GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jan 23, 2017 21:41:04 GMT
Sorry if this has been posted. We've been without power for 37 hours [NorCal storms].
I just saw that WRMK is coming out with a sewing machime especially for paper crafting. It was on their IG from CHA.
Your thoughts?
I think the paper guide is cool, but do i need another sewing machine?
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Jan 23, 2017 21:48:40 GMT
I think I'm tired of them trying to rush out trendy items without doing the proper R&D. I fully expect this to look cool and be awesome in theory and then fail miserably in execution, much like most of their tools. I, for one, am not willing to shell out money on a pricey item knowing their lack of quality control since American Crafts took over for them. If I stumbled upon the mint typewriter for $50, I'd buy it...as a decoration, most likely. I don't have high hopes from them, even if they have good ideas (like a paper guide). Although, I'm sure people who actually sew probably don't need a guide to get paper straight (which I certainly do not qualify as).
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jan 23, 2017 21:59:56 GMT
WRMK is owned by AC? I'm not sure I knew this. I personally haven't had any bad experiences or issues with WRMK.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jan 23, 2017 22:04:23 GMT
Saw the title of this thread and had the same reaction as scrapaddict702 which can be summed up as "uh-oh." I saw a couple of Creativation videos featuring it (no live demos though  ) but I'm suspicious and will continue to be until plenty of detailed reviews are in. The typewriter debacle really left a mark on WRMK's reputation (alas). Honestly, the Sew Easy tool was already problematic (fragility issues where the different heads attach). So, it would be an exception for WRMK to have done this Stitch Happy sewing machine right. US$150 is too high a price for something that will likely look nice but turn out crappy. But hey, I'm only hoping to be proven wrong... ETA: Yep. I've recently had my first major problem with the rings of a WRMK album. Could just be a random issue though. |
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Deleted
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May 17, 2024 23:31:10 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2017 22:15:49 GMT
I saw that it can sew with twine. That's cool! But I'm fine with my trusty ole Singer that I bought for less than that several years ago.
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Post by infochick on Jan 23, 2017 22:22:45 GMT
I have strong feelings about this product. I really like the idea that this machine will sew with thicker materials (bakers twine, etc.), but sewing machines are one of those things that get REALLY frustrating if they don't work right. I learned to sew on a machine that was unreliable. The best thing I ever did was get a quality machine from a reputable manufacturer. I'm quite positive that for the price of these machines, crafters could easily buy a basic (and cute!) machine from any number of good sewing machine manufacturers. A poor working sewing machine has the potential to ruin your materials (in this case, layouts!) and cause lots of frustration. I know that they said the machine is built with enough power to sew through paper, but most sewing machines have plenty of power (ask the girl who has sewed through her finger more than once). My machine has a similar guide to the WRMK one, but if a machine doesn't have that, a guide is easily made with a piece of washi tape!
I recently read an article about sewing with heavier threads and they mentioned putting the heavy material in the bobbin and the regular thread through the needle, then sewing face down so the decorative material shows on top. It might take some trial and error, but I think I might try it out.
I am curious about the needles for this machine as they say they're made for paper. That might be worth trying if they fit in other machines.
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Post by mom on Jan 23, 2017 22:26:54 GMT
Eh, I will pass. And I am like scrapaddict702 . I will still buy the typewriter when I find one on clearance. But Im not shelling out $$$ for one. |
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Post by papersilly on Jan 23, 2017 23:53:39 GMT
I think I'm tired of them trying to rush out trendy items without doing the proper R&D. I fully expect this to look cool and be awesome in theory and then fail miserably in execution, much like most of their tools. I, for one, am not willing to shell out money on a pricey item knowing their lack of quality control since American Crafts took over for them. If I stumbled upon the mint typewriter for $50, I'd buy it...as a decoration, most likely. I don't have high hopes from them, even if they have good ideas (like a paper guide). Although, I'm sure people who actually sew probably don't need a guide to get paper straight (which I certainly do not qualify as). exactly! i admit i got sucked into that tiny sewing machine from years ago. what a crappy, gimmicky machine that was a total waste of money. fool me once. now i just sew using my regular machine. i use the same machine to hem jeans, sew on delicate fabrics, and sew om paper and cardstock. it's perfect. you are also right about the typewriter. i've seen loads of reviews on it that say it's a crappy machine that costs way more than you could spend on an actual, working vintage typewriter. i know because i have a bunch of vintage typewriters that i also use for journaling. i know people who get sucked into that AC typewriter because of the gimmicky colors but when it comes down to function, it's a waste of money too. |
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tsabhira
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Jun 26, 2014 3:38:01 GMT
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Post by tsabhira on Jan 24, 2017 0:07:47 GMT
