I wish I could help, but I'm rather in the same boat! My sweet ex gave me for me birthday last year a brand -bare buck new sewing machine...and to this day, I have no idea what to do with the thing. It's a very expensive paperweight. But I'm a whiz at hand-sewing! It's just a gigantic pain in the rear to do...

I would suggest something relatively reliable such as a Singer (that is if you are planning on actually using it extensively), but if you don't think you will venture into becoming a master seamstress, you can get an el cheapo one like Brother.

^HEY! That's my brand...Singer! From what I can tell...all my issues with it are operator error.

Singer is a fairly good brand; plus if you ever need repair on it, the brand is big enough that any repair shop can quickly replace a part or fix whatever problem you have.

I agree about Singers. They last...I've had mine for almost 10 years and the only thing I've had to repair is the bobbin case, which was just a matter of buying the part and popping it back in. I haven't even had to change the light bulb yet.

If you're new to sewing I suggest getting an instruction or guide book(like Vogue Sewing), and start with easy things like pillowcases, boxer shorts and straight or a-line elastic waist skirts. Don't work with difficult fabrics at first (chiffon, stretch panne and taffeta come to mind). Some try that and get so frustrated that they give up which is sad :-(

Hope this helps :-)

Yes, Singers are nice machines! The only thing is that they're parts are WAY more expensive than other machines and you can only use their parts. Other machines usually are interchangeable between brands.

I suggest the Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing. That dear book got me through college and I will probably love it forever. It has great pictures and step-by-step tutorials.

I agree with albinasamara, get the easiest fabric to sew on. Go to the quilting section, pick out some cute Halloween cotton fabric (they always have some, year-round!), get a pattern for a simply skirt and start with that. The more you practice...!

Also, check your local fabric store, often there will be sewing seminars/classes you can take!

Thank reminds me: where is Dark Gentleman? Havn't seen him in quite awhile!

^OMG that's right... where is he? Last I heard of him, we didn't have a computer... I hope he doesn't try to get back on GB, only to find we are all gone! Does anyone have his email or any way to send him the links...?

A myspace message should suffice.

I have had to change light bulb in my machine (I have a bad habit of keeping the machine on even when not in use), but it took me forever to figure out that it required a bayonet bulb.

I've seen him in Heavenly Hair, but I cannot get approved for a darn account with them. Does anyone else have one there?

He's a very talented seamster, I sure hope he finds his way over here to give us advice.

my sewing machine is a brothers ls-30, and it hates me.

Oh my god, Brother machines, NO. Also, NEVER get a White. I seriously threw mine across the room once. Never again.

I'm now saving up for one of those fancy computerized sewing/embroidering machines.

Or you could just learn to handsew to look like you used a machine.

^^I tried that once. Dangit, it's so damn time consuming it's just not worth the effort, really. That's why the sewing machine is one of the most important inventions ever!

The history of the sewing machine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewing_machine
http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/sewing_machine.htm

I would agree that the sewing machine was an important invention, but I am always glad I can hand stitch to look like a machine stitch whenever I am without the benefit of a machine.

I have a Husqvarna. Its my baby. Treat your sewing machine with love. Get it serviced. Ask the lovely shop lady how to clean it, take care of it. It will last you many years. Mine is still going uber well after how ever many years.

i assure you mine just hates me.

Um...

My boyfriend is buying me a sewing machine tomorrow/this weekend, as an early birthday present. It's a Singer Inspiration, as my mum says that Singers are pretty good. I do know how to thread one up and all that... but I've never made anything with one. I've always hand-sewn, and I never did home economics at school. (I moved a lot in my first year of high school, and so I did woodwork.)

Anyway!

Which is best to start out with? I want to make something useful, so not a pillowcase (plus I have too much linen!). It's a toss up between a pair of guys boxers <_< or a circle skirt for myself. Which one do you guys recommend to start with?

I eventually want to make myself a tulle petticoat and then a mini crinoline.

Thanks in advance.

I'd say start with a project for yourself. That way it doesn't have to be perfect. Once you feel like you're honing your skills, then you'll be more comfortable making a gift.

I agree with RedAngel. It's gonna be so less stressful starting out on something for yourself than on something for the boyfriend. You never know though..you could have been born to the sewing machine and just don't know it yet! Your gonna L~O~V~E that sewing machine!

LOVE! After hand sewing ... by the way and not that your gonna need it, you do have a seam ripper don't you? A must have tool. One of my best friends even now after years of sewing. Hey! Don't for get to come back here and share all the details of how it goes!