Hi, everybody! New to sewing, and I have a question.

Hi, everybody! I just inherited a very old Singer Sewing Machine from my grandmother, and, in the interests of saving money, I want to learn how to make my own clothes! My grandmother taught me enough to get started, but I'm sure I'm going to ahve additional questions.

My first question is this: I'm using my sewing table on my dining room table and it's moving all over the place. I've been researching various sewing tables, and I found that Arrow Sewing tables seem to be the most popular. I found a cute website: Sewingtablesbysara.com, and was thinking of buyiing the Sewnatra, as my apartment is very small, and it folds up.

Has anyone dealt with this company before? These tables are very expensive, and I don't want to be ripped off. Thanks for your help!

Best,
Todd

You should look into 'Horn' cabinets. They make varying sizes,, and my Hub is just great.

Caz

You might also look at the Sewezi tables. YOu can fold and put away when not in use.

Di

Hi

A cheap solution could be to use something like a rubber mat-mouse mat, under your machine.

I remember my mother having that problem and that was her solution.

Francoise

I agree, I think putting a bit of table protector underneath the machine is the cheapest solution. I would rather buy a new sewing machine before I bought a cabinet to put mine in. The Sew Ezi ones do fold up flat if you really want a separate table, but I would just use the table you already have and spend the money you save on something more exciting!

Hi Todd and welcome to the forum. I have a pattern for a table protector that can be made with pockets etc for putting your scissors pins so it is very handy but I haven't made it myself. It is a pattern by Lesley Brankin called Sewing station mat and Oakshott designer collection. Liz

Hi, I use my machine mostly on the kitchen table or at classes and at these the tables aren't always very good. Rather than table protector, which doesn't really roll up very small, I use the rubber anti slip mat, cut to size, that you get from B&Q to stop mats/rugs slipping on wooden floors. It stops the machine from slipping around and also gives it a bit of cushioning. A lot cheaper to buy than a new cabinet!!!

Wow, thanks for all of these posts! I took a look at the SewEzi, and it does look very portable...the Horn Cabinets are too expensive...I like the table mat idea...but there's something really cute about that Sewnatra...it keeps drawing me back! I can't wait to ask furthe questions as I get more into it...for now, I may try the protector idea....

Todd

Hi Todd
Welcome to our PP forum. I agree with saving your money for some other more vital equipment. If as you say, your apartment is very small, then adding another piece of equipment/furniture just for your machine will only take up more space you could use for other things. I use my glass dining room table with a rubber mat on but have used the £1.00 (or less) foam kneemats that people use in the garden. This lasts for a long time and stores quickly in little space. I also use the foam top edge at the front of my machine to store my pins in while I'm sewing and removing them. When it gets a bit 'tatty', I just buy a new one and put the other in the shed for the gardening.

Popping your machine behind a sofa when not in use also makes the room look larger hahaha - those of us with small 'apartments' have to be creative with space.

And the positive is that you can buy a good-sized self-healing mat and a Rotary cutter and blades to go with it. Two of the best pieces of equipment I've bought and most used.

Good luck with what you decide.

Marian

That is a great idea Marian, I'm going to try that too.