I have strong feelings about this product. I really like the idea that this machine will sew with thicker materials (bakers twine, etc.), but sewing machines are one of those things that get REALLY frustrating if they don't work right. I learned to sew on a machine that was unreliable. The best thing I ever did was get a quality machine from a reputable manufacturer. I'm quite positive that for the price of these machines, crafters could easily buy a basic (and cute!) machine from any number of good sewing machine manufacturers. A poor working sewing machine has the potential to ruin your materials (in this case, layouts!) and cause lots of frustration. I know that they said the machine is built with enough power to sew through paper, but most sewing machines have plenty of power (ask the girl who has sewed through her finger more than once). My machine has a similar guide to the WRMK one, but if a machine doesn't have that, a guide is easily made with a piece of washi tape! I recently read an article about sewing with heavier threads and they mentioned putting the heavy material in the bobbin and the regular thread through the needle, then sewing face down so the decorative material shows on top. It might take some trial and error, but I think I might try it out. I am curious about the needles for this machine as they say they're made for paper. That might be worth trying if they fit in other machines. I thought the same thing. It's missing some important features for an actual sewing machine (which would cost less), so it seems a silly expense. The coated needles, however, might be a good consumables purchase to stock up on. |
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Jan 24, 2017 0:34:59 GMT
I have strong feelings about this product. I really like the idea that this machine will sew with thicker materials (bakers twine, etc.), but sewing machines are one of those things that get REALLY frustrating if they don't work right. I learned to sew on a machine that was unreliable. The best thing I ever did was get a quality machine from a reputable manufacturer. I'm quite positive that for the price of these machines, crafters could easily buy a basic (and cute!) machine from any number of good sewing machine manufacturers. A poor working sewing machine has the potential to ruin your materials (in this case, layouts!) and cause lots of frustration. I know that they said the machine is built with enough power to sew through paper, but most sewing machines have plenty of power (ask the girl who has sewed through her finger more than once). My machine has a similar guide to the WRMK one, but if a machine doesn't have that, a guide is easily made with a piece of washi tape! I recently read an article about sewing with heavier threads and they mentioned putting the heavy material in the bobbin and the regular thread through the needle, then sewing face down so the decorative material shows on top. It might take some trial and error, but I think I might try it out. I am curious about the needles for this machine as they say they're made for paper. That might be worth trying if they fit in other machines. I thought the same thing. It's missing some important features for an actual sewing machine (which would cost less), so it seems a silly expense. The coated needles, however, might be a good consumables purchase to stock up on. The ribbons work in vintage typewriters...it wouldn't shock me if they utilized standard mechanisms for their sewing machine as well. I'm sure that they make way more money on the consumables than they do the machines to use them in. |
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Post by artisticscrapper on Jan 24, 2017 0:49:00 GMT
I had the same thoughts when I read the post. You could actually buy a real machine for that price. There may be more of a learning curve but at least you'd get something reliable as well as versetile. I just don't trust the quality on tools from AC since we all know they have pretty poor quality control.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jan 24, 2017 2:11:54 GMT
Yikes $150! I only saw the IG post and thought that's cool with the paper guide and it can do twine and floss. I don't sew on my projects very often and when I do I just use my regular machine and change out the needle. .
I'm trying to think of what other WRMK products I have (you guys have me worried now). Albums, Fuse, Envelope Punch Board, Corner Chomper and Crop a Dile. I think that's it. The Fuse was my last WR purchase and that was over a year ago.
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stefferoo
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Post by stefferoo on Jan 24, 2017 2:15:20 GMT
I don't have a sewing machine. Scrapbook pages is the only thing I would be remotely interested in sewing on. I may get this one, just need to wait and see how the reviews are.
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 24, 2017 2:52:10 GMT
I have been a sewer my whole life...clothes soft furnishings and quilts.
I think this looks like an unreliable toy.
You can buy teflon coated needles for regular sewing machines that go through paper easily,but really regular needles are cheap and do the job just fine
I suspect ,looking at the way it was threaded with the twine that tension and jamming will be issues. I also suspect that it will work better with their brands of thread and not with any old twine you already have
You can actually sew with any thickness of thread ,twine string yarn or fiber on any regular sewing machine...BUT...the trick is you wind it on the bobbin and sew upside down...so on a layout you would have to mark on the back side of the paper...maybe with light piercing where you want the sewing to be and then just turn paper over so that the bobbin thread is on the top...hope that makes sense.
Also most regular machines sew with metallics as long as you go slowly.
