Sewing Machine Meme Answers

What brand and model do you have?
Bernina  830 sewing/embroidery

How long have you had it?
4 months

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
A lot. Probably more than my first car!

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Quilting, clothing, home dec, want to do handbags, pretty much everything.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
A couple hours a week right now. Before my second baby arrived I probably sewed 6-8 hours a week and will sew more as he gets older. I've had times when I'm working on a big project where I'll sew 6-8 hours a day.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. Although to be fair, I'm just starting to learn about all about it.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I'm so excited by the automatic knot, followed by cutting the threads off at the end of a seam. So cool! You can also completely customize everything about the machine and it remembers for furture use. The extra large bobbin and the ability to fill it to the exact percentage you need (i.e. 25% for a smaller project, or all the way) and the machine keeps track of how much  is left for you. The extra large arm hole is wonderful, too. Much less work shoving rolled up quilts through the openeing. It also comes with unlimited lessons, either with a class or private. I can call my dealer and someone will spend as much time with me as I need. I also can't live without the knee-lift for the presser foot.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I don't have anything bad or frustrating about my new machine. The only thing is it is HUGE and not easy to move around. I kept my old Bernina (1090) so I have something to take to classes and such.

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!
My dad passed away a few years ago. Little did my siblings and I know, but before he did, my parents decided that when mom was able, she'd get us each something special that we'd otherwise never be able to get. Last fall my mom  called me up and asked me to go to my local dealer and give me my opinion on the new 830. She made it sound like she was shopping for herself. Sneaky. So I was totally floored on Christmas to find out an 830 was coming for me (they were selling so well there was  a three month waiting list to get one). And even more floored to find out it was from my dad.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would. It's an amazing and wonderful machine that does everything imaginable and will grow with you via upgrades through the computer. However, given it's price-tag it is obviously a machine for a serious sewer.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
A dealer is preferable. A good one will match you to a machine that best works for you in your budget. Try out machines before you buy. When one feels right, you'll  know it.And with a dealer, you have a support place for technical issues, questions, and classes.

Do you have a dream machine?
Yes, I do.

What brand and model do you have?  Juki 1098Q

How long have you had it?  About 2 months

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?  I paid $749 for mine

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?  I mostly sew quilts, but I've also sewn simple garments (p.j. pants) and bags with very heavy interfacing.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?  I sew almost every day.  Weekdays maybe only 30-60 mins, but on the weekends I sew maybe 6-8 hours a day.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?  I loooove my machine.  So much!  Before I got the Juki I was using a Huskystar C20.  Worst. Machine. Ever.  I can't say enough how much trouble and headache and heartache that machine gave me.  The Juki is an absolute dream.  It's so fast (I didn't realize how much I would love a fast machine) and powerful and it just works like it's supposed to.  Wonderful.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?    Juki is a straight stitch only machine, so it does one thing and it does it VERY well.  That said, it comes with some features that I can no longer live without.  The automatic thread cutter saves me so much time and thread.  I love it.  And I think I mentioned the speed.  So fast.  It also comes with a knee lift (for lifting the presser foot without reaching around and doing it by hand), but I don't actually use it because of the way my sewing table is set up--it just gets in my way.  It also came with a bunch of feet: 2 free motion feet (a 1/4 inch and a 1/5 inch), a standard foot, a "compensating" foot that I couldn't figure out at first, but I realized that it's for sewing 1/4 inch seams--it's very handy.  Oh, it also came with a walking foot.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?  No, I love everything about it.

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!

No crazy stories.  I just researched tirelessly for a month or so before buying it.  I finally made my purchase after being unable to find even one person who had anything negative to say about their Juki.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?  Yes, yes, yes.  For all of the reasons listed above.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?  Well, I would have had different answers before Juki, but now I'd say SPEED.  Also, I just want a machine that works properly every time I use it.  I don't want to deal with weird tension issues and needles which jam down into your bobbin casing.  Also, I really like that the Juki is all mechanical, so I would say that is something I look for as well.  And it needs to be able to sew a straight line perfectly and free motion quilt like crazy.

Do you have a dream machine?  Yes, I love it.

What brand and model do you have? Brother HE-120

How long have you had it? 1.5 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $550

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Quilts, handbags, pillows, including furniture upholstery...this machine has even sewn through 4-6 layers of canvas with ease. 

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? About 15 hours/month, wishing it were more...

