The craft of sewing and quilting have clearly stood the test of time. Imagine learning and doing a hobby people have been performing since the Stone Age, creating garments and quilts used and appreciated through centuries of human civilization.
Basic hand sewing and quilting are widely practiced in the United States and Canada today. Despite the popularity of sewing machines and mass production techniques, it’s good to know that a lot of people still value tradition.
Authentic and handmade quilts or garments were made as collaborative efforts over long periods, some of which even become nation-wide events. In Canada, for example, volunteers sew in “blocks” of garments to form what’s called the Quilt of Belonging. This 120-foot long by 10.5-foot high tapestry is prominently displayed to tell stories of diverse cultural groups in Canada coming together. This work has been on tour since its 2005 launch at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
If you’re into sewing and/or quilting, the sewing machine is undoubtedly your most valuable tool. Unlike painstaking traditional methods of sewing garments, you can now accomplish the same tasks at a fraction of the time. So unless you fancy making a garment the old-fashioned way, which is not such a bad thing, now is a good time to get a best sewing machine for quilting.
Pick a sewing machine that meets your needs the best. If you’re just getting warmed up, you’ll need an inexpensive machine. These sewing machines would be more than adequate if you’re only making a range of basic stitches and a simple, one-step buttonhole rather than fancy embroidery.
Make a detailed list of your sewing needs. Ask yourself what you’ll use the machine for, whether you’ll embroider or make elaborate quilts with it, what accessories are not needed, and how long you intend to use and keep the device. The better you’re aware of what you want, the better you can decide.
You can also consult friends who are into sewing or quilting if you can try out their machines, and ask their input on what they like and don’t like about them. You can then search online for available ones like computerized sewing machines and electronic sewing machines, read some reviews, and decide from there.
