A sewing machine is quietly reappearing in American homes as frugal folks try to stretch more use out of their clothing as well as tackle craft projects rather than forking out more money for home decor. New machines cost $150 or more and may be more of an investment than you are willing to make on an item you will need to learn to use. One alternative is to find a serviceable used machine. Used sewing machines seem to be everywhere but getting one that will actually work may be a little tougher. I recently replaced my 2005 EuroPro machine with a 1965 Brother Sewing Machine and as far as these machines go, I couldn't be happier!
First of all decide what you would like to be able to do.
Making repairs or altering clothing, or making simple home items like curtains really only requires a "zig-zag" sewing machine. These have been available since around the time of Moses and are the most common used machine available. Machines built prior to 1980 =/- are usually less complicated and tougher. This is what prompted me to replace my new machine with an older one. 3 layers of denim brought my EuroPro to a permanent stand-still, but my 1965 Brother will sew right through the seam on a pair of jeans with ease. On the other hand, the Brother absolutely hates fleece and sheer materials--the thread gets all bunched up and makes a nasty mess but the EuroPro had no problem with those materials(before I tried to use it on the denim--it doesn't sew at all now.)
Making clothing or baby clothes from scratch is possible on a "zig-zag" machine but the additional "free arm" option will make it much easier to get cloth in the right position under the needle. A "free arm" machine has a narrow base under the needle to accommodate sewing around a sleeve. Machines without this feature are called "flat bed" sewing machines. In general, flat-bed machines will be tougher, but free arm machines will be more versatile.
Another type of machine that is a time saver for making clothing is a serger. There are not many of these in the used market but they can be found used at reasonable prices at a Sewing and Vacuum Store or by watching craigslist or similar "for-sale" ads. These machines are much more complicated than 2 thread machines. Either buy one through a shop or make sure it is in perfect working order before you buy it--do not be afraid to ask the seller to show that it is working.
What to look for when buying a used sewing machine:
Mileage doesn't matter much on a sewing machine but respect and care matter a lot. When you look at a used sewing machine look for signs that it has been taken care of. Surface dirt is not a big deal but any signs of rust is a deal breaker. Open the side cover and look at the needle arm--there should be no rust any where.
Turn the hand wheel on the right side. It should move smoothly. If it feels rough or clicks at all as it turns, forget that machine.
Look at what is included with the machine: there should be at least 1 box of accessories and a users manual. Individual presser feet, light bulbs, a tiny bottle of oil, 2 screw drivers, and other parts should be in the box. Owners who take care of their machines with keep this stuff with the machine and it is a good sign that the machine has been taken care of. Be wary of buying a machine that is missing the accessories--plus the spare feet to make button holes and to turn a nice hem are expensive--$5-$50 each--not having them is going to get costly when you need them.
Plug in the machine and turn it on. The light should work--if not, be cautious. I have never had a light burn out, usually the only way to damage one is by dropping the machine.
Try out the power foot pedal--if the machine responds smoothly and has met the other criteria, it is probably going to be a good machine.
To give an idea of how cheaply you can buy a servicable machine: I bought my Brother in a cabinet, with 2 boxes of original accessories and a dozen extra bobbins for $15.00.
Advice to people who may be new to sewing:
Read the book. Take your time. Oil the machine according to the guide in the book. Try a couple of little projects(potholders are a good start!)
Find your local Sewing Machine Service Center and get your machine tuned up if needed. Every fabric & crafts store will be able to tell you who fixes and maintains sewing machines in your area.
Is it worth it to use a sewing machine? Generally, yes.
Hem pants at home or pay $8.00 to have it done.
Sew diapers at home for a buck or two each or buy premade cloth diapers for up to $20 each.
Make a potholder for $0 or buy a new one for $5.
Once you get used to having a sewing machine around, you really won't know how you got by without one.
BTW, if you ever have to give a wedding gift or shower gift, a sewing machine will knock their socks off!
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal. Show all posts
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Time to get ready for Winter!