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? Love it, no name though.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? Needle down, self threading, easy to clean out the bobbin area, reliable and consistent.  While others at workshops are fussing winding and installing the bobbin for several minutes and getting flustered, then asking the instructor for assistance, I am busily sewing.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? Nope, love it.

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 birthday gift once my husband found out what I went through with my old machine, it was on its way to me.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I recommend it highly, it works well for what I need.  I have not used the embroidery functions yet, that's next. 

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Become familiar with what is available on the market, determine what features you must have and what you're willing to spend...and go for it.

Do you have a dream machine? My next purchase will be a mid or long arm quilting machine.  (*pant, pant*)

What brand and model do you have?
Bernina 1230

How long have you had it?
about 6 months

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
you can only buy them used - I would guess in the neighborhood of $1000 from a store, cheaper on ebay if you can find one (but it won't have any sort of warranty)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
a little of everything - heirloom clothing for my kids (baptismal gowns), quilts, home dec, bags, etc

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
as much as I can (at least 2 or 3 times a week)- the machine gets a good work out

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
Absolutely LOVE it and I can't say it enough.  After an old singer (my first machine) that couldn't handle any thick fabric and had constant problems with the bobbin, I bought a brother SE350 that I was thrilled to get but the timing was off and it ended up being a problem child.  I bought this machine and I find myself grinning like a fool every time I use it.  The old Berninas sew like nothing else I've ever used.  She doesn't have a name yet though . . .

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love that the needle can be set to stop in the down position.  I love that it's easy to change the stitch length and width with the turn of a knob.  I've been remarkably picky with my stitch widths and never been disappointed.  It has plenty of stitches to choose from.  It has a really great, even straight stitch and I love it for quilting.  came with lots of feet and there are lots more available

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
it is a little on the loud side and pretty darn heavy

Do you have a great story to share about your machine
When my daughter was born, I decided that her baptismal gown should be different from the others and decided to use some beautiful insertion lace that I had found.  I was using over $200 in fabric and lace and was terrified of ruining any of it.  Of course, the first time I put it through my old machine, it was a mess.  I borrowed my mom's Bernina and after working on that gown for 3 weeks, hours a day I was hooked.  It ended up being the most fun I'd ever had sewing despite the tediousness of the work.  I tried and purchased other sewing machines but was continuously disappointed.  So shortly after, I called a local Bernina dealer and someone had just traded my 1230 in.  I tried it and purchased it 5 minutes later - I was really hesitant to spend the money but it was absolutely worth it.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
absolutely with no hesitation.  It's a work horse machine.  The quality of the work it does is great and, after years of dealing with frustrating machines, I've never had a single bit of trouble with this one.  Very sturdy and dependable.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Reliability.  For me, I needed a machine that could handle many different types of fabrics and many different layers of fabric.  I also needed a really good, solid straight stitch and the Bernina's is nice and very even. 
I would also say a good dealer is a must and I like that my machine came with some great classes

Do you have a dream machine?
a Bernina 830 (but the price tag - ouch!)

loved the interview with Jenifer...great info

to Roylancemommy (with the Emerald 183) - What foot do you use for your quilting?  I was just told that Viking doesn't make a free motion/darning foot for the Emerald series so that I won't be able to do free motion quilting with my machine (I have an Emerald 118).  Is that true?  I'm frustrated about it - but love my machine otherwise.

Lauraeb-    I'm not Roylancemommy but I do have an Emerald 183. I have a free motion foot for mine, however my 183 uses a different class of feet than the other 2 Emeralds do. I don't have my Viking accessory guide handy, but when I find it I can post what it says as to what foot your machine uses for free motion work. HTH.

hey lauraeb - the accessory feet that fit the Emerald 183 do not fit the 118 or 116. you need a low shank snap on type foot.

Ask your dealer if they carry feet by Inspira.

One of my sewing friends gave her old White feet to someone that owns a 116  and they fit like a charm. Good luck!

Thanks for the help!  I'll ask for the Inspira feet!

What brand and model do you have?
Elna 2130 Sewing Machine & Bernina 1150MDA Overlocker

How long have you had it?
I have had my Elna 5 years and my Bernina is only 1 month old

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Elna: Around NZ$550.00, Bernina: AUD$995.00

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew mostly clothing for myself and my fiance but I've also sewn bags and cushions etc... I'll give it all a go really!

