Tag Archives: sewing machine

My ideal sewing machine – manufacturers please take note – :)

11 Saturday May 2013

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If you could have anything you liked in a sewing machine, would it be fancy with lots of bells and whistles or pared down but sturdy? Would it be single purpose e.g. digital embroidery or would it be multi-purpose?

I’ve been thinking about this a great deal recently and here’s what I’d like in my ideal sewing machine:

  1. Three types of stitches – straight, zig-zag and buttonhole.
  2. Clip on feet
  3. Easy needle clamping, no hard to hold, fiddly little screwdrivers
  4. Reverse stitching
  5. Needle up/needle down
  6. Auto threat cutting
  7. Slide in/out plate – no screws!
  8. Easy to load bobbin
  9. Easy bobbin winding
  10. Sews multiple thicknesses of fabrics easily, without jumping – almost industrial strength.
  11. Easy top and bottom thread and presser foot tension adjustments
  12. Automatic buttonhole
  13. Drop down feed dogs for free-motion quilting
  14. LARGE THROAT for quilting – at least 15″
  15. Free-arm and extension table
  16. Hard cover or comes with it’s own “wheelable” storage bag
  17. Good storage for bobbins, feet and all the tools etc.
  18. Under $800
  19. A decent light that actually illuminates what you’re sewing
  20. A 10 year warranty

That’s not too much to ask is it? It probably is but I guess I can dream.

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A new sewing machine…

18 Tuesday May 2010

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Looking for the fat quarter give away? Click here…

The search for a new sewing machine

Well at last I have a new sewing machine. I have been agonising over this for some time but in the end “masterly inactivity” won out. That is, I didn’t do anything about it and then something really great came along that I would have missed out on had I been more diligent and active in my search.

As you may or may not know, I had a sewing machine poll on my blog. I closed this today and the results (which were a little confusing) appear to rate the following:

  1. Bernina 35% – The winner!
  2. Janome 24%
  3. Pfaff 12%
  4. Brother 10%
  5. Husqvarna 8%
  6. Singer 6%
  7. Elna 2%

So what did I buy and why?

I bought a Janome 3160 QDC. It’s only just landed in Australia and I was fortunate to get one of the very few that shipped. I only just got it home, it’s still in its box! I had a play with one though at Sewrite on Seven Hills. And by the by they are just THE most helpful, friendly and courteous Janome dealer I have found.

My new machine

My new machine

So why did I buy it? I first saw it mentioned on this decor website and was quite taken with it as it has all the features you need for both quilting and general home sewing. It also has so many “love to have” features:

  • scissors ( button that you press that cuts your threads) as well as a a one-handed thread cutter
  • needle threader
  • lock stitch
  • automatic needle up/down
  • pushbutton use (no need to use the foot pedal)
  • it’s very light and easy to carry
  • comes with a walking foot
  • comes with a patchwork foot
  • comes with an extension table
  • has a hard carry case
  • adjustable presser foot pressure
  • 60 stitches including 6 automatic button holes

My test drive

I have never in my life done machine applique. I tried it out on this machine in the store with no stabiliser and not fixing down the applique piece and it came out perfect! I was stunned. So now I have to unpack it and have a play. I’ll let you know how I go when I’ve put it through its paces. Wish me luck!

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Thread Poll Results and a New Poll on Sewing Machines

11 Tuesday May 2010

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The hand quilting thread poll is now closed. The results are listed below and you’ll notice they add up to more 100%. That’s because the numbers are rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Most popular hand quilting thread poll results:

  • Aurifil – 44%  – The Winner!
  • Gutermann, YLI – 18% each
  • King Tut, Coats- 6% each
  • Dual Duty, Presencia, Valdani, Mettler – 3% each

Sewing machine feedback poll – help me pick a new machine

felt machine

felt machine

I’m looking to buy a new sewing machine for quilting and patchwork and to take to classes – a  real one not a felt one like the pic, lol – and I’m interested to know which machine is the most popular. So, if  you’re happy with your machine, why not vote for it? This poll works slightly different to the others. Please select the appropriate maker’s name then in the “other” category type the model number and maker in brackets. I’ve a feeling there’s a popular maker I’ve left off so if that’s your machine just add maker and model number in the “other” category and I’ll sort out all the votes when the poll is closed.

Thanks for all your help.