I want to Quilt but

**Ellise** · 02-06-2003, 06:19 PM

I don't have a sewing machine. Any tips on a good inexpensive model? Another question, I've designed my own quilt that incorporates different types of material ie. Satin (silk is too costly),a soft crushed Velvet, Cotton, and Hand crochet. I can see this quilt in my minds eye, have some of the material (just realized I need a machine lmao) but not sure if I can use all these materials. Is it possible?

**SewCrafty** · 02-08-2003, 06:05 AM

Ellise, if you have a Wal*Mart close by check there for sewing machines. You can usually get one for under $150, either a Brother or Singer model, sometimes cheaper. I bought my sister a Brother for $98. It will have all the features you need for crafting, sewing clothing and mending.

Now on your other question, I'm new to quilting so CJ and others could better answer this, but I would think you may not be able to use the hand crocheting as it may be to stretchy. Like I said better to ask a quilter.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-08-2003, 10:23 AM

How did I miss this thread.

As for a sewing machine, I always advise to purchase has much as you can afford. If you don't you'll regret it especially if you plan on doing any quilting or sewing to some extent.

As to quilting, the best material to use in a quilt is 100% cotton. You don't want to put different materials together unless your making a crazy quilt and even then you want to watch what material you use.

Has to hand crocheting, I agree. I would use it either. But if you get a machine that can do a few stitches and your planning on making a crazy quilt, then you can use those stitches and decorate your quilt. Heck, even if you aren't making a crazy quilt, you can use different stitches from your machine. Once your quilt is done, you can also use embroidery stitches if you so desire.

**frugalmel** · 02-08-2003, 03:00 PM

Whatever kind of machine you get be sure it has 1/4 in marked on it or you can get a foot that will sew 1/4 in seams.

Found that out the hard way.

**QuilterMom** · 02-08-2003, 09:21 PM

I don't have a sewing machine and I am enjoying quilting anyway. My grandmother made many, many quilts and never owned a sewing machine.

**Jeanna** · 02-08-2003, 10:34 PM

Ellise, Check out this website. http://www.rummageads.com/rummage/ It is for people to list their used items. There are some expensive ones, but then I have seen some cheap ones on there too. The other place I would check is Ebay. I have to say the cheaper ones at Walmart are pretty good machines. I had a singer that I paid $150 for and it lasted 10 years--with some pretty heavy sewing.
Hope this helps.
Jeanna in NC

**Ellise** · 02-10-2003, 08:47 AM

Great! Thanks for all the help. I had intended on hand sewing the crocheted peices in. And Yes I think it's a crazy quilt, I saw one sometime back in an old Victorian magazine it was beautiful!! but way too pricey for me. I couldn't see paying $899.99 for it when I could more than likely make it my self. I'm still gathering the materials, I'm thinking of using an older extra fluffy down comfoter that I already have, and sewing the pieces onto it. Would that work? Sorry I have so many questions on this but, I can barely sew a button lol. I'm not that bad but not much better either.