Choosing Your Sewing Machine

I am often asked; how do you select a sewing machine? So here are some thoughts on the topic.

I purchased my first sewing machine about eighteen years ago and I still use it today. My basic Singer machine was a Costco purchase for less than two hundred dollars, courtesy of my mother after I told her I wanted to develop my sewing skills and start my own business.

Since then, I have purchased several sewing machines and sergers for my business. I have found myself investing primarily in a selection of Singer and Janome machines. I also have a Brother sewing machine and a Kenmore serger. This pass year I purchased my first embroidery machine a Janome Memory Craft 350E. I have been very happy with the machines I've gotten over the years, and hope that I can help you with your selection.

Sewing machines can be found from under a hundred dollars to over ten thousand dollars. Identifying what type of projects you will like to produce is a great place to start. When it comes to different textiles and weight of materials, all sewing machines are not created equally. I also suggest that you consider taking a sewing class and gain the confidence you need to work independently on projects. This will also guarantee that you will use your machine.

If you are a beginner looking to develop your garment construction or home furnishing skills, you will work primarily with light to medium weight fabrics. A basic dressmaker machine with a selection of basic stitches would properly do the trick. A machine with a built-in button hole feature and some basic decorative embroidery stitches may also be an asset and will support more advance projects.

Doing your research is key in finding the right machine. Visit several dealers and prepare a list of questions you may have about machine features, maintenance and servicing. It is most important that you are comfortable with your sewing machine, so if possible try it out in the store to get a feel for the machine.

Singer 20U73 Professional Industrial Sewing Machine

If you are looking to invest in an industrial sewing machine. The Singer industrial sewing machine featured above is one of the machines that are used in my studio. This series has been in production for well over 20 years. It can be used to sew a wide range of materials including light weight leather. With 2500 straight stitch per minute, this machine is a staple in the studio.

Kenmore Serger and Singer Sewing Machine shown above

As you develop your sewing skills and you start sewing more projects, you may want to consider purchasing a serger or overlocking machine. The serger or overlocking machine is great for seams and adding a finishing touch to your projects. This machine is especially helpful for finishing sheer light weight fabrics, such as chiffon. At Verona Collections we have a Janome and Kenmore four thread serger and have been very happy with their performance.

Sources for sewing machines:

Baby Lockwww.babylock.com

Bernina
www.berninausa.com
Brother
www.brother.com
Elna
www.elnausa.com

Husqvarna Vikingwww.husqvarnaviking.com
Janome
www.janome.com
Juki

www.juki.co.jp

Kenmore
www.kenmore.com

Pfaff
www.pfaff.com

Singer
www.singerco.com

I also hope that once you have gotten your machine, you might find the following demonstration helpful.

Please share your thoughts. Your suggestions are also welcomed.

Summer Contest - WINNER!

We are HAPPY to announce that the WINNER of our Summer Contest is Lizz de Savoye, of Toronto. Congratulations Lizz!

Lizz shared with us her personal style on Facebook:

"I wear a look that suites my fashionista personality. Clean lines, classic cuts that flatter, a bit bawdy and a bit humorous. My look tells you that I never, ever apologize for being the strong, beautiful, radiant woman my Mother raised me to be....and that when push comes to shove, I have sharper elbows. :]"

Thanks to all those who supported and participated in our contest. Visit us again for upcoming events.

Book Review: Creating Fashion Accessories

I started sewing for my dolls when I was about six year old. Creating outfits from articles of clothing that I had outgrown. At age eleven I started machine sewing. The first project I machine sewed was a pillow case, which I further hand embroidered with a yellow floral pattern. Ever since then, my love for sewing and creating has grown into a passion.

Over the years I have developed an extensive sewing, craft, and decorating library. Each year I continue to add new books and other resources to my library, and I have found these resources very inspirational and full of sewing and creative design techniques.

I have had a copy of "Creating Fashion Accessories" for many years. I used it extensively when I first learnt how to sew fashion accessories, and I often suggest it to new students. I particularly recommend it to younger sewing students, because it has fun projects that are simple and easy to create.

It is a simple book to follow, with great picture illustrations and step-by-step instructions. You are guided through the steps of how to add a zipper, draft a basic hat pattern, sew a drawstring purse and much more.

I have seen copies of this book at many different shops, but for those who enjoy shopping online you can try Amazon or Chapters-Indigo for a copy.

Creating Fashion Accessories by Singer Sewing Company (ISBN 086573285X)

Summer Contest

Our Summer Contest is finally here. For those of you who have been visiting our website during the summer and wondering when the contest will start . . . here it is. We love having contests and we hope that you will have lots of fun with this contest.

Join Verona Collections blog or friend us on Facebook, then share with us Your Personal Style for a chance to WIN this beautiful pair of pink jade, Austrian crystal and sterling silver earrings, along with 15% off your next Verona Collections purchase.

1) Join our blog or friend us on Facebook

2) Click "comment" under this blog post or under our Facebook wall post and

describe to us Your Personal Style

3) The winner will be announced on Verona Collections website, on this blog, Facebook and on Crafted Spaces.

* Contest ends September 18th, 2010. International contestants are welcome!

Creative Venture

I am so happy to introduce a new creative venture"Crafted Spaces." This new venture is an amazing new adventure as I explore other aspects of the design and craft world. There is a new blog and a soon to be released Youtube Channel, which features; craft projects, decorating ideas, business tips, visits to craft events, unique places and creative people.

I look forward to seeing where this new project goes and how it develops. If you will like to find out more or will like to join me along this new journey, I invite you to join "Crafted Spaces" at crafted-spaces.blogspot.com or join the Facebook page.

Fashion Trend #1

Verona Collections' classic baby pink, silk satin drawstring purse is a perfect compliment to this vintage inspired outfit. The ivory slouch hat by Hipknitzed is great as a year round accessory and the feathery lace skirt from Forever21 is sweet yet sexy. The versatile blouse featured here was an amazing find at Winners. This outfit has been finished off with a mother-of-pearl bracelet and a simple pearl earring.

Tell us what you think about this look!

Beautiful Day

Today was a truly beautiful day. The sky was clear, a nice cool breeze came off Lake Simcoe and the sun was warm against my skin. It was a day deserving of sitting back and taking a moment to take in the fresh air and beauty that surrounds my home and studio in Shanty Bay, Ontario.

One of my favourite milk vase with pink roses and one of my favourite magazines.

The roses are so beautiful and they smell amazing.

Though beautiful, I decided not to end my day sitting on the deck outside my bedroom. Instead my husband and I decided to take our little ones for a walk along the trail. It was an afternoon well spent. Tomorrow I'll catch up on work . . .