T&T: Sewing machines

[Lawrence Zeitlin]

On Oct 7, 2008, at 12:00 AM, Jim wrote:

> I am looking for a sewing machine that will be able to sew canvas/  
> sunbrella.
> No long term use but jobs like new seat covers and dinghy cover, etc.
> I have heard good and bad about Sailrite machines.
> What say the group about this type of machine and others?
> OBTW, would love to find good used machine (read CHEAP).


My wife recently sewed a set of Sunbrella awnings for a long porch on  
the south side of our house using a 30 year old Sears Kenmore  
machine. She also used the same machine to make a set of Force 5  
sails for my son. I believe the sewing machine was made by Brother.  
The trick is to use the right needle and set the tensions properly so  
that the crossover point is in the middle of the fabric. Use dacron  
thread.  If you insist on a Sailrite machine (one model also made by  
Brother) they are running a boat show special.

#102500 Ultrafeed LS-1 Sewing Machine (straight stitch) 10/9 THROUGH  
10/13 ONLY $599
http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LS-1-Sewing-Machine-Straight-Stitch- 
Walking-Foot

#102600 Ultrafeed LSZ-1 Sewing Machine (zigzag & straight stitch)  
10/9 THROUGH 10/13 ONLY $799
http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine

Larry Z