Crafts

I don't do much clothing anymore, mostly doll making, or things like curtains, pillowcases etc. I got my Janome machine about 4 yrs ago and still love it. It's middle of the road as far as what it does. Basic stitches, nothing too fancy as I didn't need that. But it does a few things that I love, like will stop with the needle down every time. Also gives the option to make a knot at the beginning/end of a seam vs doing the backstitching thing. I don't remember exactly what I paid but I think it was about $400 something on sale. If you are going to be serious about wanting a good versatile machine I am told the Berninas are excellent, but not cheap.

If you are doing anything in cotton I would always pre wash it. I don't always if it's for a doll project, but those items won't be washed after being made. If you don't prewash and make an item, and try to wash it later, it will most likely become distorted as it shrinks in different directions so to speak.

I hate sewing anything 'slippery' like rayons, nylons, etc. Or very stretchy, I just don't have much patience with those. Or things that fray easily. Because I am usually working in smaller, detailed pieces I find it difficult to mess with those kind of finicky fabrics. I am told it helps a lot to use a backing, like a fusable interfacing, to keep the slippery ones from moving around as you sew them.

As far as buying fabric, if you can find an independent store they usually have the best choices. It's difficult as most have gone out of business, but there are still some around. There is definitely a better quality than what you'd find at Joanns. I prefer to see and feel it if at all possible and it's worth it to make a buying trip even if I have to drive a little out of my way. Or go to a big quilt show if you can find one near enough and buy a stash for future projects if you know what you might want to be doing. Fabrics.com is one I have bought from online, but I had seen the fabric in person so I knew what it looked and felt like. Many of the independent stores will sell online now, so even if too far away you could get something that way. What area are you in?