Hi from Dorset, UK

[JudyN]

Hello all

I'm not much of a sewer... I am the proud owner of my mum's 60-year-old electric Singer 201K (she 'upgraded' years ago) and I did go through a phase of making clothes, but badly... I can't even stitch in a straight line However... I have sensory sensitivities which mean I can't stand tight waistbands and I have a few stretchy garments (including tights) that I'd like to try altering. But my trusty Singer only does straight stitch and I don't have a zig-zag foot for it so I'm wondering whether to hunt down a zig-zag foot or to take the plunge and buy a new sewing machine.

So that's me - I'll post for advice in the appropriate section later (when I've worked out which the correct section is!)

[snoozi soozi]

@JudyN hello, welcome, I too cannot sew in a straight line but it never stops me from trying 

[Acorn]

Welcome!    

My lines aren't particularly straight, but it's amazing how often it doesn't show!!

[Flobear]

Hello @JudyN and welcome.
Another Dorset resident here - east side of the county. You'll find lots of advice, help and encouragement in TSP and, probably, like me, you'll end up buying doing things you'd never imagined!

[Helen M]

Hello @JudyN , welcome to the forum!

[Lilian]

Welcome @JudyN 

[Ohsewsimple]

Welcome to the forum.  Sewing in straight lines is just a matter of practise.  You can use an old needle, remove the thread and use some lined paper to practise  on.  However, don’t get too hung up on it to start with.  Just enjoy the process of sewing.  Who cares if the lines aren’t straight at the start.   

[Iminei]

Welcome from myself, located in Deepest Darkest Dorset ... Where abouts are you????

At this rate next year we could have a TSP Christmas party!!!!

[fajita]

Welcome, @JudyN 

[JudyN]

Welcome from myself, located in Deepest Darkest Dorset ... Where abouts are you????

At this rate next year we could have a TSP Christmas party!!!!

Ooh, party!!! I'm definitely not in one of the deep and dark parts of Dorset - I'm close to Poole. Where are you?

Thank you everyone for the lovely welcome. I've spotted a couple of dog avatars... might just add my dog as mine!

[Puzzler]

Can I come to the party? I am from south eastern Dorset - well not originally but as of last March. Welcome Judy and to your 

[JudyN]

Can I come to the party? I am from south eastern Dorset

Same as me then It's a small world!

[Tim Sr]

@JudyN  Welcome to a very friendly place, AND HELPFUL!
"I can't even stitch in a straight line" ...Me either!
I am new here and glad you are hopping into the the TSP pool, pool of some of the nicest people I have met.

Welcome!

[BrendaP]

Welcome to TSP

Sewing in a straight line is only practice, more important is being able to sew parallel to the cut edge with the stitching the correct distance from that edge.

The Singer 201s are greatt workhorses, but they have their limitations; ie only straight stitch.  Whilst my go-to machine for patchwork and straight seams is a 201 I wouldn't be without something that can do zig-zag and a few other utility stitches.  I also wouldn't want to be without an overlocker with all the stretchy fabrics that are around nowadays.

I have a Singer zig-zagger but it's not that good.  On the other hand the Singer buttonholers are brilliant, better than most modern fancy modern machines can do.

[pip]

Hi JudyN, and welcome from me also. I think if you're thinking of getting back into sewing it'd be worth getting another machine which does more, even a second hand one. Sewing a straight line isn't as easy as one might think!