sewing machine table?

[Heidi2008]

I'm starting a beginner sewing class this Friday night. It's 10hrs total & we are making jogging pants or pj pants....I haven't decided which I want to make myself yet.

I took Home Ec. in grade 7 and made a purse, boxer shorts & gym bag but haven't sewed (with a sewing machine) since then...which is 16yrs...YIKES

I then bought a sewing machine 2yrs ago, right after I had Lana & never used it but had all these great ideas of things I want to make...so I finally registered for this sewing class.

Now that I'm going to get into this, I need a good table for my sewing machine. I was hoping to get one that allows the sewing machine to sink into the table so it's totally flat across the table and machine....any recommendations?

[quilter422]

it really does help to have it set into a table. i had a local carpenter make one for me out of mdf, with shelves on one side. he also did a "big board" ironing cover for me at the same time. the cost for the pair was $300. he does not do finish work, but i found that a simple cover of - ready for it? - clear shelf liner worked great, and can be changed anytime it gets worn looking. (mind you, it's been on for 2 years and i haven't had to change it, and i sew all the time.)

i looked into the koala and horn (and similar) cabinets, but they seemed flimsy to me, esp. for how expensive they are.

i've also seen a link somewhere that shows how to convert a regular old 6' banquet table to hold a drop-in sewing machine. you have to buy the hardware, but if you are or have access to someone with basic skills you can make it yourself fairly cheaply.

[dstnd2be]

I dont have any advice but I wanted to come in and say HOW FUN!!! I can't wait to see some of the things you make. Growing up my mom made a lot of stuff for us and she was good at. She even had lots of girls in my high school pay her to make their prom dresses!

[Chris]

My dh converted an unfinished desk (These were much better built) for my sewing machine and years later, one for my daughter. I did have a card sized table that came with my machine, but I preferred the desk with the drawers.

He cut out a hole for the machine to drop into, then placed brackets underneath to hold it. This was much cheaper and very sturdy.

[faerywings]

My MIL is a big time published quilter- she rocks. She is teacher my DD (after giving up on me LOL).
My DD has a Sew Easy table for her machine. Its nice because it folds up, and she can bring it with her when she quilts at MIL's house.
The rest of the time it is in her bedroom, all set up and ready for her to sew.

Have fun!

[Heidi2008]

thx for the advice ladies I'm totally loving this class!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Heidi2008

thx for the advice ladies I'm totally loving this class!

I'm so glad you're enjoying this class Heidi. Knowing how to sew could open up a whole new world for you - if you could believe it, even more than scrapbooking.
I remember the first pair of pants I made. I'd been sewing since I was a little girl but thought pants might be too difficult. It was Hawaii and my dh and his friend were messing around with the car. I started, sewed, and went out to them wearing my new white pants and a newly made halter top before they'd done with the car. I was really slim back then with very little fitting problems.
Try a copy of "Threads" magazine, it has many interesting articles and also Sewing - Sewing Patterns & Sewing Machines. Butterick & Kwik Sew Patterns. Sewing Machine Reviews & Pattern Reviews. Sewing Classes at PatternReview.com.

[readstoomuch]

Heidi . . . what did you do about a sewing table? I would love to see a layout of you immersed in a sew of fabric and sewing away at your new machine. Chris's idea about converting an unfinished desk is a good one and you will love "Threads" magazine after you are sewing for awhile too.