Learned to sew stitches on an Industrial Sewing Machine

Had my first class on garment construction yesterday. I thought it would be the patternmaking class. It was a good thing, I brought the little items with me in my tin can. I didn't want to spend on a big sewing box so I made use of what was available. Then I saw the sewing box my classmates have and mentally slapped my hand on my forehead. Everything would fit in there! Even those long dangerous looking tailor sheers.

So, we have Maida for our teacher. After some intro, we each selected a machine (an industrial sewing machine) and had to learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and check the tension of the thread. At first, I got a bad machine, it wasn't winding the bobbin so I had to select another machine. The one that caught my eye was the automatic ones since there were no non-automatic ones available.

It was fun after I got the hang of it. You just need to tap the foot pedal lightly. The first time I pressed it without thinking and my needle broke. Good thing I was wearing my glasses or the splinter would've have hit my eye.

I managed to finish the 4 lessons that day. I surprised myself and my teacher. She asked if I had done any sewing and I said, nope. Yippee for me.

Miffed

That's my reaction when I got the results for the 4th folio. Among all my folio works, I've done far greater work on the 4th one. However, for some reason C kept marking me down. Some of her comments were point on but some just seemed puzzling to me. I don't know whether it's because she's pushing me (that's what she said) or because I don't do things the way she taught them. I thought I was the only one who thought that way until B also gave the same sentiments. C apparently gave all of us high marks in our first folio although it was kinda crappy as we (most of us) were still finding our feet. But as we progressed, she started giving us lower scores.

I don't know whether it was because I wanted to prove something or because my energy level went up but in the afternoon I had good results in the Life Drawing class. We had F as model again and we had to draw her in her streetwear, evening wear and in a coat (this was for the texture portion).

Only 3 more weeks to go until I get my Certificates for these two classes. Next would be the Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class and the Fashion Design Class.

In preparation for my Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class, I bought my very first sewing machine - a Bernette 90e. V and I got went to C Sewing Centre and bought it there. They said it normally retailed for AUD799 but they were selling it for AUD499. It looked so easy when the store assistant was demonstrating it but when I got home and tried to use it, I became clueless. I have to call them up and attend one of their classes to be able to use it.=)

Looking for a Sewing Machine

So...it has finally come to this. A serious effort in looking for a sewing machine. Since my sewing experience is rudimentary at best, a result of having had someone else do my sewing projects back in grade school, no home ec in high school, and minimal sewing done (mostly darning) over the years, my knowledge of a sewing machine is zilch. Not exactly zilch; I do know how one looks, as well as the new permutations. I just don't know how to use it. My mom used a Singer manual sewing machine eons ago but she never taught me how. (She said I was never interested in anything domestic, thus she had to make do with my brother who was.)

Enough reminiscing, I've been scouring forums and reviews in the hopes that it might help me decide on which brand and model to buy. I initially wanted a Bernette 65 as it was what a dealer recommended for a beginner like me. I watched her demonstrate and it was like a whole new world opened before my eyes. I was so impressed with the way she picked what seam she was going to use, how she adjusted the tension and even how she managed to make a buttonhole in seconds. I wanted to buy that machine there and then but V was reluctant to do so as we haven't done research yet.

Which explains my current dilemma. I have already read dozens of reviews and now I'm torn. Some say since Janome makes the Bernette series to get Janome instead. Then, I also discovered that Janome also makes some of Kenmore machines which makes me wonder if there was this conspiracy among these brands. The upside to this is that the parts are easier to find, I think.

Well...I'll just have to keep looking.