A couple more shots here.
Pattern: Built by Wendy Simplicity 3835
Fabric: Amy Butler (I think it was called Coriander Leaves)
Modifications: Lopped off a few inches from the hem & sleeves
I was originally smitten with Mari's version of this dress last spring, and a few months ago I finally got around to making my own. I spent a good couple of days working patiently on it, only to wreck it in the home stretch--I royally screwed up the collar, right in the middle of the front side. Completely exasperated (as I am wont to be with sewing in general), I relegated the failure to my closet until this past weekend, when I gave it another chance and decided it was time to kiss & make up. My dad helped me rip out the offending wayward seams, and twenty minutes later, all had been set right.
As an aside, I'm in the market for a new sewing machine - nothing too spendy (i.e., not yet in Bernina/Viking territory), but definitely electronic. What kind of machine do you use, and what do you love--or hate--about it?
38 comments:
Very cute - I love the fabric. In fact, I think I have some of it in my stash but in a different colour!
I use a Kenmore (model number 385.19233) and I really like it. But I also don't have much experience with machines so I don't really know if a different machine would have been better. My Kenmore has lot's of features but it doesn't feel too complicated and I think it's this one: http://www.sears.ca:80/gp/product/B000TV9IT4/sr=1-3/qid=1212497558/ref=sr_1_3/105-1887600-4225228?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=394759011 on the Sears website. I picked it up for less because a customer had returned it since the case was dented.
I have a Janome Sew Precise. I love it...It's the cheapest of Janome's computerized machines and has all-metal parts.
I don't sew, but I'd love to learn. I just had to say... Your Dad helped you rip the seam? That is so cool!
Your dress is cute!
I recently upgraded from a 20yr old basic Kenmore to a Janome Heart Touch. For the money its a great machine with a ton of features. I'm really enamoured with the serging, overlock and stretch stitches right now.
Love the dress, I really have to take out my sewing machine. But I'm in the market for a new one as well (mine is from the 80's or something). :)
so totally gorgeous, you make me want to sew one for myself!
I have a Singer - I'm not sure what model it is, but it has a very heavy metal bottom. I would definitely recommend getting something that's mostly metal or has at least some metal. The all-plastic machines seem sort of rickety to me, and the heaviness keeps it stable while you're working.
Cutest dress ever! It's funny that you mentioned the collar, that's what caught my eye first as my favorite detail.
that is wonderful.
Cute dress and kudos for picking it back up and working out the kinks. You'd never know it didn't come out perfect the first time round.
As for sewing machines, I'm a big believer in getting a good one right off the bat. I know they're stupid expensive, but try going to the Bernina dealer and look for a used one. Apparently you can trade them in when you buy up, so there should be some used ones available. Mine is a Bernina 1080 and is the best. And they don't go crazy fast unless you stomp on the pedal. :)
Another important thing is to get one that has METAL moving parts. If you try to pick it up it should be heavy.
I bought a Janome DC3050. Sorta the middle of the pack, I think. I was using a very, very old Bernina that I bought at a garage sale, but I could only do simple stitching on it. It was heavy going with it. But the Janome is very lightweight, has several decorative stitches, and is very easy to use. The drawback is knowing how to use the machine. It is several miles into town for me, and no classes came with machine. The dealer has been very gracious when I do drag it into the shop, and it is usually a simple fix to whatever my problem is. But I do like the machine a lot. Good luck! Oh, mostly I sew quilt tops, but seldom do dressmaking. So unsure about that part. The best thing is find a dealer, try out several machines, and ask them what the best machine is for your needs. They will start high, but they will go down to your price range and you will get a good machine. Good luck!
I made one of these dresses for Thanksgiving-- and never blogged about it! I started making a second, summer version, and I can't quite get it right... Can your dad come over and help me? ;)
I have a crappy but functional Sears machine (Kenmore), and used a Janome during a quilting class. Now I dream of being able to splurge on a Janome!
Very cute!
I have a babylock denim pro. As the name suggests, it's great for sewing with thicker fabrics, but also sews thinner fabrics well. Drawbacks are that its body tends to shake when you go a bit faster (because it's plastic), and that you have to watch carefully how much you hit the pedal or it'll go really fast. I recommend going to a sewing machine store where you can tell someone what you need and you can try out different machines. Lots of places offer free intro lessons on how to work your machine and do basic maintenance on it.
I like your dress and love the fabric.
I have an old Pfaff that my MIL gave me when she bought herself a new Bernina. When I say old, I mean it was made in the 70's and I think this thing is bullet-proof. It's my favorite machine ever and I would recommend it to anyone. Good luck sewing machine hunting!
i adore that dress!
and your photos. you look adorable!
cute dress! i love the fabric! i have a basic kenmore that just does the job but is not electronic. let us know what you get!
No way. I'm wearing that dress (well, basically, only with the elastic collar) right now. I just finished it last night! I'm seriously proud of my accomplishment, and I'm looking forward to trying the pattern again with the faced neckline. So pretty!
That's very cute!
I have a Bernina that I love. I know they can be pricey but I figure that we spend the same amount on a computer and the sewing machine will last at least 4 times longer!
Otherwise my neighbor has a Brother NX400 (?) which is really cool and works really well! My understanding is that there are 2 diff Brother manufacturers and one isn't as nice in quality.
Very nice! The fabric is beautiful, and the neckline is perfect.
I am fortunate enough to have a 1962 Singer table model. It's really basic, but I love it...I inherited it from my husbands Grandmother. Good luck on your search for the perfect machine!
