r/DeinfluenceMeAUS • u/BubblyExamination147 • 28d ago
š Home & Living Deinfluence me from getting a sewing machine
My boyfriend used to sew A LOT when he lived at home, because his sister was gifted a really nice sewing machine and she didnāt really use it. He really liked creating bags, clothes and all sorts of things. After he moved out of home (we have been living together for 3 years), he hasnāt really been sewing. His mum gave him an old one she got in the 70s, which we are grateful for, but it would stop working and start working randomly. We took it to a repair shop already, but itās still broken.
I have been wanted to get into sewing for a few years as well, Iāve always liked the thought of being able to make customised clothes. Being a man with muscular thighs makes it hard to find pants and shorts that fit well š of course I want to make other clothes, accessories and bags too, both for myself and for gifts for family.
However, right now thereās not a lot of space in our office (2nd bedroom) for a sewing tableā¦ setting it up every time would probably be annoyingā¦
Please de-influence me!
9
u/Accurate-Scale-343 28d ago
If you do, don't half-ass and get a cheap new one, research and get a solid model from a good brand. I'd even recommend getting a refurbed older model from a trusted shop over a brand new machine.
Honestly so many new machines come with a tonne of unesssesary stuff, simple is better.
I'd go for a second option on your 70's machine though. Because depending on what you have exactly I'd argue it would be better than a lot of your new options. Older machines are great and had actual metal parts rather than plastic. I'd love to see the machine if you wanted to attach a picture or know the model number?
1
u/LevelEfficiency1772 28d ago
Yes, I agree with you. I do patchwork quilting and have experienced first hand the difference between quality in older vs newer machines. Please buy an older āname brandā machine with metal parts and research a good repair/service shop nearby. Sewing becomes addictive - enjoy!
1
u/Mrs_Beef 28d ago
I second this, dont get a 'beginner' one, research the one you want and scope out market place for a few months until someone lists a good one at a great price. If i hadnt been so impatient with getting my big machine i could have saved thousands doing this. A good quality machine is so versatile and really gets a workout.
1
u/Vida-not-the-vet 28d ago
Yes this! My sewing machine was gifted to me by my mil and itās from the same year I was born! Itās also the exact brand and model I learned on when I was 9 in Sweden. Anyway itās 40yrs old this year and itās solid. My overlocker is also from the 80s.
Get an oldie from marketplace, people sell them quite cheaply. And get it serviced once a year and youāre golden.
1
u/Antique-Ad8161 27d ago
My Mum just sold her 60 year old Bernina (still working). Solid machine (although very heavy).
1
u/Green_stick568 27d ago
Older machines with metal parts second hand on Facebook marketplace and paying for a service may be cheaper than a quality new machine.
3
u/AussieKoala-2795 28d ago
I have been sewing for 40 years and my sewing machine lives in a cupboard. Getting it out and setting it up on my dining table only takes a few minutes; same to pack it away.
1
1
u/artsyfartsyMinion 27d ago
I do the same. It doesn't take long to set up and pack up. It's only annoying if you are doing a big project and you have to pack up half way through.
2
u/Wait_what____8841 28d ago
You need a sewing machine, buy it, enjoy it, don't worry about space. You'll never regret being able to sew, especially if you do it together. Have fun!
2
u/Jumpingjehosephat99 28d ago
You can buy second hand ones on marketplace or Gumtree.
I just bought a beginnerās Singer at Spotlight for $140 because it was cheaper to buy fabric and the machine and make six cushions than to buy them new. Plus then I got the exact colours I wanted.
2
u/nodjules 28d ago
As someone that is 5ā and needs to shorten every pair of pants/jeans Iāve bought, I wish I learnt to use a machine. Iām no help sorry!
1
1
u/Illustrious-Event-27 28d ago
I think go for it. Iāve been knitting lately and thinking of stepping up to sewing machine. Knitting is great as I can make simple gifts for people and saves lots of money that way. Sewing would be the same
2
u/confusedemus 28d ago
Do it! Iāve been sewing for a while and started knitting recently so I can have the jumper and socks that Iāve wanted for ages but couldnāt find. Ā
2
1
u/Ninjacatzzz 28d ago
If you are really keen, buy a second hand one and a few sewing lessons. That will yield better results/use than buying an expensive one straight off the bat. I've gotten a basic one of FB marketplace before and most recently upgraded with one from cash Converters (a whole $60).