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew most weekends and around an hour each week night if I have time. The Elna has had the most use being my "overlocker" (read: zig zag!) until I bought the Bernina. Can't say much on the Bernina yet, I have used it a lot in the month I have had it and all appears good so far.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I LOVE my Elna because when I bought it I did so much investigation into all brands. At that time it was the best priced machine that took care of all my current sewing needs while also giving me more tricks to grow into. So far I like my Bernina too because it is so much faster than zig zagging on the Elna and it takes the load off of my favourite machine.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
On my Elna I love the one step button hole and quick release feet changing, also twin needles. Accessories are reasonably priced, I bought a free-motion foot for only AUD$18 the other day and bobbins are only AUD$2 each. It does plenty of the basic stitches with enough fancy ones to keep me happy. I really like my Bernina being able to convert between 4-3-2 thread and rolled hems with lettuce leaf effect looks great. It is also so fast!

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Before I bought a dedicated Overlocker I had to zig zag all raw edges which was slow and also if the fabric was light or slippery the machine tended to "eat" or fold the fabric too much. I guess all sewing machines have this problem though.

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!
Not really but I hope one day to inherit my Mums Globe Machine which I learnt on. Straight stitch and zig zag only but it is still chugging along and it must be over 25 years old by now! I have so many great memories with that machine when I was learning with my Mum.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Yes, both of them. They both have done exactly what I wanted them to do within my shopping budget. I attribute that to good investigation before buying, lots of demo driving and asking heaps of questions.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Make sure you set your budget and try to be clear in your head exactly what you want your new machine to do. Test drive every model in your budget range that can do what you want (it's actually quite fun!). Don't be afraid to ask silly questions. If you are fairly new to sewing try also to get a machine that you can grow into, not just the most basic, but try to go for the next step up because as you learn you will use those more advanced features.

Do you have a dream machine?
I think one day I would like a machine that can embroider, I remember using one in High School. It wrote my name on a pencil case, I know these machines have come a long way since then but I just remember being so amazed by it

What brand and model do you have?
Janome 8077 - I am curious to see if anyone else has it, since it seems uncommon in the U.S.  I got mine at Hancock Fabrics, where it's still available, but it's not listed on the Janome website, and most google hits are in the UK.

How long have you had it?
A few months

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Around $250 - $275

What types of things do you sew?
Clothes, toys, quilts (haven't done the actual quilting yet on this machine)

How much do you sew?  How much wear and tear does the machine get?
Mostly I sew on the weekend, when I have longer chunks of time, especially if it's a project I want to take over the living room for.  Not much space in my bedroom.  I also knit, so I tend to do that in the evenings after work.

Do you like/love/hate your machine?  Are you ambivalent?  Passionate?  Does she have a name?
I like her so far.  She has features that my old machine, a very basic Singer 5160, didn't have.  She doesn't have a name yet.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Not sure if it's a "feature" but it's really quiet, which my neighbors probably appreciate.  It has a button that lets me stop sewing with the needle down, which is handy.  I just learned to make buttonholes, and that was super easy, both swapping the feet and the actual buttonhole -  I hardly had to do anything.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Nothing yet.  I wish it came with more feet.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine?
I was humming along just fine with my first sewing machine, a basic Singer.  It was nothing fancy, but it got the job done, and I figured I'd stick with it until I saved up some money and figured out where I was going with my sewing and what features I would need.  Then, my poor machine died, or at least the foot pedal died, and I was right in the middle of a project with a long weekend I'd intended to fill with sewing.  I was desperate.  No time for saving or research.  I looked in a few stores, ended up at Hancock Fabrics, and with my mom on the phone giving her input, I decided on the Janome.  My big deal-breaker was a drop in bobbin, which may not seem like a big deal, but I could not figure out the other kind.  I was a little worried that the machine wasn't listed on their website - what is it the black sheep of the family or something?  But so far, all has been well. 

Would you recommend the machine to others?  Why?
Sure, so far, so good.  I think it would be a good choice for a beginner, or someone who wasn't going to do a ton of sewing/didn't want to invest a lot of money.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Think about what you want to use it for, and plan accordingly.  I did nothing right, no research, test-driving, etc. so I shouldn't really give advice.  Maybe for the next one!

Do you have a dream machine?
Not exactly.  I've only had this one a few months, so I'm trying to appreciate her for now.

Jennifer O.

