tools
you just have to consider what tools you need
for the job in hand ...
a sewing machine, dress-making model - whatever you need to sit down and create, including an invaluable sewing box with its scissors and threads etc -
wherever possible do buy the best quality tools you can afford and think of them as an investment, to keep and continue to use for years and years to come
a treasure trove for everything you need to get sewing is www.temptationalley.com for Â
buckram - elastics - bias binding - boning - tapes
Velcro Hook & Loop - piping cord
pattern paper - tailors chalk - sewing threats - tacking cotton
scissors,snips, shears
thimbles, pins, needles, etc. etc ...
and if you're wanting ...
a simple sewing machine -
my beloved electric sewing machine, a 21st birthday present from my parents, is a Brother that's both simple to understand and simple to use that just goes on and on working (it deserves and gets regular servicing) and Brother's INNOV-IS 10 is ideal for beginners, offering a choice of 16 different stitches, back-lit LCD screen and a built-in needle threader
John Lewis has a really good range from simple models to more technical and advanced models at all price levels - their Mini Sewing Machine comes in a choice of funky colours and is great for medium to light fabrics and the more basic tasks like altering trousers and cuffs
if you're on a really tight budget and want a very basic machine for adding your personal touch to cothes, or maybe repairing them, the lightweight, portable mains or battery Easy Stitch is well worth considering
a traditional high-quality sewing machine -
the Singer Tradition 2250NT by Singer Sewing Machines is a must
a more ambitious sewing machine for more experienced sewing including: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
an overlocker for edging, hemming or seaming - consider a Bernina 800DL
one step button holes - there's the Husqvarna Emerald 116
60 stitches for decorative embroidery including satin, cross, heirloom -Â look at the Elna 6200
a convertible free-arm for circular sewing - its the top rated Janome 524S
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and for the more geeky sewer -
a 50watters computerised machine that's easy to use and covers most needs - including 2 needle positions and 75 automatic stitches - it's the www.argos.co.uk 2575 for you.
finally, with no expense spared -
for ambitious sewing projects that warrant a machine that has speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, an arm space for 28cm and so much more - it has to be the Janome Horizon
60 stitches for decorative embroidery including satin, cross, heirloom -Â look at the Elna 6200
a convertible free-arm for circular sewing - its the top rated Janome 524S
Â
and for the more geeky sewer -
a 50watters computerised machine that's easy to use and covers most needs - including 2 needle positions and 75 automatic stitches - it's the www.argos.co.uk 2575 for you.
finally, with no expense spared -
for ambitious sewing projects that warrant a machine that has speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, an arm space for 28cm and so much more - it has to be the Janome Horizon