Whether we like it or not, Winter is on the way here in Seattle, which means cool temperatures and wet conditions.
Some things we are doing to get ready:
Wrapping the Hot Water Tank--even though ours is in an enclosed laundry room, we can still save a little by wrapping it up.
Trading out the summer/winter clothes. Make sure everything is clean before packing it up, and get rid of the stuff that is worn out so you don't have to deal with it again in the spring.
I do a lot of knitting and quilting in the winter(Keeps your lap and legs warm!) so anything that is worn out will get added to the scrap bag. Even stained clothes make great rugs when cut into strips.
I am also making Snuggies for the whole family this year. Yes, they are silly and the commercials for these things are ridiculous but the concept is pretty smart. I have a few old fleece blankets so I plan to make these pretty much for free. The Pattern is very easy too!
We installed a Programmable Thermostat last fall and I dug out the paperwork and re-programmed it 2 degrees cooler than it was last year. We are also putting up Window Quilts this year to cut down on the drafts. We have a 6 room apartment but we only heat the living room and bathroom, so I hang drapes in the doorways to keep the heat where we want it. The other rooms are kept at 55 degrees.
We have hardwood floors, so I am also pulling the rugs out of storage. We only use them in the late fall and winter and they are all washable. When the weather turns nice in the spring, they all get washed, and line dried before returning them to storage. My rugs are nearly all handmade--done in past winters out of scraps and rags--it is amazing how many memories are sewn into these simple floor coverings; cotton onesies that were outgrown and worn out, tee shirts from places and events I attended, my college sweatshirt, the shredded seat covers from my first car--sheesh! One comment I will make about rag rugs made on a loom like many of mine are--skip the crappy cotton warp thread--string technology has come a long way since our ancestors started making rag rugs! I use Nylon Twine for my rugs. This product is meant for salt water fishing net and will last longer than the cloth rags! One $10 roll is enough twine to make a rag rug 4 feet wide and 43 feet long--do not skimp in the basics or you will be sorry!
Check and re-check the Emergency Supplies. I have used up most of the Emergency Food I stored last fall(Rotated to keep it fresh) and now it's time to re-stock. I put 48 meals worth of easy food and 10 gallons of water all in one place with flashlights, candles, matches, and all the other supplies we might need if the power is off for more than a day. I have 2 portable gas stoves that I use for Canning Classes, so I only needed to buy a 4 pack of fuel this year. Note on these types of butane stoves---if you buy one, fire it up when you get home-let it burn for at least 20 minutes and shut it off. Check the fuel can--it should be ice cold. If the can is warm AT ALL--take the stove back and buy a different brand. Keep testing until you find one that keeps the fuel ICE COLD. Many cheap knock-offs are on the market and the results can be devastating when the fuel container overheats.(Graphic Pictures!)
Hot chocolate and Spiced Tea are very popular in our house when the weather is chilly so I make up big batches of homemade mixes to keep these treats easy and frugal.
I will add more tips, for getting ready for Winter, soon!
Some things we are doing to get ready:
Wrapping the Hot Water Tank--even though ours is in an enclosed laundry room, we can still save a little by wrapping it up.
Trading out the summer/winter clothes. Make sure everything is clean before packing it up, and get rid of the stuff that is worn out so you don't have to deal with it again in the spring.
I do a lot of knitting and quilting in the winter(Keeps your lap and legs warm!) so anything that is worn out will get added to the scrap bag. Even stained clothes make great rugs when cut into strips.
I am also making Snuggies for the whole family this year. Yes, they are silly and the commercials for these things are ridiculous but the concept is pretty smart. I have a few old fleece blankets so I plan to make these pretty much for free. The Pattern is very easy too!
We installed a Programmable Thermostat last fall and I dug out the paperwork and re-programmed it 2 degrees cooler than it was last year. We are also putting up Window Quilts this year to cut down on the drafts. We have a 6 room apartment but we only heat the living room and bathroom, so I hang drapes in the doorways to keep the heat where we want it. The other rooms are kept at 55 degrees.
