Looking to get my 1st machine...basic clothing construction, working on costumes, maybe some quilting.

Went to JoAnn's and the lady showed me the Singers, but said that they're constantly coming in for repairs.  She then showed me some basic Vikings which she said didn't need to be oiled and were much better quality than the Singers.  She didn't really address my question about the Brothers.

This is one of the Brothers I was looking at:

http://www.target.com/Brother-Sewing-Machine-XL3750/dp/B000VGAMU6/sr=1-2/qid=1208285127/ref=sr_1_2/602-0534912-7026266?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Abrother%20sewing&page=1

This is the Viking I was looking at.  It's on sale for $299+tax through the end of the month

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/6119_6139.htm

(it's the Emerald 116 if it doesn't come out right)

I don't like spending a lot of money, but at the same time I want something that won't break down constantly and sews smoothly.  My limit right now is about $300, since I might be having surgery.

any advice would be helpful, since you guys are the experts!!!! 

TIA

What the heck is blocking!?!?! 

I've been off for a while.  Still newbie, but did a pair of legwarmers, a small baby blanket, a throw, and what was supposed to be a regular blanket for DD6.

First time with circs, and it, ummm...well it came out about 10 feet long and 2 feet wide.  (the 10 ft part was in the circs)  *laugh*

Anyways, back to the question.  What is blocking?  How do you do it?  Do you have to do it for blankets and scarves or is it only needed at certain points?  TIA

Hi again!  I've looked around and seen some simple patterns for leg warmers.  However, still beeing a  newbie, how do you use dpns?  How do you get them round?  Or do you knit a "sheet" then sew them into a circle with a seam?  Trying to make a set for my daughter.

The sheet idea seems simpler, but I want to make sure they don't fall apart on her in dance class   

Hi!  New knitter, and the ultimate goal is to make those old fashioned baby blankets with the lacy trim/burp rags. 

Now originally I thought this was knitted, but according to google (and google is never wrong     ) this is actually crochet.  I always thought it was knitted or tatted

1.  Is this correct?

2.  How hard is it for a new knitter to learn crochet?

3.  Any patterns/how to's for this?

TIA

Hi!  So I successfully made a scarf, and unsuccesfully made a blanket that turned into a wrap for my DD's stuffed kitty.....

However, I'm trying to do a blanked (hence the previous attempt).  This one says "cast on 252 sts".  I know that means 252 stitches, but where in God's green earth is there a needle long enough for that?!?!  What am I missing here?

TIA

Hi! I read through the "how to buy" guide and still have some questions.

I do light hemming, dance skirts, thin blankets, etc, by hand.  VERY time consuming.  I want to buy a machine but I don't have a lot of space.  I also want something small and lightweight that I can pull out of the closet easily, use, then put back. 

"Santa" is bringing me one of those little Singer hand held ones, but that's likely a mistake and I'll be taking it back -- I've seen the reviews on here, and you gals know your stuff.  Don't want to insult hubby though -- he tried 

TIA

Hi!  Just picked up knitting.  Actually, one of the other moms at my DD's dance studio taught me to cast on and to knit a scarf just by using the knit stitch.

Well, I've gotten a very pretty scarf going, but --- how do I close the thing off?  I mean, it's got to end at some point!  How do you "close off" the end?  Do you just slide it off the big knitting needle, then close it off with a yarn needle? 

Thanks!!  She actually has made blankets like this, and it looks doable.  Once I stop working I might take a class and learn more, but for now, learning how to CLOSE the project would be a good thing