What brand and model do you have? Pfaff 2056

How long have you had it? about 4 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? It was about $2300 I think,sorry to have forgotten

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?  mostly quilting, but some home dec and clothing.  I love to make bags and do our alterations

How much do you sew? I don't sew a lot in the summer, but  I get in there at least once a week now, in winter I sew 2 or 3 days a week How much wear and tear does the machine get? lots

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Totally LOVE it  Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Yes  Does she have a name? I just love Pfaffs! Don't name them other than call then my "OLe reliable"

What features does your machine have that work well for you?  I love the needle down and the setting that has the foot raise and lower itself

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? NO

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! I was going to buy a simple basic Pfaff for my daughter, my DH said why not buy you a new one,so I fell in love with the 2056 and she has the old one

Would you recommend the machine to others? Yes Why? Because it is a great basic machine with lots of fun decorative stitches and it has never been a bit of trouble or needed to be i the shop--just like my old Pfaff

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?  dependability and easy of use

Do you have a dream machine?
Yes , my machine is my dream machine

This post is from Lindalu in Florida:

Sewing Mchine Survey: 8 Singer treadles, 1 White treadle, 1 national Edgredge treadle, 1 Wheeler & Wilson treadle, 1 Durkopp, many hand cranks, Janome 6000 and Brother embroidery machine.

Treadles I've had for 2 years, Janome 2 yrs. and Brother 7 yrs. Janome $1200, Brother $1000, treadles & hand cranks from $0 to $250.

I sew quilts, clothing, crafts and home dec.

I sew every day but have the luxury of using different machines depending on the task.

Love my machines!! Most have names - one is German, "Heiner", one is "Betty Grable", one is "Elvis", "Meade", "Gracie", "Gert", "JD", and so on.

Walking foot on the old Singer #66, embroidery/free motion foot on Singer #15 are my favorites. To free motion on a treadle is like rubbing you tummy and patting your head - drives me a little nuts but I still love to do it.

On a weekend, as a Christmas gift, my husband drove 1000 miles to pick up two treadles that I had been coveting. Then he went to work Mon. morning. Boy was he tired. People-powered machines are the ones I would recommend to everyone. Never break down, you can fix them yourself, last forever and are beautiful. They can do all the things modern electrics can do by adding an attachment. What else do you have that is so useful, over 100 years old and looks wonderful. All the history is a bonus. Oh, and as a Florida resident, I can sew in a hurricane - no electric needed. Reliability is most important to me. I have had so many new machines that breakdown or jam up with a tiny thread. The old machines have no such problem. Nothing worse than sitting down to sew and the machine doesn't work like it should.

My dream machine is a Singer floral fiddlebase. Love the way they look and sew.

This post is from Marianne.  You can see pictures of her machines here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/mpmomskate

Machines:
I have two black singer featherweights, one from 1947, one from 1953
I have a Queen (badged White VSIII) treadle from 1890 (my main free motion quilter)
I have a White VSIII treadle from 1904
I have a New Home long shuttle treadle from 1947
I have a Minnesota A long shuttle (badged Davis) treadle from 1906(great piecer and free motion quilter)
I have White Family Rotary (round bobbin) from 1917
I have another White Family Rotary (round bobbin) from 1917-slightly different and heavier
I have a National long shuttle machine from 1939 in an art deco cabinet. (in sewing shape but does not live with me at the moment)
 
I've have these machines when:
I started collecting antique machines 3 years ago but the featherweights I have had all my life.
 
cost:
for my treadles, the most expensive was the New Home which was $90.00 and needed nothing done to it except a little cleaning. as did the first White Family rotary. I simply polished the wood and cleaned the machinery. My treadles have been from $35.00 to $90.00.  There has been also some wood restoration and of course new belts and special needles for the long shuttle machines.  total cost for 7 machines is approximately $2,000.

One machine was refinished twice as the first guy botched the job.  this comes to about $285.50 per machine with everything.
 
What do I sew?
I no longer use my featherweights as I love the treadles.  But on my featherweights I made alot of garments-mostly dresses, curtains, etc.  purses vests,  On my treadles I make garments as well, bags, etc. but mostly quilts.  I have made 22 quilts in the last 3 years.

I had a modern machine before this but it broke down alot and really was no fun. It felt like work.
 
How Often do I sew?
I try to sew everyday but when I'm working that's difficult, although I have time off in the summer and can put in maybe a half day or a couple hours at least.
 
