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[CnC]

Brand new here and thinking of retiring in the not so distant future. I have spent well over a quarter century working in the Prison System so I'm feeling like it's made me less outgoing and has definitely made me appreciate how much I want to see an end to such a negative environment. I know my wife and grown kids will be much happier seeing me put it to bed. Wouldn't mind pursuing a few hobbies that I felt I never had the time or patience for in the past and hopefully retiring will allow me that freedom. It would be nice to keep my brain in a working state at the same time though. From what I've read the Lucky Needle has helped many achieve pretty good results with any projects they want to tackle. I've always loved anything automotive and marine related and have restored several vehicles earlier in my career when my outlook on things were a little more positive. Feeling like learning upholstery might spark that again. I do have a couple questions that I'm hoping some of you can help me with.
1. What is the difference between the "Apprentice Course" and the "All In One" from the Lucky Needle with the exception of the amount of content? I'd welcome comments from anyone who had did either or both? I've learned to become pretty handy over the years (out of necessity really) and there's very little I won't try. I do usually find some reasonable success at whatever I'm faced with.
2. More advice on a used machine would also help. Just from research my list consists of *Walking foot w/reverse* upgrade to a servo motor* and a machine made by - Pfaf, Juki or Consew*
Also, sorry for layin' it all out there but I'd like to stretch this retirement gig out longer than so many other coworkers in the past who never live long enough to see their first retirement cheque. Any advice is appreciated.

[CnC]

Nobody here has taken any courses and has any input? I might want to add here that my time spent in the prison service has been in uniform and not inmate dress code by the way if that helps?

[John]

Hi @CnC Happy to have you new to the Forum! My father was a correctional officer at San Quentin for almost 30 years. I totally understand how that environment can effect your outlook. He is retired now and much happier as I'm sure you will be too.

1. The All-in-one course is a collection of all the courses offered at The Lucky Needle. The Apprentice course is one of the courses included in the All-in-one course.

2. I would suggest downloading our free sewing machine buyers guide. It contains a great deal on information you need to know when purchasing a machine.
Get the guide here. https://theluckyneedle.com/sewing-machine-buyers-guide/

Im not quite sure what you meant in you second post. Let me know If I can help in any way.

[CnC]

Sorry John, my dry sense of humor I suppose. Received a response earlier from someone on your team and I think she's convinced me that the all in one is the route I should go. Makes the most sense to me. I'd like to say that I was very impressed by the extensive detail shown in the few videos you have posted on Youtube including what to avoid to save a whole bunch of heartache doing projects. Thanks for the buyers guide as well as I'll be looking for a machine to kickstart this adventure. Talk soon. Tell your dad I said thanks for his service.

[John]

Its great to hear you found the YouTube videos helpful! I cant wait to see your future projects. Glad that Kacie was able to get all your questions answered.
Thanks!

[CnC]

All signed up. Thanks for the help.
Regards
Cliff

[souperdoo]

Glad to hear that you are nearing retirement and have a good outlook on finding an interest to keep your hands and mind busy! Retiring is like falling off a cliff - it isn't the fall that kills ya, it's the sudden stop. I kept working for five years after I retired. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I have no idea what your interests may be, but taking a set of upholstery courses is a great idea. No better way to learn the art of sewing as I don't believe there is anything more comprehensive than trimming, from a sewing standpoint. If you have other interests such as outdoor activities, motorcycles, home improvement, camping/hiking, shooting sports, etc, you will be amazed at how often you can find an excuse to make stuff!

You will also have the opportunity to make everything three times. You'll be working with your imagination instead of patterns, and the first one will turn out like crap. You'll make a second that will be much better, but you'll have thought of something that could be done better, so you'll do it again. You might even do it a fourth time just because, well, you can. Then you'll make a few extras to give away to friends and acquaintances who will respond with "Hey, uh, um, thanks!". Don't look at them as they leave; they may be shaking their heads...

That's the way it works for me, anyway. I've just finished a set of wee bags for my motorcycle's top case and am working on trying to invent the Cordura holster. Yeah, I know Uncle Mike's has already done that and I can buy a holster for 1/3 of what it will cost me to make one...