portable sewing kit
Is this sewing machine any good?
Hello everyone, I wish to buy this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-Mini-Compact-Sewing-Machine-Kit-Xmas-Gift-D17_W0QQitemZ360112445610QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Sewing_Machines?hash=item360112445610&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50 I hope the link works.. Anyway, before I waste any money I really want to know if it's any good. Has anyone used anything like this before? If you have, please share your experience with me. :D
Oh and please no spam answers, I just wish to know if it's worth spending money on it or not, I don't need something big, I just want something small and effective. Also, if you find anything better that has international shipping please post links, thank you!
Fairly worthless. You can do better work with an office stapler. And I'm not being rude about the low cost -- one of the machines I sew on was rescued off a curb the night before garbage collection; another was $10 at a garage sale.
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
What I want for beginners in sewing:
- a machine that doesn't scare you
- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --
just too frustrating to learn on!)
- very good straight stitch
- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)
If the budget stretches far enough:
- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as
much as you think)
- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.
Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.
Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.
Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota
New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).
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New Mini Compact Travel Sewing Craft Portable Pocket Kit Credit Card Size $9.95 |
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Sewing Tool Kit Set 5 Pcs. Screwdrivers Hole Starter leather punch portable case $2.99 |
10 Good Reasons to Take Up Cross Stitch
There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.
1. Why "blue-collar" you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there's no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that's about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you're guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.
2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.
3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don't need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.
4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.
5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart's content.
6. Cross stitch is a truly "portable" hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.
7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don't need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.
8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.
9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.
10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren't much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it's a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.
Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a "pensioner" activity. But this couldn't be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children... and yes men too! ... and hey! If you don't believe me, have a go yourself, you'll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.
About the Author
John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.
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New Mini Compact Travel Sewing Craft Portable Pocket Kit Credit Card Size $9.95 |
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Sewing Tool Kit Set 5 Pcs. Screwdrivers Hole Starter leather punch portable case $2.99 |
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Sewing Kit.Compact and Portable.Thread,Needles,Thimble,Measuring Tape,Scissors $11.98 |
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Dual-Speed Compac Mini Portable Sewing Machine & Kit Lil Sew & Sew LSS-202 Combo $44.59 |
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NEW Singer Classic Sewing Kit FOLDING Compact PORTABLE $9.99 |
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SEWING KIT PORTABLE 18 Pc Travel Needles Thread Thimble Scissors Threader New i $2.72 |
portable sewing kit
An Inside Look at an Emergency Survival Kit
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Akro-Mils 06118 Plastic Portable Hardware and Craft Parts Organizer, Large, Blue $25.57 Multipurpose storage case is adjustable and includes removable dividers that allow from 12 to 62 compartments. Main section holds larger items. Separate lid section holds smaller items. Unique design won't let items gravitate to other compartments when lids are shut. Snap locks compartments securely. See-through case lets you locate items fast. Blue base section, clear lid section, black latches.... |
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1 Person Essentials Kit $64.99 Now Upgraded! THE SKXK - Product Description: All items are packed securely in our Elite Multi-pocket Hikers Backpack which contains extra space available for personal items The kit includes the following: Food and Water: Light and Commun... |
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Portable Sewing Kit Home Travel Camping Car 15 pcs Case Fabric Thread Sew Quilt $6.20 Lightweight and compact! This home and travel sewing kit has everything you might need for repairs and simple projects at home, while traveling or camping. Includes all accessories needed for any sewing project.* Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 1".* Sewing kit on front side.* 3 storage compartments on back side.* Sewing kit includes: 3 Pins, 1 Safety Pin, 2 Buttons, 6 Threads, 2 Needles, 1 Threader.... |
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Personal Emergency Kit $16.98 This Oops Green Exotic Personal Emergency zippered kit contains two antiseptic wipes, two band-aids, one sewing kit, one roll of hem tape, one emery board and a mini flashlight with key ring. Kit Size: 3" x 4.5" x .75".... |
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Metro Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro 4.5-AMP Computer Vac/Blower $59.99 Specially designed to clean computers, printers, and other electronic equipment, the Metropolitan Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro helps keep dust and debris from damaging your valuable devices. Offering the right amount of suction, as well as attachments designed to reach hard-to-access areas, this high-powered blower safely cleans your computers and peripherals.The DataVac Pro quickly removes debris f... |
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Sakar Hello Kitty Webcam With Hello Kitty Mouse * Sakar 49709 Hello Kitty Web Cam. * ADDS VIDEO TO E-MAILS. * ADDS LIVE IMAGES TO INTERNET CALLS OR INSTANT MESSAGES. * BUILT-IN MICROPHONE. --PLUS-- Optical Mouse With Face Plates.... |
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Inflatable Moon Walk Bounce Bouncer House Repair Patch - Tear Aid 6 x 12 Patch A $4.45 Each TEAR-AID repair patch is made from an exceptionally tough, matte finish, abrasion resistant, elastomer that resists puncture and tearing. It is combined with an aggressive adhesive formulated for high bond strength. Won't turn gummy in heat. UV resistance inhibits discoloring.... |
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Harrisville Designs Style A Laploom $30.18 A simple and practical way to learn to weave.... |