| You have finally come to the conclusion that you need | | | | lessons. Lots of dealers will give you a few free |
| or want a sewing machine. Now, what is on the | | | | lessons to get you acquainted with your machine. |
| market and how do you make the right decision? | | | | Above all, take your time. I cannot stress this enough. |
| There are many brands of machines out there and | | | | Don't let anyone rush you thru the process. Leave the |
| everyone boasts different features. Some machines | | | | kids at home so you have no distractions. While you |
| appeal to quilters, others want you to embroider | | | | are in the shop asking questions, you can see how the |
| everything including the toilet seat and the shower | | | | staff relate to customers and if they have the |
| curtain. Searching for the right machine is going to take | | | | answers to all your questions. If they seem impatient |
| some time. | | | | or brusque, imagine how they might be after the sale. If |
| Shopping for a new machine can make your head | | | | they are not helpful now at the prospect of a sale, |
| spin. The girls on my boards discuss which machine is | | | | they probably won't be later if you need help. |
| best every time someone needs a new one. We all | | | | On the other hand, a strong sales pitch can also steer |
| know the name brands but I am not going to suggest | | | | you in the wrong direction. Paying for a top of the line |
| one, that decision is yours. It's a personal one and an | | | | model doesn't mean you are getting the machine you |
| important one. I will, however give you a few basic | | | | will be happiest with. You must resist the urge for that |
| questions you should ask yourself. | | | | impulse buy. Go home and talk to someone who |
| 1. What type of sewing do you plan to do? | | | | sews. Find out their experiences and listen to what |
| - clothing | | | | they have to say. Again, take your time with this |
| - crafts | | | | decision. |
| - repairs and alterations | | | | If you have visited all the dealers, and test driven their |
| - home decorating | | | | machines visit them all again. Visit again when you are |
| 2. Where will you sew? | | | | rested and can make a clear decision. Go back and |
| - sewing room | | | | take a second look at those machines. You are |
| - kitchen table | | | | looking at them with new eyes now. Maybe there are |
| - integrated into other family living area | | | | a few things you never noticed the first time that |
| 3. How will your machine be stored? | | | | stand out now. What about that foot pedal, is it |
| - in its own cabinet | | | | comfortable? Do you want the even feed feature? |
| - in a closet hiding behind the coats | | | | Does the machine run smoothly and quietly? Are there |
| - leave it out to sew every spare moment | | | | more programmes than you will ever use? If so, make |
| 4. Consider your budget and buying habits? How long | | | | a mental note and you can scale down your possible |
| will you keep this machine? | | | | choices. This second visit will tell you more than you |
| - 6 months | | | | expect. |
| - a few years | | | | Ask about the warranty that comes with each |
| - forever and a day | | | | machine. Be sure you know who is responsible for |
| When you answer these questions, you are on your | | | | standing behind it, your dealer or the manufacturer. Are |
| way to making the right decision. Obviously if you are | | | | repairs made locally or will you have to pack |
| going to sew from the kitchen table, you don't want a | | | | everything up and send it away. |
| machine with lots of accessories or add-ons that will | | | | Be very sure you understand what is included with the |
| take up too much room. If you are doing repairs and | | | | sewing machine. Which feet, how many bobbins and |
| alterations, you don't want a machine that duplicates | | | | what about a manual. The manual is very important. |
| the quilting stitch. If you have small children around, your | | | | You will refer to the manual time after time so it should |
| machine needs to be tucked away safely. Just a few | | | | be a good reference guide to all the accessories and |
| things to think about. | | | | stitch designs along with any other functions. The |
| Research is the name of the game here. Check out | | | | manual should be full of pictures and diagrams for the |
| the latest consumer reports. Visit the forum | | | | basic sewing as well as clear directions. If your manual |
| discussions on and see what the girls are using. They | | | | isn't helpful, do you want to go searching out the |
| will gladly tell you what works and what doesn't. | | | | answers every time you have a problem. I wish I had |
| Another source is the well known sewing magazines. | | | | a penny for every time someone has emailed me with |
| Sew News and Threads do comparison studies all the | | | | a problem that their manual doesn't answer. |
| time. | | | | Be sure you get your sales agreement in writing and |
| If you are lucky enough to have local dealers, pay | | | | keep your copy in a safe place. Nothing less will do. |
| them all a visit. Test drive all their machines and ask | | | | The bottom line is you must do some work before |
| lots and lots of questions. Take fabric with you that | | | | you ever sew your first stitch. If you make the effort |
| you use and test out things like stitch length, reverse | | | | and educate yourself, the rewards of a great sewing |
| and some of the different presser feet. Find out about | | | | machine are yours. |