We have hardwood floors, so I am also pulling the rugs out of storage. We only use them in the late fall and winter and they are all washable. When the weather turns nice in the spring, they all get washed, and line dried before returning them to storage. My rugs are nearly all handmade--done in past winters out of scraps and rags--it is amazing how many memories are sewn into these simple floor coverings; cotton onesies that were outgrown and worn out, tee shirts from places and events I attended, my college sweatshirt, the shredded seat covers from my first car--sheesh! One comment I will make about rag rugs made on a loom like many of mine are--skip the crappy cotton warp thread--string technology has come a long way since our ancestors started making rag rugs! I use Nylon Twine for my rugs. This product is meant for salt water fishing net and will last longer than the cloth rags! One $10 roll is enough twine to make a rag rug 4 feet wide and 43 feet long--do not skimp in the basics or you will be sorry!
Check and re-check the Emergency Supplies. I have used up most of the Emergency Food I stored last fall(Rotated to keep it fresh) and now it's time to re-stock. I put 48 meals worth of easy food and 10 gallons of water all in one place with flashlights, candles, matches, and all the other supplies we might need if the power is off for more than a day. I have 2 portable gas stoves that I use for Canning Classes, so I only needed to buy a 4 pack of fuel this year. Note on these types of butane stoves---if you buy one, fire it up when you get home-let it burn for at least 20 minutes and shut it off. Check the fuel can--it should be ice cold. If the can is warm AT ALL--take the stove back and buy a different brand. Keep testing until you find one that keeps the fuel ICE COLD. Many cheap knock-offs are on the market and the results can be devastating when the fuel container overheats.(Graphic Pictures!)
Hot chocolate and Spiced Tea are very popular in our house when the weather is chilly so I make up big batches of homemade mixes to keep these treats easy and frugal.
I will add more tips, for getting ready for Winter, soon!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
ADA's Dirty Secret--Tooth Decay is not only preventable, its curable!
What causes tooth decay.
Dental cavities are caused by a bacterial infection called Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans is not present at birth but is usually acquired by children in early childhood or infancy, many before tooth eruption.
How we are exposed.
Human beings get infected by the most innocent of sources, the mother's first kisses.
Adults may have a high concentration of S. mutans in their mouths. Bacteria can be transmitted from a parent or another intimate caregiver to an infant or child via saliva, for example, by allowing infants or children to put their fingers in the parent’s mouth and then into their own mouths, testing the temperature of a bottle with the mouth, sharing forks and spoons, and “cleaning” a pacifier or a bottle nipple that has fallen by sucking on it before giving it back to the infant or child.
Even if an infant or child is already infected with S. mutans, transmission can increase the concentration of bacteria in the infant’s or child’s mouth, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay or resulting in more severe decay. Therefore, it is important that parents and other intimate caregivers practice good oral hygiene and avoid behaviors that could transmit S. mutans to an infant or child. (source)
Other problems caused by Streptococcus mutans.
S. mutans is manageable and considered by dentists to be natural when confined to the oral cavity but is a serious infection when the bacteria migrates to any other part of the body. Infection of the heart valve by S. mutans is a life threatening disease that can be initiated by improper procedures at the dentist's office. All people with pre-existing heart valve problems such as mitral valve prolapse are encouraged to take antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Clindamycin prior to dental work to prevent the S mutans infection from traveling in the bloodstream and affecting the heart. (Guidelines have recently changed, so consult your doctor and/or dentist before getting any dental work done.
People with prosthetic joints may also be recommended to take antibiotic premedication prior to dental work to prevent S. mutans from migrating to the joints and causing or compounding rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatments for Streptococcus mutans infection.
