The sewing machine: a first step

For months I had dipped in and out of my search for a new sewing machine. After reading several reviews on consumersearch.com, consumer reports, and Amazon, I decided the Project Runway models looked about right for me. The reviewers said they were sturdy machines with versatility that were easy to use and did not get out of adjustment often. Sounded about right. On the other hand, there were some complaints about the automatic raising of the needle at the end of sewing, which concerned me a little. I figured I could ask.

Next, where to buy from? I considered ordering one online. I discussed machines with a friend who is always sewing, and she recommended a store in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is almost 100 miles from where I live but there are no sewing machines in my area any more. My friend Maryann has gone to this store for years and values their expertise and assistance. For a newbie getting back to sewing I realized it would be a good idea for me to find a knowledgeable person in a good store who could help me choose a machine and who could answer questions.

When I talked about getting a machine with my older daughter Elaine, she said she is interested in getting a new one herself, and she wants to get one that comes with classes so she can learn to use it right. That too sounded like a good plan. I decided to ask about classes when I went to the store in Santa Barbara.

About two weeks ago I drove down to Santa Barbara to Grant House. I met Susan there, and explained what I was looking for. I said I was new to sewing, needed something easy to use with some flexibility for different types of projects. I said I had looked at the Project Runway models and found them interesting. She showed me another Brother model that was similar to the Project Runway models but better. I tried things on the machine, asked questions, heard what she had to say about it, asked how it compared to the others, and finally decided it was a good choice. I bought it. I asked about lessons. Susan said she would be happy to schedule a time for me to get acquainted with the machine. She'd show me some seams, stitches, give me some information on sewing on that machine. So I signed up.

my new sewing machine

While I was waiting for the day to arrive, I stopped in at several fabric stores. I ran into things called "fat quarters" and I had trouble finding scissors. When I asked about fusible web I found there were many kinds and I had no idea what I wanted. I felt like I was in a foreign land without a guidebook. Fortunately, one of the clerks told me about fat quarters (and chubby eighths!) and reassured me that I would pick it all up quickly enough. I hope so.