Hello,
Rose is my 1st name. They started calling me "Ma Rose" for whatever reason and it stuck. Its not my last name.
Ruth O'Connor,
It has a lot to do with the type of hats you want to make. They've given you good answers. I mostly make fabric hats (Using buckram as a foundation) 98% is sewn by hand, I block my own buckram using hat blocks. Its according to the type of fabric hat I'm making, sometimes I sew the millinery wire by hand to the hat if the buckram design won't be destroyed by using the sewing machine. I use an upholstery needle and regular garment sewing thread to sew by hand. If sewing on the sewing machine, I use a Pearls & Piping foot, a heavy needle (to penetrate) & zig zag the millinery wire onto the buck because I use 2 ply buck and 2 pieces. I need a sturdy form because of the embellishments. See Gold Hat & Hat Blocks
I also make straw hats using ready made Parasisal Hoods and Capelines. I use hat blocks and millinery wire and my domestic (Janome) sewing machine for the larger hats. The Fascinators, I sew the millinery wire on by hand. See Purple & Black Hats
And I've used the Flat Pattern Method to make hats using a store bought pattern or one that I've drafted and I can use my domestic sewing machine to do this. See Black and White Hat.
I also use an antique Straw Braid Sewing Machine for making Straw Braid hats. See Beige Hat. Happy Hatting.
Is a small sewing machine suitable for embroidery on a hat? I hope the problems with the size will not be
Yes Kenneth it should be ok as long as you have a free arm Some hatters in US are making great embroidered styles with embroidery on crown and flowing through onto felt brim
If you are still interested in, there is a good review of emboindary machines. I personally recommend you this one https://www.craftyhangouts.com/best-embroidery-machine-for-hats/#pr.... I have the same and Im pretty happy.
I have started from the scratch and today I can do decent projects. You need to start from the basics like how a sewing machine work and how to use a sewing machine. Once you know it, move on and start with simple projects and then to complicated ones.
Hi, I’m looking for a domestic sewing machine for millinery and general straight sewing. I saw this post and thought BINGO!!! The Bernina brand seems to be the way to go .....Can you please suggest a reputable dealer in Victoria. I’m in Beaconsfield near Berwick. I have been looking for a while at some of the latest machines in various outlets. Has left me overwhelmed.
Hi, I am also a begginer and just purchased Janome 5018. That is what been advised from the sewing machines trader. It looks a bit difficult, but is exacly what I wanted. Very heavy body and Japanese quality. Suitable for heavy duty fabrics. Now it is my term to gain sewing skills.
Singer 4432 would be a great machine for you as for beginner. It is versatile and can be used even with leather fabrics, so there is a room for experiments. There is almost nothing complicated about this machine, so go ahead and try it.
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