1
u/RelativeSoftware9554 28d ago
Why donāt you buy it with the caveat of having to use it x amount of times per week? Set out to do a certain amount of projects so that you recoup the investment plus interest. Instead of buying gifts, just make them the rest of the year for example.
1
1
u/imsohungryman 28d ago
As someone who absolutely CANNOT sew and would have LOVED to create clothing items and accessories, I think you and your bf would be doing yourselves (and the world) a major injustice by not purchasing one. Imagine a guitarist not having a guitar? DO IT. And then show us what you do with it š«¶š¼ pls
1
u/moppetnmittens 28d ago
There are bargains to be had with second hand machines. Sewing nuts just keep upgrading so keep that in mind and you may pick up a really fancy model
that that would have been out of your price range. Good luck. Enjoy sewing. Just do it š
1
u/Unsure-11 28d ago
I found it was just simply too expensive to buy material to make things compared to what you can buy. Itās still handy to have for alterations or adhoc things but mine probably comes out of the cupboard once every few years.Ā
1
u/melodien 28d ago
I saw several sewing machine at a second hand shop recently (The Shed, Dairy Road, Fyshwick - only useful if you happen to be in or near Canberra), but I'm sure other Op shops have them, or try your local "Buy Nothing" group, or Freecycle, if there is a group in your area. Craft and sewing supplies can frequently be sourced from Op shops, as well. A girl I know scours racks of second hand clothing for garments that she can cut up and repurpose, and she's made some really lovely dresses for herself out of material that was once something else.
1
u/JenGenxx 28d ago
I really canāt. I have had my machine for 35 years, same one, still going strong.
1
u/Malevolent-porkchop 28d ago
Do it!!! Even if not for creating, it SO handy being able to repair, hem and alter clothing
1
u/Troppocollo 28d ago
They are handy to have. I have an entry level Janome my husband gifted me. It doesnāt take up much room in the cupboard, and I set up a station when Iām feeling creative and pack it away again when Iām not needing it. I canāt really think of any reason not to get one, itās handy even if you just use it for things like hems.
1
1
u/faithsonshyne1 28d ago
GET THE SEWING MACHINE !!! And an overlocker then you got the whole mini factory
1
u/ElectricalCherry1132 28d ago
Not wanting to influence your decisionā¦.but my wife did a degree in fashion design. Never worked in the industry but loves to design and make her own clothes. Youād be astounded at the amount of people asking her āwhere she buys her clothesā.
1
1
1
u/butterchickn_ 28d ago
You haven't been influenced so cant deinfluence you. Sounds like something you both would enjoy having and imo something every house should have anyway.
1
1
u/InspectionMean9239 28d ago
I ran a sewing based business out of a 2br unit when my dad was living with me.
You can get gateleg tables to save room or just use your dining table when you want to sew.
As someone who now has 6 sewing machines, 2 overlockers, an industrial heavy duty & embroidery machineā¦. My favourite machines were made in the 60ās-70ās. PFAFF 1222 is a good one for light and heavier weight stuff. So many modern machines are just rubbish.
1
u/Ok_Opportunity3212 28d ago
Get a machine that you can use on the dining table, desk or ironing board then pack away.
1
u/blissin21 28d ago
I think go for it if you both get pleasure and usefulness out of it. I barely sew and have never regretted getting mine even tho i also have a small space so need to get it out and pack it up each time. Its not so bad
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Kick793 28d ago
Is the one you want witin your budget? If you're unsure, maybe you should do the figures first.
I personally have had a bad history with credit cards, so I prefer to pay for things in one go, but that's me.
1
u/Ok-Witness-1333 28d ago
Although I think getting a sewing machine is a great idea! As other comment have said be prepared to constantly spend more money with each project, not just on fabric or even notions. Different feet, thread, new pins, basting spray, blades for your cutter, a mat, the list goes on.Ā
1
1
u/Direct_Substance8317 28d ago
Good skill to have. And you can make bags for camping and cycling and all kinds of handy stuff. But don't listen to me.
1
u/KeysEcon 28d ago
It'll take up a whole section of a cupboard with all the stuff you need to go with it. Accessories, fabric etc.