I say buy an economical real machine from a reputable brand instead...this looks like nothing but frustration to me.....
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 24, 2017 2:54:42 GMT
And...as for the paper guide....just put a strip of washi across the baseplate of your machine to act as a straight line guide
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jan 24, 2017 3:32:27 GMT
I have been a sewer my whole life...clothes soft furnishings and quilts. I think this looks like an unreliable toy. You can buy teflon coated needles for regular sewing machines that go through paper easily,but really regular needles are cheap and do the job just fine I suspect ,looking at the way it was threaded with the twine that tension and jamming will be issues. I also suspect that it will work better with their brands of thread and not with any old twine you already have You can actually sew with any thickness of thread ,twine string yarn or fiber on any regular sewing machine...BUT... the trick is you wind it on the bobbin and sew upside down...so on a layout you would have to mark on the back side of the paper...maybe with light piercing where you want the sewing to be and then just turn paper over so that the bobbin thread is on the top...hope that makes sense. Also most regular machines sew with metallics as long as you go slowly. I say buy an economical real machine from a reputable brand instead...this looks like nothing but frustration to me..... Thanks for the tip about winding the thicker stuff on the bobbin and sewing upside down. I was wondering how thicker stuff would work through the threading process - all the up and downs and tensions, etc. Then do you just use regular thread on the top, that will really be the bottom if you sew upside down? I've always just used my regular fabric thread or metallic thread, and I only use Guterman (I can't get the umlat to work) thread. |
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 24, 2017 6:25:04 GMT
Yes...just use regular thread in the top
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 24, 2017 6:26:30 GMT
Yes...just use regular thread in the top
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alphagam5
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Post by alphagam5 on Jan 24, 2017 8:38:52 GMT
I wonder if they are banking on inexperienced or non sewers to buy the product. For example, most sewers have machines with guides and can probably figure out that if your guide doesn't mark a certain spot you want, you use some washi tape or painters tape to mark a guide. Or, paper dulls needles so you would want to use an all purpose, inexpensive needle and change frequently rather than a more expensive specialty needle that dulls relatively quickly.
Experienced sewers know the quality of the machine is essential to your success. With all the relatively good machines out there under $100 it would be smarter to get a true sewing machine for the entry level to go rogue with on paper, if you want to experiment with threads and not jack up your nice sewing machine.
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 24, 2017 9:50:42 GMT
I have never understood why you would need one " good "" sewing machine and one cheap one for paper.
I have a Bernina quilting machine...probably mid range in price, and I sew paper,any fabric thick or thin,canvas,plastic and thin metal ...basically whatever I want whenever I want to
It just needs a change of needle or tension or whatever.
All sewing creates dust ,paper or fabric so some items mean more cleaning .....but there really is no need to have 2
Paper dulls the needle but can't damage the machine.
The instruction book will tell you which threads you can and cannot use, and you can put practically anything that will wind onto a bobbin.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 24, 2017 11:11:29 GMT
 I say buy an economical real machine from a reputable brand instead. Could you recommend one?
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nicolep
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Post by nicolep on Jan 24, 2017 14:09:57 GMT
I personally think it's just a trendy $$ money maker. I have a regular sewing machine and I love it.
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Post by Leone on Jan 24, 2017 20:48:41 GMT
They will all sew on paper. And you can do a stitch guide using tape. You would be much better off getting a normal sewing machine. And the idea you can use twine will nd up being a nightmare.
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jaffa
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Post by jaffa on Jan 24, 2017 21:15:16 GMT
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 26, 2017 7:02:11 GMT
I say buy an economical real machine from a reputable brand instead. Could you recommend one? I have and always will be a Bernina girl they are not all super expensive just the most basic one will do plenty. That said I have a sewing friend who loves Janome and they are more economical I would say buy the most basic one. Fancy stitches and bells and whistles are really not needed...but I think easy adjustment of stitch length and width and a nice easy buttonhole are important. I have always liked the knee lifter bar on the Bernie which means you can lift the presser foot with your knee keeping both hands free to move or position your project. |
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camcas
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Post by camcas on Jan 26, 2017 7:05:38 GMT
I also think a free arm is really important for sewing narrow things...like the hem on jeans legs or sleeves.
WRMK does NOT have a free arm
Most real sewing machines these days do
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Post by anniefb on Jan 26, 2017 13:23:59 GMT
I personally think it's just a trendy $$ money maker. I have a regular sewing machine and I love it. Same. |
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) but I'm suspicious and will continue to be until plenty of detailed reviews are in. The typewriter debacle really left a mark on WRMK's reputation (alas). 
