Hi, this is my first post in this forum. I hope to read and post here often in the future. My mom just gave me her sewing machine. 
I'm so excited. I've never owned a sewing machine before and there's so much to learn. It's one of the more expensive Kenmore sewing machines she got from Sears 12 years ago. She didn't use it very often. However I was shocked to see some things. The machine still has the original needle that came with it. The accessories were mostly unopened. Which means she has never cleaned the lint. 
I knew that she never went to the free sewing class, but using one needle for 12 years? She said the machine runs very well and never had any problem. Well I hope it means it won't break in my hands, either. I cleaned it last night and oiled it today and changed the needle. I also read through the manual and figured out every part and functions. Is that enough for now?
I have a question about thread and hope someone can help me. I'll only use this machine for mending and alterations. Most of our clothes (95%) are 100% cotton. Should I buy 100% cotton thread, too? And where do I go to buy 100% cotton thread? Fabric stores? Sewing machine stores? I know the local craft stores don't have any. I saw some all-purpose thread that are polyester. They look great but I just didn't like the feel. I'm just crazy for cotton stuff.
Thank you for reading!
I'm so excited. I've never owned a sewing machine before and there's so much to learn. It's one of the more expensive Kenmore sewing machines she got from Sears 12 years ago. She didn't use it very often. However I was shocked to see some things. The machine still has the original needle that came with it. The accessories were mostly unopened. Which means she has never cleaned the lint. I knew that she never went to the free sewing class, but using one needle for 12 years? She said the machine runs very well and never had any problem. Well I hope it means it won't break in my hands, either. I cleaned it last night and oiled it today and changed the needle. I also read through the manual and figured out every part and functions. Is that enough for now?I have a question about thread and hope someone can help me. I'll only use this machine for mending and alterations. Most of our clothes (95%) are 100% cotton. Should I buy 100% cotton thread, too? And where do I go to buy 100% cotton thread? Fabric stores? Sewing machine stores? I know the local craft stores don't have any. I saw some all-purpose thread that are polyester. They look great but I just didn't like the feel. I'm just crazy for cotton stuff.
Thank you for reading!