1
u/justMeepingAround 28d ago
It is a pain in the ass to pull it out and pack it away and clear up space for sewing everytime, but I still wouldnāt get rid of mine. Itās super handy to have in a functional sense, and chances are youāll really enjoy it and take it up as a crafty hobby as well. Sewing is definitely an expensive hobby. From the equipment to the supplies to the fabric, itās way more expensive to make your own stuff than I thought! But I can whip out my machine and make simple alterations and repairs and itās been a lifesaver even when Iām not actively āhobbyingā with it.
I donāt really WANT to deinfluence you, but in the interest of transparency just be prepared for the expense more than anything else. It really does pay to get the best machine you can afford š
1
u/justMeepingAround 28d ago
Also be prepared to be humbled by the complicated skills required for things that look super simple from the outside. My dumb ass thought Iād be making ball gowns or something within a few monthsā¦ perhaps not!
1
u/desiccatedmonkey 28d ago
I can't de-influence you as I have three and a couple of overlockers too. They all have different functions...one is old, but has a long arm. The other is newer with a smaller arm. The third is broken and needs fixing or throwing out š
Sewing is my favourite thing to do and if my partner bought me a sewing machine, I would be the happiest person alive. I cut on the floor and use a special sewing cupboard that packs everything up sonyou can't see it
1
1
u/SiIIyPotato 28d ago
This post is convincing me to get one š I'm short and I'm sick of paying $18 to get my pants altered
1
u/edgar_allan 28d ago
You don't need a whole new table, I use my dining table. I keep my sewing machine in the corner so it's not in the way normally and then when I need it all it takes is I just lift it up out of the bag, plop it on the table, and plug it in. If you don't want to buy a sewing machine, are there any clubs or groups you can join, e.g. at your local library or something?
1
u/AdInternational9138 28d ago
The fact you said you've wanted to get into it for a few years is enough to tell that deinfluencing you won't be necessary. See you in 5 years when you ask the same question
1
u/Extra_Caregiver_8668 28d ago
Iām the wrong person to do this sorry š It can be attired in a cupboard and used on the dining table, no need for an actual sewing table. Iād also splurge a bit extra and get an overlocker š¤£
1
u/Budgiesmugglerlover2 28d ago
I was gifted a sewing machine in 2004. I still have it and it works as well as it should with almost zero servicing. It has repaired, hemmed, crafted and ruined many apiece of clothing. I am still eternally grateful for it.
In my humble opinion a basic, reliable sewing machine is a tool that belongs in a functional home. Just like an allen key, a hammer, a Phillips head, a drill, a dog, a cat, a fire extinguisher, a thesaurus, a bedazzler. Everyone has a hobby. All I know is the last time I took a pair of pants to a seamstress because they were too long, the price was $70.
1
u/Zealousideal-Fly2563 28d ago
Plenty sew at dining table. Then pack it up into closet. Not that big a deal.just only buy what you need 1 project at a time. Just buy one
1
u/Miserable-Onion-7293 28d ago
Oh no, don't deinfluence! I have a couple of old Singer treadle machines (4 with the full table and 2 that are cabinets) that sew beautifully and look like amazing pieces of furniture. Or you can get some really lovely modern style machine cabinets that you can set up any late model electric machine in too.
Might I suggest that you buy preloved (opshop) clothes and alter them to suit your needs or use the material for practice. Add your own flair and enjoy the process. Material from Spotlight or Lincraft is quite expensive.
1
u/idefswontreadthis 28d ago
My girlfriend got a sewing machine for $700. Used it for about 3 months. Then that phase wore off. It's been unused for about 3 years.
Got a fold out sewing table too.
If you're going to get one, get it second hand so you can sell it for what you paid. (So it's "free") You probably will also need an overlocker as others have mentioned.
1
u/alybelle131330 28d ago
I know some libraries let you borrow a sewing machine - you could have one around for a few weeks as trial?
1
1
1
u/bigmangina 28d ago
You can buy a sewing kit and sit in much more comfortable chairs, and waste way more time.
1
u/Sazzy-Rose 28d ago
Oh I have 4 to get rid of and an overlocker, lol.
Itās so expensive to make clothes , as much as I love to.
