Renting a sewing machine from the library • Hacker News Board

Re: Renting a sewing machine from the library

#241

Post by bzzzt » Thu, Jun 25, 2026, 11:51 AM UTC

queenkjuul wrote: post #239

bzzzt wrote: post #219

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There will always be crap sold to people who want a cheap gift or decorative item. But once you shop just a bit above the bottom price there are a surprising amount of decent instruments to be found.

I ran a music store dude i know what I'm talking about

Ah, the good old argument from authority fallacy? ;)

Running a music store means you'll want to sell the most expensive stuff with the higher margins so you have every incentive to convince people cheap stuff is crap. Why should I trust you?

Re: Renting a sewing machine from the library

#242

Post by bzzzt » Thu, Jun 25, 2026, 11:53 AM UTC

a96 wrote: post #225

queenkjuul wrote: post #206

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There's still a lot of crap cheap guitars out there, and some truly dreadful cheap amps

Yes. But about 200+ currency units especially in used gear can get you something genuinely usable, if you know what to look for. But knowing and variety is a problem in itself. Not so lucky if you want e.g. a sax bigger than an alto, a bassoon, oboe, french horn... Some instruments just don't seem to have dirt cheap versions. (No, I don't have a problem. I can stop any time!)

Of course, some instruments require a lot of manual tweaking during fabrication and/or are too niche for manufacturers to invest in proper automation. Then there's the price of some raw materials (esp. wood and metal) which drives up the price.

Re: Renting a sewing machine from the library

#243

Post by monssooon » Fri, Jun 26, 2026, 4:23 PM UTC

Anamon wrote: post #212

monssooon wrote: post #133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It is exactly what the WeF meant too. The opposite world is one where we can own what we want at any point in time, kinda like in the past. They say that is unsustainabl... I just disagree-I think it would be great if each generation would be better of than the last.. You are happy in your tiny flat not owning that much... I'm not disputing that. I just say that is what the wef predicted would happen. That is all. I'…

I think it makes a world of a difference who owns the stuff people only borrow. This article is about public libraries, socially funded through a democratic will to do so, to ensure the broadest and most affordable access to anyone, particularly those who couldn't otherwise afford to buy or rent these things. Very similar to informal pools of people lending each other stuff to save money. The quote you're referring t…

The idea I was referring to is that of the great reset.

I don't disagree that it is great that poor people can borrow things.

But it scares me that people see it as an ideal.

It is a symptom of acceptance of a poorer quality of life. It is fine that individuals pursue minimalism and so on but our next generation should not be forced to grow up in that mentality.

Re: Renting a sewing machine from the library

#244

Post by someone_eu » Sun, Jun 28, 2026, 11:46 AM UTC

ranger207 wrote: post #19

felooboolooomba wrote: post #7

If you went into programming because you like making things, odds are high you'll like sewing too. Speaking from experience.

What kind of stuff do you make sewing? About the only think I've ever wanted to sew was a new pocket on a jacket

Bags, wallets, etc are quite fun, and you can find lots of options from the easy "two rectangles and a handle" to some clever backpacks and custom bags to hold specific items.

It is quite cool to have a bag with custom pockets designed specifically for the things you actually own and carry often, in the color and fabric _you_ like.

Clothes are harder as you need to learn how to fit them. But doable.

And pattern construction (aka "drafting") is a whole separate engineering discipline. Check freesewing.eu for inspiration.