quilting machines for sale

What's the difference between a Serger machine and sewing machine? I'm a sewing novice. I've got a sewing machine that I've used to make 1 quilt, 1 blanket, 1 dress and 2 Christmas stockings. So I'm very novice. My mother works estate sales so she's always on the lookout for me, to get sewing stuff and has come across a few Serger machines. So, what's the benefit of these things and what's the difference? A serger cuts the excess fabric edges (seam allowance) off as it "overlocks" so you don't have to use a pinking shears after you sew the seam or you don't have to go back and zig zag your edges to prevent them from unraveling. Major benefit! More benefits: Saves time -- can sew about 1500 stitches per minute Saves more time -- you can't sew over the pins because of the fabric blade so as you improve, you can go pin-free Saves even more time -- you don't have to go back and finish your edges Projects look more professional -- look inside the sleeves of the shirt you are wearing right now. Those seams were serged at the factory. Stretchy fabrics are a breeze to sew with a serger, as it is a stretch stitch-- you don't have to stretch your project as you sew it, so there is less shape distortion. On a regular sewing machine, you have to stretch it as you sew it. If you don't, when the fabric tries to stretch, the threads in the seam break. On the downside, they are a little trickier to thread as they have no bobbin, so make sure you have the instruction book. The timing can be off so while it appears to work when it is plugged in, it will not sew properly even when threaded properly and will need an adjustment/tune-up at the shop. Tensions can be tricky, too, as there will be from 3-5 tension knobs, depending on the number of spools used. Have your mother visit a few sewing machine shops so she can become familiar with the better brands of sergers so she knows what to watch out for. If she can get a great deal on a better machine (not one that came from Walmart or Target), have her pick it up for you. You might not be ready to use it on a real project as of yet, but you can start learning about it and practicing on scraps. It will have so many possibilites! The one drawback -- making mistakes. It will take longer to take out the seam and since it has cut off your allowance, there is no turning back. The piece of fabric will be smaller so you will have to figure out what to do. All in all, go for it and if your mother comes across any extra sergers, send one to me as I can never have enough different sewing machines!

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Start a New Quilting Busines Now!

America's economic news has been rather grim lately: prices at the gas pump and grocery store, unemployment, and home foreclosures have all been on the rise.

What a great time to start a quilting related business!

Why would anyone want to start a craft related business right now in these economic bad times? I have the answers.

1.Quilts are always a practical yet beautiful long-lasting gift. Whether it's a quilt for a newlywed couple or one that celebrates the birth of a baby, a quilt gift will always be treasured and used. It's a very practical gift. In hard economic times, gift-giving doesn't stop; people become more practical.

2. Quilts create a connection with family. Everyone has a cherished quilt in their family ' one made by a grandmother, or received on a special occasion. Those quilts become heirlooms and are usually passed down for several generations to enjoy. They enjoy not just the practicality of the quilt, but the wonderful story that goes along with it. People are more likely to give a quilt as a gift because they have a tradition of becoming a family heirloom treasure.

3.Even when finacial times are bad, there are still people who can afford to buy custom, top-dollar quilts. Those people are not affected by the failing economy and are not likely to be a do-it-yourselfer who would choose to make the quilt themselves.

4. You don't have to sell quilts to have a quilting-related business. There are many other options. For instance, you could offer your fabric remnants for sale through an online auction. Maybe you would choose to offer a quilting service, either hand or machine quilting tops made by other people. You cold even offer quilting classes. If you think no one will pay to take a class during these hard times, try working out an arrangement with a local public entity like a library, community college or community resource center. Often times, they'll have grant funding available to offer free classes to the community (so you'd be paid by the organization, not by individuals).

5. If you love quilting and would like to make extra money to help your family through these tough financial times, there's no time like the present to start a quilting related business! Whether you will make and sell quilts or offer a quilting service, start-up cost can be very minimal. Write out your business info on 3x5 pieces of paper and post them on free bulletin boards around your community. Many newspapers offer free classified ads -- use them to your advantage!

The American dream is to make money doing something we love. If you love quilting, it's time to start your quilting business. Quilting businesses are great because you can work at them part time, in your spare time, until you feel comfortable making the transition into a full time career. If you're already a quilter, you have the supplies you need at hand ' no need to invest in anything new.

You won't necessarily need to rent a retail location to start your quilting business. Keeping your business home-based will allow you to skip the overhead expenses of rent and utilities! Make sure to dedicated a specific area of your home to nothing but your quilting business. If you keep records of your home's utilities, you may even be able to deduct a portion of those expenses when you file your taxes.

You define success for your own quilting business. Maybe your goal is to make an extra couple hundred dollars to save for a special occasion? Perhaps your goal is to replace your fulltime job with your quilting. Maybe your dream is even bigger than that. With a little planning, it's possible to achieve your quilting business dream!

About the Author

Penny Halgren,a quilter of 27 years,enjoys sharing her knowledge of quilting with those who would like to learn how to quilt. Sign up for free weekly quilting tips and more at http://www.thequiltingcoach.com