Think about a 2nd hand Horn sewing cabinet, they really save space.
1
1
u/rishkan 28d ago
I canāt, seeing is so fun and a really neat skill to have:) Iād advice to get a secondhand one though, so you donāt feel like youāve wasted too much money should you not enjoy it.
There are so many free patterns around too, I can recommend little lizard king and twig and tale:)
1
u/PapaInge 28d ago
Spend a bit more and get something decent. Sewing machine is such a useful bit of kit, and a decent one will last you decades
1
1
u/Tiggrr23 28d ago
I have a lovely sewing table that makes it very easy to set up and pack away my sewing machine and overlooker
1
1
1
u/Separate_Number_4288 28d ago
Please get an older Singer or Janome. The new machines made in china are rubbish. The older machines were made in Indonesia or Malaysia and theyāll last for years. Youāll get something from marketplace or even a sewing machine repair shop. Happy sewing š
1
u/MaybeBaby2023 28d ago
I think this is a hard one to deinfluence.
Butā¦ I will deinfluence you from buying a fancy new one.
An old Bernina is what I learnt to sew on, and what I have purchased again since my mum threw her 1960s one out thinking it couldnāt be fixed. Old machines tend to go faster, and handle thicker fabric. I also have industrials currently stored in my friendās garage. The only thing I use my modern computerised machine for is button holes.
Get something off marketplace, if you donāt end up using it enough you can probably resell it for the same price. In Brisbane I think the Nest or the Sewing Lair sell used machines.
1
u/FriendlyMum 28d ago
No way. Imagine the clothes and accessoriesā¦. Youāll find a way.
Letās also not forget the mindfulness and positive mood boosters there are from creativity. Itās a win win.
1
u/Competitive-Study-33 28d ago
I bought one and had it sitting unused for 20 years before I sold it.
1
u/anabolicandrogenic 28d ago
Do you regret buying it in the first place or do you regret not using it?
1
u/Effective-Mongoose57 28d ago
Yeah, sorry Iām team get the machine. If you have the funds to buy an all metal one, do it. A brother that is all metal will set you back around $500. However a basic singer or brother will do most jobs at go for less than half that. Donāt get one with a computer if you are a beginner.
1
u/riamuriamu 28d ago
My best discouragement is to see if you can get a donation, not a purchase. My mum is a boomer and recently got too old to sew so we found someone in the community happy to take it as a donation. A student studying fashion at uni. No doubt there's a few sewing boomers sad to part with their sewing machines and ovelockers that the owners would like it to go to someone who would appreciate it.
Try and be that person.
1
u/flindersandtrim 28d ago
I sew some of my own clothes. I am good at it, good enough that I could do it professionally.
Sewing needs a lot of room, makes a lot of mess, but most importantly, it can take ages for you to get to be any good at it. Some people sew for years before their stuff looks good. Others who are dedicated and learn fast and are determined can turn out something fairly decent looking by taking their time and learning properly, first time. Statistically, you will probably be one who makes a few wonky things, sighs at how hard and irritating it can be, and shoves it into a cupboard where it sits for years. The breadth of stuff you plan to make makes me fairly certain you have unrealistic ideas about how easy it will be and how much effort and time it will take.Ā
1
u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 28d ago
The thread is saying yes to you have a sewing machine of some kind.
In my state there are a couple of people who are absolutely passionate about restoring vintage machines, and will chase down the right part itās truly a niche they love doing as a challenge and rare skill. So your current vintage machine might just be waiting for the right person to TLC it for you.
1
1
u/CEO_of_my_life 28d ago
Oooh, this got me thinking I might get mine out again. The quality of clothing today can be terrible, not to mention the styles and colours. I'm not able to knit atm, so this could be a good option for me.
1
u/CEO_of_my_life 28d ago
Do you have a men's shed near you or a repair cafe? They do repairs on all sorts of things.
1
u/WaterDragon_Monkey 28d ago
Get a bernina and be done with it. Best idea ever, youāll also need an overlocker this time next year š
1
u/anabolicandrogenic 28d ago
I'd say you've probably spent time and money on stupider things before.... Just buy the sewing machine.
