inexpensively-priced, lightweight hard-shell carrying case to be excellent for just about any common brand of sewing machine (such as Kenmore, or Brother, as well as Singer) of. It's easy to carry and easy to stow in places like closets, and affords your sewing machine protection from damage and dust.

Sorry to sound a little like a commercial, but I appreciate good value and function when I find it.


5/17/10

Singer 611.BR Universal Hard Carrying Case for Most Free-Arm Sewing Machines

Cheap Singer 611.BR Universal Hard Carrying Case for Most Free-Arm Sewing Machines Review




I bought this for my Singer 7470 sewing machine. It fits, with room to spare. This particular model of sewing machine has a heavy base, so normally, the machine wouldn't move around inside the case. I use mine as a storage case, rather than a transport case. So, I don't travel with it that much. For me, this case is good.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the seller was Target, which charged for tax and shipping. I could have picked this up from my local Target, and saved on shipping. Oh well. Live and learn.


5/15/10

Fiskars 55217097 Travel Sewing Kit

Cheap Fiskars 55217097 Travel Sewing Kit Review




This little guy is SO handy! The price makes it very practical to put a kit in each vehicle and in different places in the house, so you are always prepared to fix a small wardrobe malfunction! The quality is also very good for the price.


5/12/10

5/9/10

Singer 7463 Confidence 30-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine

Cheap Singer 7463 Confidence 30-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine Review




I am very happy with my Singer 7463 Confidence Sewing Machine. After purchasing a computerized Brother machine that broke after 4 days, I bought the Singer 7463. I was replacing a Singer Fashionmate 362 that I had since I was a teenager. I wanted more stitch options. The Brother was so fragile that I soon realized that I would not be able to sew all that I wanted. The Singer has great stitch options, and it is very solid. I have been using a few times a week since I bought it just after Christmas. I love that it is solid, easy to thread, and the light is good. It did not come with a screw driver- and the one from my previous machine worked fine. But it must be small and short to work in this machine. I recommend purchasing it too- well worth it. The feet that comes with it are good for sewing and quilting. It is light weight- has a handle that is easy to use. My last machine I could not carry- this one would travel easily - and I look forward to taking to friends' houses. I sew on every fabric you can think of including paper. This machine will last me an easy 20-30 more years, easily. The only other machine I plan to add in the next 5 years is an embroidery/quilting machine, but I would still need a "basic" machine like the Singer 7463, that is so much more than what I replaced. I will have a hard time with anything that is not a Singer- they are such good machines.


5/7/10

Reliable 4-Inch Round Knife Cloth Cutting Machine

Cheap Reliable 4-Inch Round Knife Cloth Cutting Machine Review




Product works fairly well. I would recommend this product only when you are trying to cut multiple layers of fabric or similar textiles at one time. The less you try to cut the more bunching there is. Controlling the cloth for a straight cloth when there are only a few layers causes bunching and the cut is not straight the way you would like. I purchased this to help my wife so she would have less pain when cutting fabric for online sale due to severe carpal tunnel and hand pain. For the price she hasn't been able to use it much. It rolls over the surface and it does do the cutting but there is nothing to control the fabric being cut while you control the cutting machine. I think it should be emphasized more that this is a product more for cutting thick cloth projects. For thinner projects you can more easily control the fabric with a handheld rotary cutter and get a more accurate cut.


5/4/10

Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine

Cheap Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine Review




I've had this sewing machine for 3 years, and it's still running well with casual use. It will occasionally jam-up, but haven't had a problem solving it yet. I've never had a major complaint about it, and still happy I chose it. I'd definitely recommend it for casual or beginner sewers.


Janome Memory Craft 6500P Sewing Machine

Cheap Janome Memory Craft 6500P Sewing Machine Review





5/3/10

Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine

Cheap Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine Review





5/2/10

Gingher G-LT 3-1/2-Inch Gold-Handled Lion's Tail Embroidery Scissors

Cheap Gingher G-LT 3-1/2-Inch Gold-Handled Lion's Tail Embroidery Scissors Review




This review is a 'paean' of praise for GINGHER's Lion's Tail embroidery scissors, the 3 1/2" model. with leather sheath & gold-plated handles. Which came first, the reputation /OR/ an avalanche of letters from women thrilled to own a perfect tool? All Gingher shears & scissors have an impeccable reputation and for this reason, the Gingher name "stands on its own."

Of all the small models made by Gingher, this is the one I find most useful. Incidentally, when you present them as bridal gifts, they demonstrate your own good taste! Among artists and hobbyists they are prized for paper cutting of intricate designs. Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests you go to your quilting friends if you actually need more convincing.


Amy Butler Midwest Modern Lotus Tunic & Cami Sewing Pattern

Cheap Amy Butler Midwest Modern Lotus Tunic & Cami Sewing Pattern Review





5/1/10

Mundial 108-CS Specialty Forged 3 1/2" Stork Embroidery Scissors

Cheap Mundial 108-CS Specialty Forged 3 1/2" Stork Embroidery Scissors Review




This is a replacement pair for the original which was lost. Excellent for wife's x-stitch. Well made and distinctive looking scissors, the fine point makes it easy to get into those hard to get to places. I even borrow them sometimes for my airplane modeling hobby. (No I didn't lose them)


Sewing Essentials, 18 Pcs Household Repair Needles Set

Cheap Sewing Essentials, 18 Pcs Household Repair Needles Set Review




the curved needles work great and the easy threading design is great too for those of us who have problems with seeing up close.


Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case

Cheap Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case Review




We purchased the sewing machine for our 11 year old granddaughter who had it on her wish list for Christmas. When visiting her in Buffalo, it only took a short time before she was sewing on her own. She was able to create gifts for her family.(pillows, make-up purse)without any problem. Threading the machine and bobbin was made quite easy by good instructions. I would highly recommend this machine for many sewing projects and for any age level.