Should i buy this sewing machine?

Question

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brother-Sewing-Machine-XL-2120-Drop-in-Bobbin-XL2120_W0QQitemZ200249544564QQihZ010QQcategoryZ3118QQcmdZViewItem

I have had textile lessons at school but the things we made were rubish so i never paid much attention. However recently i've really got into the idea of making my own clothes. I know where to get materials from, i just want to know how easy would you say making clothes is. And can you give me any steps and tips to help me if i decide to buy it?

Answer 1

does it do what you need it to do?  is it easy to work?  if you can read instructions, measure and have patience you can make anything.  you don't even have to make all of it.  can just add your own touches to store bought.   if you can afford it, go ahead and get it.

Answer 2

Sewing is one of those wonderful hobbies that can take you through many, many paths.  It's an excellent outlet for creativity, it teaches precision and patience, and at the same time, there are plenty of fast and furious projects available if you want.  My own interest is primarily in garment making, particularly in fitting difficult bodies.  I've always got a stack of new ideas to try, new patterns to make.  At the same time, it's nice to be able to knock out a pair of pants faster than I can do a load of wash.  It is a skill set and a craft that requires a fair amount of effort initially, but once you gain a bit of experience, things start to click together and make sense and be much, much easier.  And at the same time, there's always room for a bit more growth, a new challenge, if that's what you want.

As to the machine: It's not one I would choose, looking at the specifications of the machine.  (And I have to admit to not liking Brother in general -- they tend to be not terribly robust, in my experience).  I would definitely ask local machine shops if parts are available for the machine (not just bobbins and other expendables, but repair parts) and what experience they've had with these machines.  

Here's my standard spiel on beginner machines:

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).

Answer 3

i have a brotherr exactly like that except its purple, not blue. i like the blue better! its a great sewing machine. if you follow the hand book step by step, it tells you everything that you need to do and its suppperrr helpfull. i make skinny jeans out of old flare jeans. wicked easy.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

if you study a shirt that you have and like and pay attention to where they sewed i think it wouldnt be too hard. i have an idea in my head of what to do buttt ive never tried it because i keep forgetting to buy fabric lol.  im sure there are patterns at the fabric store or you could make them yourself. butttt yeah, that sewing machine is great :D

Answer 4

For a beginner this machine should be ok.

I love to sew and have for many years.   If you start with this machine and find you really like to sew.. you will eventually get you a better machine. I personally have a Singer machine and it is 34 yrs. old.

I  would love to have a "fancier one" but they are very expensive and mine works just fine.

Sewing is a great pasttime and it does save on purchasing clothes.