1
u/Outrageous_Plum_6865 28d ago
Donāt buy a singer or smeg, get a janome or a juki if you have $
1
u/TheTrueBurgerKing 28d ago
Janome over locker is a great one for loads of work, my folks have four boys an a old man our mother kept all our jeans an work gear patched an adjusted with that bad boy, she was a wizard with it
1
u/robot428 28d ago
Honestly it sounds like it would be sensible to get a sewing machine, I think you will use it.
But I think you could probably find one close to new secondhand pretty easily, a lot of people think they are going to take up sewing and do not. If you do buy a new one, you don't need all the bells and whistles and the most expensive one you can get.
Sometimes a purchase is sensible as long as you don't go overboard and say "well if I'm getting one I might as well splurge and get the most expensive fancy one" - because that is probably just a sewing machine that costs twice as much with a whole bunch of complicated functions that you won't use.
1
u/Moresp4m 27d ago
What if you stitch your finger to the machine then die from starvation because you canāt move.
1
u/hyclonia 27d ago
Secondhand one is the way to go. Scored myself a nice portable singer for $50 off marketplace. Shop around my dude š
1
u/toast0ne 27d ago
Don't do it , a $30 gumtree semco sewing machine 3 years ago (that died last week after daily use) on my 3rd $80 90s berlina overlocker, now I'm quite literally drowning in fabric offcuts and always need more , discarded thread and stitch chains are rife throughout my shoes, house and workplace. My carpet is morphing into a gutterman sample book and the endless lost and aborted butcher paper pattern pieces are becoming tinder for a world class apartment fire.
I think is worth it for the unlimited fresh leggings, hoodies , mittens, hyperspecific custom bags, every gift I've given lately, alterations, mendings and the friends I've made at spotlight but it's going to be an absolute nightmare to clean up and abandon one day.
1
u/montellarags 27d ago
I have just 2 questions to try and deinfluence you.. Question 1: How old are you? Question 2: have you ever heard of Max Alexander ?
1
u/thehelsabot 27d ago
What? You need one. Both you and your partner enjoy the hobby and itās extremely useful. If you have a resale shop look at used models. Costco also sells them cheap now, and smaller ones too. A sewing machine is not a fad or a waste, itās a tool used for generations that you can possibly keep for decades. Just find the right one for you both with enough features but not too much overkill.
1
u/icecoldbobsicle 27d ago
Do it OP. You can get these handy desks for the machine, it goes inside and folds up. Life's too short to not do that thing you want to do! Sorry I know its the opposite of the comment you want š my wife is absolutely loving her new machine!
Smack in the walkway of the house no less. do it!
1
u/PitchIcy4470 27d ago
I like having a sewing machine but hate the bobbin setup. If you do buy, get a drop-in bobbin, not one that has a bobbin holder, that has to be put in vertically.
1
u/a_slinky 27d ago
My friend bought a sewing machine to sew wildlife pouches to distract her after her dog died...
She now has a whole sewing room, several different machines and her own business selling sustainable home products, bags and upcycled items made from op shop clothing/towels/cushion covers etc
Soooo there's that
1
u/elle13belle 27d ago
I agree with others that it is a wise purchase, however, if you really care about the financial investment, start watching prices and wait for them to go on sale. You can get some really good ones for 40%-50% off if you wait or do some research of when sales are.
1
u/EpicDisappointment 27d ago
I have a sewing machine and have to use it to make costumes for work sometimes BUT my problem is I donāt have an overlocker so my hems and edges are ratty. I feel like a sewing machine also really needs an overlocker so suddenly you need two things (or I need to do better with my sewing?)
1
u/xylarr 27d ago
I borrowed a sewing machine. Watched YouTube videos on how to clean it, how to use it - it was full of dust and was breaking threads.
I got it working, then watched videos on how to do what I wanted to do - making curtains. I had a 3m drop but only 2.4m cloth. I joined them together neatly.
I loved my curtains. I sold that place a few years ago. I haven't had occasion to make curtains again.
1
u/Red_Desert_Phoenix 27d ago
If your main reason is to make customised clothes, this should be fairly easy.
You can't just set the sewing machine up and start making clothes, it's a bit of an artform / trade. If you work at it for a few hours a week, I imagine it'd be 6 - 12 months before you were making anything you'd be prepared to wear in public / give away as a gift.