In 1983, I Zickert, C G Emilson, and B Krasse authored a study on "Correlation of level and duration of Streptococcus mutans infection with incidence of dental caries." The study showed "the value of antimicrobial treatment in the prevention of caries."(source)
In 1975, R T Evans, F G Emmings, and R J Genco showed that a vaccine(composed of dead cells) to S. Mutans prevented infection by S. mutans in the oral cavities of monkeys--study has not been reproduced on humans. (source)
Other Citations
http://www.mchoralhealth.org/openwide/mod1_0.htm specializing in "Oral Health Training For Health Professionals"
----------------------------------------
Economics of treatment verses cure.
Dental cary repair represents a large portion of any dentist's business and is the largest portion of any dental office's income. The cost of actually filling a cavity is nearly insignificant compared to the average cost of a visit to the dental office, so there is a strong resistance to changing the way people are treated for tooth decay.
Today, it is common for a patient to be belittled for their failure to brush and floss "enough". There is no specific guideline for how often or how long to brush and floss but "3 times a day" is a typical recommendation. Truth is that no matter how much you brush, as soon as you get a cavity, "you haven't brushed enough", "you haven't flossed enough," or you "haven't done it correctly." Dentists use this argument to put the blame on the patient rather than mentioning the true cause of caries, S. mutans, and how to slow the infection or kill it for good. Why? Because it is not good for the bottom line to tell a patient, "You can prevent future cavities by taking a vaccine or antibiotic and then rinse your mouth with an antibacterial on a regular basis." But, it is very good for the bottom line to blame the patient and then continue to fill cavities with $5.00 worth of materials and charge $250 for the service.
One of the reasons why this has worked out so well for Dentists(who make nearly as much doctors with about half the education and no late night emergency calls) is that when people are having a toothache, they will pay anything they have to make it stop. The ADA also has a very powerful Lobby in Washington DC that has exempted them from price controls on services and exemption from providing emergency medical treatment to anyone who needs it.
----------------------------------------
Slowing the effects of S. Mutans:
Until dentists are willing to prescribe a routine of Amoxicillin or Clindamycin to kill the bacteria at its source or rally behind a vaccine(and effectively kill off 50% or more of their business) there are a few natural products that kill or slow the growth of S. mutans. One of the most effective is peppermint oil which is why so many tooth pastes taste like peppermint--unfortunately most modern toothpastes use artificial flavor so this benefit has been lost.
Other antibacterials:
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the power behind cavity prevention. Cavities are a result of lingering bacteria in the mouth- the main condition rooted in bacteria production is delayed and prevented by licorice.
Only 15 milligrams of licorice powder eliminates 99.9 percent of Streptococcus mutans, a common bacterium that could release harmful cavity-causing acids.
Before cavities appear, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that create holes in the top layer of the teeth. Streptococcus mutans is particularly harmful and causes a large percentage of these holes.
Importantly, the extract does not kill the other bacteria in the mouth necessary for good oral health.
Cinnamon EO is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and astringent.
Peppermint EO is antibacterial, analgesic, and antiseptic.
Spearmint EO is antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
Citrus EO is antibacterial, anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, and restorative.
Ginger EO is antibacterial and antiseptic.
Brush to Clean and Kill
Learn how to brush your teeth and kill S. mutans at the same time.
Dental cavities are caused by a bacterial infection called Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans is not present at birth but is usually acquired by children in early childhood or infancy, many before tooth eruption.
How we are exposed.
Human beings get infected by the most innocent of sources, the mother's first kisses.
Adults may have a high concentration of S. mutans in their mouths. Bacteria can be transmitted from a parent or another intimate caregiver to an infant or child via saliva, for example, by allowing infants or children to put their fingers in the parent’s mouth and then into their own mouths, testing the temperature of a bottle with the mouth, sharing forks and spoons, and “cleaning” a pacifier or a bottle nipple that has fallen by sucking on it before giving it back to the infant or child.
Even if an infant or child is already infected with S. mutans, transmission can increase the concentration of bacteria in the infant’s or child’s mouth, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay or resulting in more severe decay. Therefore, it is important that parents and other intimate caregivers practice good oral hygiene and avoid behaviors that could transmit S. mutans to an infant or child. (source)
Other problems caused by Streptococcus mutans.
