Post #573046 by VampiressRN on Sun, Jan 23, 2011 3:01 PM

Ditto on what TG said. A quality sewing machine is important if you plan on sewing heavy fabrics in the future. I'm partial to Bernina, still have mine from the 60's and it works like a charm. I've sewn through miles of heavy materials for curtains, cushions, etc. A knowledgeable salesman should be able to recommend a good machine that has a powerful foot feed and easy change out on the needles. You may break some as you work with heavy fabrics, so be sure to buy a package of them. Also, if you bend a needle, never continue sewing with it, you should change out and throw any bent needle away. There are also different kinds of foots that you may need to use depending on if you will be sewing just fabric on fabric or if you have cording or interfacings involved. Be sure to get an open armed machine so you can easily sew intricate turns and twists.

Take your time, plan your project well and embrace your seam-ripper as a friend. Make your dogs a matching stuffed bed for the floor so maybe they won't tear up your cushions...LOL. Have fun and post pictures when you are done.

Welcome to TC. :)