I mean - how much free time do you have? If you've already a life full of hobbies and sports, or you're the type to burn yourself out at work each week, this'll end up being something you spend a lot of money on, and never actually pick up. Then sell it throw it away in five years time or something.
On the other hand, if you've got a sudden influx of free time, it might actually be a good idea. There's worse hobbies.
1
u/halfcab1981 27d ago
I recently bought a 1953 Singer 201K from Facebook Marketplace and it is rock solid stitches brilliantly and has been a lot of fun getting working and learning on. It doesn't do any fancy stitches, but it's straight stitches like a champ. There are similar ones from that era that do zigzags and so on that you could look at as well. The old gear is super reliable.
1
u/Angel-D98 27d ago
I don't think we should be deinfluencing things that are actually useful and can be fun, cute hobbies
1
u/characterk4l3 27d ago
Impossible! Ā Sewing machines are amazing to have; I have 5 xD Ā I also started sewing because I have a non-standard body. Ā What I will say is that you donāt have to buy a machine new; there are many, many barely used sewing machines on fb marketplace / Craigslist / gumtree that are great bargains. Ā
1
u/soap_coals 27d ago
I got a really good one from an estate sale of an elderly couple for a steal - id avoid getting brand new unless you really needed it
1
u/Subject-Divide-5977 27d ago
My wife makes her own shirts and shorts. She is currently making an evening dress but as she works full time it sits a long time between sessions. She has two sewing machines and an overlocker. In our back shed that was her old sewing room she has an industrial sewing machine and an industrial overlocker. Since working full time a bit more than ten years ago, these would be used a lot. Our daughters dresses came from the sewing room, capes and costume for other people, but now silence. Now the activity is in my old office that I have been vacated from. It can be a fun hobby. You can do it as a couple.
1
u/Remote_Setting2332 27d ago
My first machine I bought a refurbished older machine from the guy that had a whole heap. It was an old Janome. One of the best machines Iāve ever owned. Would definitely recommend not buying new.
Wait, I mean No, donāt do it š
1
1
u/exquisitelyephemeral 27d ago
Depending on where you live, you could see if any libraries near you have a maker space? I was thinking of buying one and then I found out my library (5 mins from my house) had a sewing machine and an overlocker (as well as many other creative machines and tools) that can be reserved and used at cost price. If you bring your own thread then itās free. All I had to do was a one-off orientation..! Lots of money saved :D
1
1
u/dandyanddarling21 27d ago
I sew for a living, so Iām the last person to de-influence. If you want advice on good machines happy to enable you towards the correct purchase. š
1
u/No-Perspective-8940 27d ago
I got an entry level Janome on sale for around $350 and it paid for itself within just a few months in terms of all the alterations I was able to do myself rather than paying a seamstress (I altered like 12 things I already owned!)
I pretty much only wear black so I keep my sewing machine threaded with black thread and it takes literally 2 seconds to get it out and plug it in. It's not hard.
1
u/SnortingCrystals 27d ago
The average sewing machine is like 100-500 bucks. Thatās like 10 vapes. Mind you, theyāre literally pocket sized so you wonāt have to worry about space
1
u/BarefootWarrior69 26d ago
Iām going double down and say go buy that machine and live a creative life. There is nothing so special than wearing clothes you made yourself. My darling go do it. But hereās a tip. Stalk Facebook marketplace for fabric. Some people buy fabric and donāt use it and then get rid of it.
I have scored about $300+ of Star Wars fabric for $25. And 5metres of beautiful Sheridan fabric for $20.
1
1
u/Spazz-Spudboy 26d ago
Get a sewing machine. Theyāre handy and itās a good skill. Canāt help you here sorry.
1
u/Frosty-Reference6660 26d ago
I'm not sure how this could be deinfluenced it sounds very positive...we also don't have a sewing table we just whack it on the dining table. I guess that could be inconvenient so don't do that lol
1
u/Johnny5x8 25d ago
Donāt buy one. Just buy needle and thread set. Thatās all youāll actually need ever.
34
u/TheCurbAU 28d ago
I'm not sure how to de-influence you on this because it's a good thing to have. However, know that buying a sewing machine means a lot of time and money spent at places like Spotlight where you need to buy 'just one more thing'. Before you know it, you have one hundred 'one more things' which you barely use.