Your dress is very cute, and your dad is cool for helping with it.
In the mid-1980's I bought my dream machine--a Bernina electronic that came with a free Juki serger (just before things were computerized). It is metal, quite heavy and I love it. I financed it over the course of several years, being a single mother at the time. The sewing center owner offered to buy it back from me several years ago, saying that model has become a collectors' item even to the point of being kept in families by being passed down in wills! I hope you find a machine you like just as much, for that can make all the difference in your enjoyment of sewing.
Eve
I am a big fan of Singers. My mother has her mother's old Singer (from the 40s) and it still works very well. And I have my other grandmother's Singer, which I think must be from the 70s. It also runs like a dream.
The dress is wonderful. I have been feeling like sewing recently... maybe I should check out some patterns.
So cute! Well done!
I love my Janome DC2007LE. You should check out the Not Martha blog, she had people give their reviews on machines a while back too, lots of good info there
Love Love Love it!
Making me want to go fabric diving in my stash...
Oh wow! Your dress is fabulous. I really should get my sewing machine back out....
I love your dress! I'm just ordering a sewing machine too, and I've decided (after MUCH um-ing and aah-ing) to go for the Pfaff 1132. It's one of their lower end machines, but I figured I'd rather have something lower end from a great brand than one of the best models made by a less respected brand.
Your dress is beautiful and is one of the things which has inspired me to get stitching myself, so I owe you a thank you! :)
My mom gave me a Bernette for my birthday once. I think it's around $300. It's a good, basic machine, not too many frills, but works quite well. Good luck!
I see a few people have recommended the Janome's--I'm just here to jump on that bandwagon. They use them for the classes at Purl Patchwork in NYC and they're like butter! Smooth and quiet and lovely. I have a $150 Singer that I bought at Target a few years ago, and while it functions OK, it's loud as a freight train.
Good luck in your search!
I have a Singer 7460 (the one that sells for $200). I've had it for almost three years and it has been great. It has a free arm, buttonhole maker, drop in bobbin, all the basics you need. I plan on upgrading within the year, but I'd recommend this machine as a starter.
Hi, I use a Elna Supermatic, made in 1953. A wonderful machine. I also have a OLD Sears Kenmore. Unless you can spend $300-$400 on a new basic machine, try to find an older one. A lot of the new Kenmore, Singers, Brothers and other affordable machines just plain suck. I find the majority of people who actually end up sewing, and not just getting rid of everything in a few months, wish they had spent more and got a better machine. I bought a cheap Kenmore to start, it was a nightmare. The timing, the bobbin, all of it, I was a crying mess.
My Elna was less than $5 and I serviced it for $120. It is a dream to sew with. Keep and eye out at estate, rummage and garage sales.
Best of luck!
Go to your local sewing machine shop, tell them exactly what you plan to use the machine for and test the ones that they recommend. As you are more specific for your uses, they can help you narrow down. SOmetimes they'll try to sell you something more than you need. Get brochures to compare functions and features. If you can wait for a sale, that's even better. I did those things plus asking around and trying other sewist's machines. Ulimately, I purchased a Janome machine. Love my machine. Plus I had a lesson at the shop regarding use of the machine.
ANother helpful thing is that some shops let you upgrade your machine and the cost of the first machine is applied to the next one. This way you can upgrade if you want more features. It's better this way of upgrading than buying a super fancy expensive machine and later realizing you spent $ on features that are needed for your projects.
Hope this helps. Happy sewing!!
I splurged last year and bought my first sewing machine. One of knitting students was an avid quilter. When I told her I wanted to start sewing she mentioned she had a Bernina Activa 220 for sale. She bought it on sale and realized it would be her sixth sewing machine. "!"
So she sold it to me for half of what she paid for it.
I love it! It sews by itself, I swear! It's sooooo different that using my mom's Singer. It's incredibly quiet, and sews through everything like it was butter!
If you want a nicer machine, you might be able to find one in your price range if you look hard enough. Ebay, Craigslist, even get in touch with your local quilter's guild.
Good luck! And happy hunting!
I also am a believer in buying a good one right off. You will learn so much and the frustration level can be eliminated! My favorite machine is my Janome 4800. It does EVERYTHING and I got it at a discount by watching the web sites of several online dealers. Like $600 + free shipping! Super love the dress!
so completely fantastic! i really wish I could sew... I have a nice machine - a new Singer model that Kris got me for Christmas a few years back. I have only made a few things with it. I need lessons! Maybe one day I can make great wardrobe pieces like this :)
too cute!
this is such a cute dress--i've been wanting to sew 1 for a while. so, your lovely photo made me click on the simplicity link and buy the pattern!
...i use a bernina activa 210. before that, a singer (forget the model #)---i highly recommend the bernina! i can sew through anything without breaking needles...unlike my singer. and it sews oh-so-smooth!
ps: found you through black dog knits...
I second the idea of checking
Craig's list - I just got a 5 yr old Bernina activa 140 (in perfect condition) for $300 - which had just been serviced. I had a kenmore for years & the tension was always wonky. Definitely check out used machines at sewing stores - sometimes they sell their class machines at great deals (they almost always will give a warranty or something like that with them).
Good luck!
I use a Husquvarna, which my mom has stolen for now...anyway, she was bought it for me so its hard to gripe too much. We found it at JoAnn's, it had been lightly used and was on sale. I really love it and have no complaints. I don't remember what we paid in the end, but JoAnns often has machines on sale. I adore that dress, by the way! So cute.
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