Posted: 11/10/2006 10:38:02 AM EDT
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Of all places to ask this, I'll pose this question to my favorite Gun Board. My height is such that I always seem to fall in between (below) the available pant length sizes. I often have to get my pant legs shortened about an inch, and get tired of paying $10-$15. Not to mention the time involved with going to the tailor, having to try the pants on, and then go back to the tailor's to pick up the clothes. My wife doesn't sew and refuses to do so. I've finally decided to purchase an inexpensive (but good) sewing machine so that I can do these alterations at home. Can anyone suggest a good sewing machine that may cost about $70- $80? I'd prefer to just run down to Sears or Walmart for this rather than doing an online purchase. Thanks, M.L. |
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I asked my Aunt and purchased the one she uses. The woman can sew like a magician. Brother is the brand, sold at Wal-Mart. I bought one to do such things as you describe. Much more functionality than needed, but it works very well. I think I bought mine on line. The company that sold it was cheaper than wally world, and extended the manufacturer's warranty. I would have to see if the link is in my favorites at home, it was a great deal. I have a model that is somewhat less complicated and less expensive than this: link  I think I bought a demo unit from sewingmachine dot com, IIRC. |
OK, maybe I'll up my price range to about $100?  M.L |
I had bad luck with the Singer I bought at sears, but Brother machines are very good, regardless of the vendor!!! The important feature I needed was to go through three layers of denim while sewing pants seams. The Brother has the power and strength for this. The electronic speed control is outstanding!!! FYI: I sold that Singer at a garage sale...................... 
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I have an industrial Singer machine that has a 5 h.p. motor and can sew through bone. If you do much with it, you need to get an industrial machine b/c you'll burn out an light duty in weeks or months, depending on how much you use it. You get what you pay for. Mine ran me $600.00. Of course, I bought mine to make tactical gear and I sew nylon webbing and cordura all the time. I also use it for alterations and to put patches on uniforms as well. Buy quality and only cry once. Buy cheap and you'll buy it over and over again. Real men can sew holsters, leather and bone. |
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I have kept a sewing machine set up at home for the last 20 years. When I need to fix something made of cloth, it is just another tool. Make all my own slings, pouches, etc. as well. If you were local, I could fix you up. I have several industrial singer machines that were used in the textile industry, complete with tables, lights, everything. But, they aren't like a gun, no shipping via UPS, as a unit these things weigh 300 lbs! They are the same model parachute riggers (army) use, so I am told. Buy the best quality you can, you won't be sorry. |
I think NOT being self-sufficient enough to stitch something together if needed is pathetic. Yes, it might not be a glamorous as say - welding, but it's just as important. Now, if we're talking about your homemade quilt collection... 
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My wife can weld, she just can't sew. We both weld and we both can make sammiches. She also shoots! 
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You gonna be in serious junk area if you stay under $150. At $150, you get plastic models from White and a few others. $350 puts you into a decent machine with a decent warranty. I'd say look at the White models for $150. They don't have a heavy motor to blast through heavier material, but they're good for daily work. |
For the amount of sewing that I plan on doing, I think that junk might be just fine for me. I can't justify a $350 machine. Maybe $150. $350 will buy me the 16 inch Mid Length RECON Barrel with matching bolt from Denny's Guns, that I have had my eye on. Link M.L. |
Not at all. I was in line at the fabric counter at wal mart and a little boy about 6 said to me "You sew?". I responded that I was doing canvas work on a Jeep. I had some brown duck I used to make a spare tire cover for a full size spare. |
If your mom only paid $2k for it, I want to know where she got it so I can get me another one. That's almost $6k cheaper than what they sell for. Logem, if all you're going to do is a few alterations here and there, don't waste your money on an expensive machine. With sewing machines, you really do get what you pay for. If you're not concerned with bells and whistles, then go to Wal Mart and get a Brother. I know that WM is about to shut down their sewing section of the store, so you might hit them up sooner rather than later. Whatever you do, don't buy a Singer. The old ones are powerhouses that last for about 30 years, but the new ones are crap. You might even try Sears, I believe they sell Kenmore. Not a bad machine for what you're looking for. Viking galleries sell White machines, but I wouldn't sew on one if you gave it to me. You can get a good Huskystar E10 (made for Viking) for $149. They're actually a very good entry level machine. Plus, if you buy it from a corporate dealer instead of an independant store, they'll teach you how to use it. |
What a great reply. It sounds like the easiest thing for my needs would be to take a trip to Wal-Mart (soon) and get a Brother. Thanks, |
Sure thing. If you need any more help, IM me. I work at a Viking dealer, so I know a little about sewing machines.
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