I wanted to know if anyone knew any good sewing machines to use for dressmaking. I am going to take a course for dressmaking and I am really planning on making like wedding dresses, prom dresses, ball gowns... anyone know any sewing machines that could help? And a link to a pic would be nice too.

I learned to sew on a Singer, and so I've always had one. There are different models depending on what you want to do--basic stitching, embroidery, appliqué, button holes, other fancy work. There are different presser foots (feet?) and other parts for different kinds of stitching. I'd go to Sears or a Singer store (if they still exist) and talk with a clerk who sews. The Singers are study and well-made. Check on warranties too.

Are you wanting professional machines like they use in factories, or a heavy duty home machine.

For lockstich the singer 251 while a older model is still one of the often used models, And then you will normally want a overlock machine of some sort, "overlock' itself is a brand, although for home use singer makes a good model.

My wife's sister makes pagent dresses in her home for a living.

I am glad you commented on the Singer 251. I am recently purchased a Singer 251-12 and am looking for confirmation about the feet that are compatible with this machine.

Do you know of a source for purchasing feet for this machine? The Singer site does not show any documentation or comment on the subject of feet for this particular machine.

Do you know or can you guide me to a source that can confirm what type of feet are interchangeable with this machine. I would really like to know what type of feet originally came with the machine in order to understand all of how the machine was designed to perform. I did find service manual documentation and a short owner's manual online, but nothing on the feet.

Whatever you may know about this subject I would appreciate learning.

OctoberBay