| You've seen those beautiful wall hangings and quilts, | | | | need all those bells and whistles for quilting. The |
| and thought that is something you would like to do. If | | | | mechanical kind, the most basic, uses manual knobs |
| you have a sewing machine - go for it. If you don't | | | | and dials, and is often the least expensive. |
| have a sewing machine, you might want to rent or | | | | Electronic sewing machines are what you want for |
| borrow one to see if quilting is something that you | | | | quilting. Besides having a straight stitch, it should also |
| would like to try. | | | | have an adjustable needle position and dual feed. With |
| My neighbor is a real sweetheart, but a bit eccentric. | | | | dual feed, both the top and bottom move the fabric |
| She thought she would like to try sewing and ran up | | | | through the needle position, which helps you match |
| against an unscrupulous dealer who sold a novice like | | | | patterns or sew fabrics of different weights. |
| her a wonderful machine for $7,000! | | | | I also bought a special pressure foot for quilting that |
| For that exorbitant price, it can do anything from basic | | | | makes an exact 1/4 inch seam. This pressure foot |
| sewing to appliqué with blanket stitching to | | | | was an added expense, but making exact seams are |
| embroidery. Now, she's discovered that she really isn't | | | | well worth the cost. I had always thought I was sewing |
| interested in making quilts. It is too much detail work for | | | | a 1/4 inch seam with the regular pressure foot. After I |
| her with all those small pieces to cut and piece | | | | bought the special quilting pressure foot, I found that |
| together. So, the expensive machine just sits there | | | | my seams had really not been the right width, and that |
| gathering dust. | | | | was why some of my blocks didn't end up the correct |
| A basic machine that sews an even straight stitch will | | | | size that the pattern had said they should be. |
| work fine. I have one that is 30 years old that I've kept | | | | If you've decided quilting is something you'd like to |
| in good repair by oiling it regularly and taking it in to a | | | | invest time and money in doing, having the correct |
| professional to have it checked over periodically. I did | | | | tools makes a great difference in the quality of your |
| buy a newer machine for about $400 that works just | | | | results. No need doing the work if you aren't going to |
| fine. | | | | be satisfied with the final product. |
| My husband wondered why I would need two sewing | | | | To find a sewing machine you'd like to work with, do |
| machines. You never know when one will malfunction, | | | | some research on-line and go to stores that specialize |
| and you need a back up right away. As long as the | | | | in sewing machines - they'll have the greatest selection |
| old one still works, I will store it. | | | | and they'll be set up so you can test them. Bring some |
| You can probably find a good machine for about $250. | | | | fabric with you, and enjoy the process of choosing the |
| There are three types of machines on the market. | | | | tool that will help you create beautiful quilts and wall |
| Computerized models like the one my neighbor bought | | | | hangings for your home and for gifts. |
| can perform the widest variety of tasks, but you don't | | | | |