Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sewing Machine Meme

SewMamaSew is celebrating June as Sewing Machine month. They will be keeping a running list of Brand/Model “reviews” and publish the list at the end of Sewing Machine Month.
It will be a great resource whether someone is searching for a first machine or looking to upgrade.

What brand and model do you have?
I have a Bernina Virtuosa 155 as my main sewing machine. I also have a Singer Featherweight, and a Kenmore (which was my main machine for many years).
How long have you had it?
5 years
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was a gift from my hubby, so I am not sure of the cost.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I am a quilter :-)
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I have not been able to sew as much lately, but normally would sew 2 to 3 times a week.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I LOVE my machine, and no it does not have a name.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
The needle down and half speed buttons are my favorites. I also have enjoyed using some of the built in decorative stitches.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Can't think of anything.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
It was a total surprise gift that I did find under the Christmas tree. My hubby and youngest son picked out this machine. I had never asked for a new machine, and I wondered how they knew to buy a Bernina. My dh said that he overheard me telling someone that I thought Bernina made the best machines. From that he was on a quest to find me a Bernina. Went to several sewing machine stores (who tried to sell him other brands) but was finally directed to the Bernina dealer. He also bought me the Featherweight that same year. Isn't he a great guy??
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would recommend this machine to anyone who loves to sew and is not looking for bells and whistles. It is a great machine and has served me very well.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I think it is important to consider what kind of sewing you enjoy doing. Then make a list of every feature that you would like to have.
Do you have a dream machine?
I really think I already own my dream machine :-)

5 comments:

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

I have a Bernina artista 185 and I love it. That is a good idea from Sew Mamma Sew. I will be interested in checking out the end of the month and read about all the other machines.

Micki said...

Great review! I have a Pfaff 4.0 Expression as my main machine and I also have a Singer Featherweight. In addition, I have a Janome 350E for embroidery and a Babylock EMB12 for machine felting.
Micki

Unknown said...

I have a Janome 6600 which I got last September for my birthday from my sweetie. I also got the table to go with it. I don't think I have ever had such pleasure sewing as I have with this machine. Every thing on it is easy and it sews like a dream.
I have another Janome about 20 years old and it still sews very well.
I had a Bernina for 35 years, and it literally fell apart one day...

Crispy said...

I have an old Kenmore (35 yrs) and hate it, I have no idea why I haven't put it in a garage sale. I also have a Featherweight and LOVE it. I don't do much by machine, things like sewing long border strips or putting on a binding, but it makes the sweetest stitch.

Crispy

Dawn said...

I have the Virtuosa 153 and I love it too! It has the best blanket stitch of any machine that I've used. I also love the ease of changing feet. I don't have to just through hoops to put on the walking foot and such. Great machine!
~ Dawn