A trainee sewer, I required to know what would be the right sewing apparatus for me & where on earth to purchase Fabric? ...
Answers: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
The right sewing machine for you is one that will work powerfully for you, give you some room to grow, and doesn't intimidate you. For instance, some folks find that an electronic eyeshade that tells you the usual tautness for a particular stitch is a big facilitate. Others will feel it's overbearing.
Here's what I similar to to have for a beginner's apparatus that will be used for garment stitching:
-- very correct straight stitching (it's what you'll be using most)
-- good or better windy stitching
-- a method of making buttonholes that doesn't frustrate you
(attachments are probably the most clunky, but generally offer good buttonholes. One step buttonholes are especially repeatable, but often can't be tweaked. Four step buttonholes are usually tweakable but more fuss and bother than one-step)
-- adjustable presser foot pressure
Things I resembling very much, and would include if the budget allowed:
-- utility stitches similar to blind hem, stretch blind hem, triple zigzag
-- a few unsophisticated decorative stitches approaching pinstitch, blanket stitch, and a couple of geometrics.
-- electronic needle control via stepper motors (gives you full "punching force" for the nozzle even at low speeds
-- needle position control
-- syringe up/down control
If you have some sewing contraption shops near, I urge you to step try out some machines -- explain you're a beginner. Try out some of the fancy ones and some of the plain ones and some of the reconditioned used machines. See what feel right to you. It's a lot approaching buying shoes... the pair that feel good to you may not have a feeling good to me, even though we supposedly wear alike size. A good store will also own "how to use a sewing machine" classes available, and will probably also help you troubleshoot what's going on beside your machine when it isn't behave properly (most of the beginner question I answer hear are machine problems that are commonly traceable to misthreading or poor seam technique).
Once you've got things narrowed down to a few models, survey sites like the sewing appliance review site at http://www.patternreview.com -- this can be especially telling for used models.
Another serve: Carol Ahles' book Fine Machine Sewing is commonly available in public libraries. Carol does lovely work and can create just give or take a few any machine sew all right -- but the initial chapters on needles and thread and the final parts on choosing a sewing contrivance may be good reading for you immediately. Come back to it following when you want to do a machine hem that looks professional.
As for cloth -- it's all over. For beginners, I suggest most cottons or wool flannel or twill as mortal easy fabric to sew. Silkies and sheers can be more daunting. If you have someone who sews, ask them if they'd walk shopping with you and point out some fabric they would and wouldn't buy -- and why. Fabric that is "offgrain" -- woven near the yarns not at 90 degree to each other -- is one type to reject instantly, for example. If you don't enjoy someone who sews, and you do have an independent material store, try talking to the sale people almost what's a good stuff for beginners. In my experience, the big chain yard goods store clerks don't tend to know much about yard goods, but the independent stores do tend to hire folks who know sewing.
My fabrics come from a range of sources -- internet retailers I've learned to trust, yard goods co-ops, independent fabric stores (I'm lucky to hold several very roomy indies near me), and one of my favorite sources, thrift stores -- where on earth I often find yard goods on the hanger, often disguised as a dress, blouse, suit...
Nothing pretty like picking up several yard of $60/yd ultrasuede masquerading as a $10 coat. <g>
Good luck and enjoy!
i've be sewing for about 7 years and i still own and use the sewing machine i started rotten on!! its a singer, it was really cheap at wal-mart, give or take a few $150.00. it has alot of fancy stitches but i find that i merely use the straight stitch and zig zag the most. singer is a really great brand. i usually also get my textile at either wal-mart or jo-annes crafts. not sure if theres a joannes within your area. they are intensely reasonably priced! polite luck!!