SMS Sewing Machine Review

SewMamaSew is compiling a list of sewing machine reviews from their readers. 

Sewing Machine Reviews

What brand and model do you have?  Bernina Virtuosa 155

How long have you had it?  10 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? ?? It was a gift from my hubby :-)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?  

I mostly quilt, but have made bags, and a  minimum of clothing.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I quilt on and off, as time allows, but when I am in the process of making a quilt, I may be on the machine for hours.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

Love, Love, Love my machine!!  

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

Basically I do a lot of straight stitching, but when I need to use a decorative stitch, my Bernina comes through beautifully.  This is not a bells and whistles machine, pretty basic, but it does have lots of stitches to choose from. 

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Not really nuts, but I'd like the harp to be just a little bigger. However, I have been able to manage machine quilting pretty well.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Yes I would recommend this machine to anyone who loves to sew! The reason I love my 155 is that it a basic machine, but very dependable and sturdy.  

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

It's important to consider the type of sewing you do. Find a machine that works for you.  Make a list of features you would love to have, then try lots of different brands and different machines within the brands.  It's important that the machine has a good straight stitch if you use it mostly for quilting.  Buy the best machine that you can afford.  

Do you have a dream machine?  Years ago I used to dream of owning a Bernina, so I can honestly say I think I already own my dream machine :-)

Bonus: 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!

On Christmas morning in 2003, there was a little black box sitting under the Christmas tree. I wondered what in the world could be in that little box. At first I thought it was some kind of camera. But when I opened the lid, there sat a little Featherweight. My sweet husband and son had been on a mission to buy me a new sewing machine. I was thrilled to say the least!! But that is not the end of the story. You see, my hubby and son had gone to a sewing machine repair store and asked questions. The store owner told them the Featherweight had the best straight stitch, and that quilters everywhere covet them. Hummm, but it isn't a new machine. Oh if you want a new sewing machine you need to go to the store down the road. So in addition to the little Featherweight, my hubby and son bought the Bernina Virtuosa 155. Can you imagine my surprise when I not only opened the Featherweight but the next box was this incredible Bernina!  It's really been a dream come true for me.