Page 3 - TL HowTo Guide 2016

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 HOW-TO GUIDE 3TT
Choose a sewing machine
WITH JOHNSTON’S HOME CENTER
Before purchasing a sewing machine, consider what you are looking for, including must-have and preferred features.
Sewing is a fantastic way to create cus- tom clothing and other items. But with a dizzying array of sewing machines and accessories available, purchasing a
machine can be a daunting task.
Sewing magazines and websites offer customer
reviews, and internet forums and blogs also offer evaluations of major brands.
“Don’t rely completely on what you read on the internet, though, because the comments are not always from qualified sewing-machine experts,” said Billie Jo Crocker, who handles sewing-ma- chine sales and training at Johnston’s Home Cen- ter in Benton. “Visit a reputable dealer, tell them what you will be using the machine for, and get advice from their experts.”
Consider what you want in a sewing machine, including must-have and preferred features; make a list of these before shopping. Set a budget, and be aware that accessories and attachments will add to the overall cost of the machine. With this in mind, buy the best sewing machine you can afford.
Customers at Johnston’s Home Center will find quality products by Juki, Brother, Baby Lock and Bernina in a range of prices to fit almost any bud- get, Crocker said. If staying within your budget means purchasing a very basic machine from a trusted manufacturer, don’t worry. Many manu- facturers offer attachments and accessories sepa- rately that you can buy as needed.
Never buy a sewing machine unseen. Visit a few reputable dealers, and bring swatches of cloth and a spool of thread so you can try out various
machines; this is the best way to evaluate a product’s performance. Make sure the machine is easy to thread and easy to use. Dealers un- derstand the advantages and disadvantages of each model and can offer an honest assessment of features and benefits.
It’s also important to make sure you have easy access to certified technicians in your area to make any necessary repairs to your sewing machine.
“We offer more than 37 years of experience in sewing-machine service, and we have three on-site technicians who are certified in the brands we sell,” Crocker said.
Even if you buy the most expensive, top-of- the-line sewing machine, if you don’t know how to use it, you won’t be happy with the results.
“The most important thing when buying a machine is to find a reputable dealer that offers in-depth training,” Crocker said.
Johnston’s Home Center offers free, unlim- ited classroom training with the purchase of a sewing machine; call the store or email bjcooperbsva@swbell.net for a class schedule and more information. Available classes in- clude basic sewing, embroidery, quilting, using embroidery software, serging and more.
“In my experience, the only unhappy custom- er is an untrained customer,” Crocker said.
— Courtesy of Green Shoot Media with contributions by Linda Garner-Bunch, special sections writer
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