S. mutans is manageable and considered by dentists to be natural when confined to the oral cavity but is a serious infection when the bacteria migrates to any other part of the body. Infection of the heart valve by S. mutans is a life threatening disease that can be initiated by improper procedures at the dentist's office. All people with pre-existing heart valve problems such as mitral valve prolapse are encouraged to take antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Clindamycin prior to dental work to prevent the S mutans infection from traveling in the bloodstream and affecting the heart. (Guidelines have recently changed, so consult your doctor and/or dentist before getting any dental work done.
People with prosthetic joints may also be recommended to take antibiotic premedication prior to dental work to prevent S. mutans from migrating to the joints and causing or compounding rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatments for Streptococcus mutans infection.
In 1983, I Zickert, C G Emilson, and B Krasse authored a study on "Correlation of level and duration of Streptococcus mutans infection with incidence of dental caries." The study showed "the value of antimicrobial treatment in the prevention of caries."(source)
In 1975, R T Evans, F G Emmings, and R J Genco showed that a vaccine(composed of dead cells) to S. Mutans prevented infection by S. mutans in the oral cavities of monkeys--study has not been reproduced on humans. (source)
Other Citations
http://www.mchoralhealth.org/openwide/mod1_0.htm specializing in "Oral Health Training For Health Professionals"
----------------------------------------
Economics of treatment verses cure.
Dental cary repair represents a large portion of any dentist's business and is the largest portion of any dental office's income. The cost of actually filling a cavity is nearly insignificant compared to the average cost of a visit to the dental office, so there is a strong resistance to changing the way people are treated for tooth decay.
Today, it is common for a patient to be belittled for their failure to brush and floss "enough". There is no specific guideline for how often or how long to brush and floss but "3 times a day" is a typical recommendation. Truth is that no matter how much you brush, as soon as you get a cavity, "you haven't brushed enough", "you haven't flossed enough," or you "haven't done it correctly." Dentists use this argument to put the blame on the patient rather than mentioning the true cause of caries, S. mutans, and how to slow the infection or kill it for good. Why? Because it is not good for the bottom line to tell a patient, "You can prevent future cavities by taking a vaccine or antibiotic and then rinse your mouth with an antibacterial on a regular basis." But, it is very good for the bottom line to blame the patient and then continue to fill cavities with $5.00 worth of materials and charge $250 for the service.
One of the reasons why this has worked out so well for Dentists(who make nearly as much doctors with about half the education and no late night emergency calls) is that when people are having a toothache, they will pay anything they have to make it stop. The ADA also has a very powerful Lobby in Washington DC that has exempted them from price controls on services and exemption from providing emergency medical treatment to anyone who needs it.
----------------------------------------
Slowing the effects of S. Mutans:
Until dentists are willing to prescribe a routine of Amoxicillin or Clindamycin to kill the bacteria at its source or rally behind a vaccine(and effectively kill off 50% or more of their business) there are a few natural products that kill or slow the growth of S. mutans. One of the most effective is peppermint oil which is why so many tooth pastes taste like peppermint--unfortunately most modern toothpastes use artificial flavor so this benefit has been lost.
Other antibacterials:
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the power behind cavity prevention. Cavities are a result of lingering bacteria in the mouth- the main condition rooted in bacteria production is delayed and prevented by licorice.
Only 15 milligrams of licorice powder eliminates 99.9 percent of Streptococcus mutans, a common bacterium that could release harmful cavity-causing acids.
Before cavities appear, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that create holes in the top layer of the teeth. Streptococcus mutans is particularly harmful and causes a large percentage of these holes.
Importantly, the extract does not kill the other bacteria in the mouth necessary for good oral health.
Cinnamon EO is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and astringent.
Peppermint EO is antibacterial, analgesic, and antiseptic.
Spearmint EO is antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
Citrus EO is antibacterial, anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, and restorative.
Ginger EO is antibacterial and antiseptic.
Brush to Clean and Kill
Learn how to brush your teeth and kill S. mutans at the same time.
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