Paraplegic sewing machine?

[Adore Horror]

Everyone's been so helpful 

I would have to save up for a little while for something like that. Dropdeadred, do you know the model number so I could check it out?

[dropdeadred77]

I don't remember off the top of my head, but it was a 'top of the line' that Joann's were just now putting on sale. Maybe a call to one of their sewing galleries would be fruitful? I'm gonna guess it was the Designer Diamond - but maybe less expensive machines also have those functions?

[FLooZySue]

Oh I used to have a Brother 6000i.. It was a cool little machine for lightweight jobs. I was too afraid I'd break it if I tried to sew through layers for my handbags though. I typically like to stick to my older "metal" machines for the heavy stuff. I eventually sold it because I couldn't ever get the button hole functions to work properly. I have a new viking now.

Hmm, maybe you could rig up something using a "knee" switch from an old machine so that you could control the stop and start with pressure from your upper body or arm/elbow etc. It might involve some creative thought but I definitely see it as a doable possibility. Might be work checking out 80)

Best of luck to you.

[Carillia]

I don't remember off the top of my head, but it was a 'top of the line' that Joann's were just now putting on sale. Maybe a call to one of their sewing galleries would be fruitful? I'm gonna guess it was the Designer Diamond - but maybe less expensive machines also have those functions?

Most of the computerized Vikings can do it. My Platinum 770 does, and I'm pretty sure all the others in that line does too. The Sapphires and the Topazes too. The only one that doesn't is the Emeralt 183.

[flutter-by]

My baby lock xscape can sew without the foot pedal, with a start/stop button and speed setting on the machine.  I sew with the buttons more than I use the pedal now. 

[Stakie]

Anything above teh grace [maybe lower] Can sew without even attaching a foot pedal. And, to be honest I have used a few of their machines and am planning on getting one or two myself.

If you want a GREAT machine that will last, I suggest getting a babylock. If you will be doing more then utility but just sewing, the grace has more then enough stitches and worth while features. Did I add they last a really long time? Unlike some other sewing machines, these have metal gears in them so they aren't one to break like that.

Here if you need to know more about it.. here is a VERY informational video on the grace by babylock. It's what persuaded me in getting one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHElRg1jpHw

[Adore Horror]

Thanks for the info Stakie, I want a babyloc something fierce. I still haven't made a purchase yet. Who knew it'd be this hard? There's way more choices than I had anticipated.

[fochaux]

the brother innovis machines that are sold at sewing machine shops can operate by pedal or a button control.  they are the ones they use on project runway.  i think they run from like $400-1000 giver or take a little.

[Adore Horror]

*Update*

Thanks so much for all the information everyone. Just thought I'd let anyone who might've been curious know that I ended up going with the brother6000i as my first machine.

1) It was less than $200, which is really cheap for what you get. I figured since I'm teaching myself, I rather bust a $170 machine than a thousand dollar one.

2) It has a start/stop button & a speed control lever right on the front, forget the pedal. Score.

3) It does 50+ stitches & a rack of buttonholes. More than I know what to do with really.

Overall, great beginner machine. Mine'll truck on through 6 layers of fleece & some batting with little complaint (There are definitely better ways to do that.. hah, oops). Depending on it's mood it'll do some thicker stuff but I don't want to hurt it as its been so nice to me so far.

One day I'll lay down the $ for a more advanced machine but this is all I'll need for a little while.

Thanks again everyone! When I'm in the market for another one I'm printing your suggestions and going on a hunt for the best. Like I said though, so far so good.

[fochaux]

awesome!  let us know how it goes!  I can't wait to see some of your finished projects