What do you like about the machine(s)?
Most notable quality: MY first treadle was one of my White rotaries.  As it was my first, I was practicing treadling with 4 inch strips of fabric with only fabric and needle-no thread..  I was also talking on the phone and I continued to sew (threadless) on these long strips and got into my phone conversation and stopped paying attention to my sewing.  I looked down to find the machine was sewing dead center down these strips with both my hands completely off.  MY other White rotary does the same thing as do my other machines to one degree or another but the White rotaries are awesome.

The precision, the awesome stitch quality, and the beauty of an antique that is also useable are what drew me to them, also my grandma had a treadle and I was always curious. She did not sew. Piled laundry on it.
 
Names:
I am passionate about my old machines.  Yes they all have names.  there is
'Miss Charlotte White,  Mrs. Brown (my family White rotaries)
My Little Margie (MY White VSIII)
The Queen (the Queen)
Mighty Manfred the Wonder Treadle (my minnesota A-the only boy so far in the herd)
And my New Home has not yet gotten a good name. I sew on her probably the least as I am partial to White machines. She has beautiful gold  on her machine so she sits around and looks pretty more than anything although she sews well.
 
What drives me nuts:
The only thing that drives me nuts about being an antique sewing machine collector who sews on all of these machines is that I want a bigger house.  I like to watch TV while I'm sewing so I have to occasionally move the machines.  But maybe I can wean myself away from my TV addiction a little bit.
 
Good story:
MY "great story" is about my Queen machine.  When I got it home from the White Elephant Antique Store in Whitewater, Wisconsin, I found that the shuttle was missing.  There are a few antique sewing machine dealers on a message board that I contribute to.  So I ordered the appropriate shuttle (about $20.00 or so) from one of the dealers.  WHen I got it, It made a horrible noise.  Then I contacted an expert on White sewing machines who also happens to be on our message board, she and another dealer discovered that there was indeed another shuttle that was the correct one for this particular machine.  The current information up to this point turned out to be incorrect and had been incorrect for many years.  I managed to locate two of these shuttles and now I keep one threaded in white and one in black.  Due to the efforts of these two ladies the information on antique White sewing machines was expanded and corrected to help future collectors.  I found that the incorrect shuttle worked for my White VSIII which I got later.
 
Recommend:
I recommend the fun of collecting, finding and restoring antique machines to everybody.  Old m,achines are sturdy and sew a great stitch, they come with old attachments that do wondrous things.  Look at the old garments of 100 years ago.  These machines, braid, embroider, do lace, some even come with rotary cutters for the fabric.  They make awesome ruffles, tucks,  shirring, etc. etc.  They all came with 20 year guarantees of hard sewing.    I have the original guarantee on my National.Also the act of treadling is quite grounding and relaxing.  some people say it's like spinning.  It is easy to go fast, it is easy to go slow.  Also they are for the most part very quiet and the long shuttles make a wonderful clickety clack sound as they sew. But to clean them You have to be willing to get dirty, get your vacuum out and really clean as many of them were stored in dusty attics or barns. usually you will meet a dead spider or two or in the case of "Mrs. Brown" she was filled will sunflowerseed hulls as birds had been living in there.
 
In my minnesota A I found old post cards from the turn of the century,  an antique needle holder, a boning attachment for corests (when you make your own) and drawers full of interesting stuff including old baseball tickets which one day I will sell on ebay.
 
Personally this is not for everybody because if there is a problem, YOU are the repairman.  For the most part there aren't too many problems except cleaning out very very old and savage dust bunnies under the needle plate, putting on a new belt and just general cleaning inside and out.  There is alot of online support for treadlers.  But I knwo alot of people simply want the machine to come out of the box and sew for them.  and I respect that too.  But you have no computer chips, you have no nylon or plastic parts and really there is not  much to break.  One of my machines had a crack in the cast iron, which was repaired. So far that's all I have had to deal with.
 
considering a new machine? (antique or new)>  Get what you want!~  If a treadle calls to you, or a featherweight, get it.  If a new Janome calls to you, get it.  This is a hobby. Have fun with it and enjoy!  Also maybe gear your machine to the type of sewing you do.  The owner of a nearby quilt shop has a cheapo $90 machine from Target and makes fabulous quilts on it.
My dream machine is on craigslist and I'm picking it up next week. $60.00.  yay! I can't wait. Another White VSIII with oodles of attachments and in  good shape. This makes 8.  I keep swearing off new machines but now they follow me home. I'm starting that new wing on the house soon!  LOL.
 
Didn't know how to give you a short answer to this, but I am totally passionate about my hobby of collecting and sewing.