I've been contemplating adultery for a few months now. Yup, I'm guilty. I'm guilty of wandering eyes. It all started while my sewing machine was in the shop, you know what they say while the cat's away... All it took was a comment, a glance, and then...the final straw...a quick sew on another machine.
One sew. Innocent. Right?
Holy &!@#! I had no idea how in the dark I was about the latest sewing machines. I mean seriously in the dark. Start/Stop button, auto-thread cutter, huge throat size, auto down needle, machines that can be fit onto frames, a gajillion and eight freaking stitches...
What?
As I contemplate adultery, whether to supplement my machine or buy another one completely, I thought I'd share. After all, every sewer has been there. Is this lust or is this real? Do I need eight million stitches? Is auto-cutting as amazing as it sounds? My hope is that you'll supplement my research with your own experience.
Next Sewing Machine Adultery Post: My Bernina Activa 130
- rebecca lynne
14 comments:
Auto thread cutter is my very favourite Rebecca. Have fun making your decision!
Hugs - Lurline.
I divorced my ancient Elna about 3 years ago, I haven't looked back! My new model doesn't have a thread cutter, that was another $1000!!! But I do have auto needle down, room for quilting and a gazillion stitches. The first two I couldn't live without, but I have to admit, I've only used a few of the stitches. The best thing is that I can now chain piece, the Elna jammed if there was no fabric under the needle!
I got a new machine a while back with auto cutting.. and .. swoon.. auto cutting is amazing. It seems like the bobbin thread lasts longer b/c I'm not pulling out a mile of it every time I cut the thread. Or was I the only one that did that? lol
It only takes one little bit of sewing to be tempted......
Chuckling at Di's comment!
P.S. No idea about auto cutting but the needle up/down function and a knee lift are marvellous!
Well i got a new machine a month ago and i love it needle up down thread cutter the gazzilion stitches wonderful!! took the old (2yrs) out the other day and wow what a difference between them both sorry little one away you go !!.......have fun choosing it took me ages of reviews but worth it in the end :))
You're hilarious! I normally wouldn't approve of adultery but go for it ;)
I just recentlt took the plunge and bought a new machine. Mine wasn't even that old yet, only 4 years. But the wide throat is a must for quilting, and I LOVE MY NEW MACHINE! I honestly say I only use a few of the stitches, but it has one that makes "handmade" that I really want to try. I am sure the others will just sit there and go to waste, but honestly I was buying it for the quilting features. It does have auto thread cut but I haven't tried it yet. I absolutely recommend needle up/down. Mine has knee lift which I also haven't tried because I have little ones... and little hands that would play with the knee lift bar. But I plan on using that as much as I can when they are older and or sleeping. Plus I caved because it was on a super clearance price since it was a class model from QuiltCon. Used 4 days and over 50% off what my local quilt store was listing it... yeah I caved FAST.
(Laughing, then eyeing the new machines wistfully) I'm so with you on the larger throat size for FMQ ease, and all the other wonderful improvements. I'm lusting after a new one, but I don't know if I'd use the gazillion stitches....ah, spring! Maybe that's our hormones and the pretty weather making our eyes wander. Hehee!
lol! But seriously, a hard decision. Whether to go for lots of bells and whistles or a really functional straight stitch only with a big throat...(note to self) must buy a lottery ticket!
I have 2 old Singers (60's? early 70's?), a Juki TL 2010 and a mini Janome. I love them all in different ways (like children) - it's not cheating. :)
My Horizon has a bizallion stitches. I use straight, zig zag and I have made a couple button holes. I love needle down and I use the thread cutter every day. Never use the knee lever, I don't sit that way. It fmqs wonderfully, have done a king on it. I am eyeing long and mid arm machines now, measuring spaces, etc.
Like Rachel at Stitched in Color, I am the owner of a new Juki TL 2010 Q this week. My first machine (Janome HD-1000) was and is a great workhorse but lacked the threadcutter, auto needle down, and large harp space. I am really loving the Juki. I have been about my experiences with her on my blog (craftyvet.tumblr.com) as well as following along with what Rachel has to say. In short, I LOVE this machine. I think she needs to be on your list! :)
Rebecca, I've been sewing for more than 45 years and like you, I love new gadgets with all the bells and whistles. But I don't like the price tags that go along with them. Five years ago I purchased a used Babylock Ellageo ESG3 off of eBay. A really big gamble I know, but it was the only way I was going to get a top of the line sewing and embroidery machine (albeit an older model). I haven't used all the fancy stitches but I use the embroidery features a lot especially since there are so many designs available. I also got digitizing software to create my own designs. I had to use a design transfer system with a rewritable card since my machine had the old floppy disc drive. Just recently it was in the shop for its annual cleaning and tuneup. Like you, my eyes started wandering especially for those coveted of features, USB and network connections. Bt several thousand dollars to upgrade to a machine with those features??? Not if iI want to eat for the next two or three years! So I contacted Babylock to see if they offered a conversion drive like Husqvarna did on some of their floppy disc drive models, but no such luck. The only thing I really needed was more modern connectivity. I figured that if Husqvarna offered an upgrade, someone out there had to have a drive available for my Babylock. After some research, I found a company that actually makes a USB/Network conversion drive for my machine, so it's going back to the shop to have the new drive professionally installed. Because I saved so much money by upgrading rather than replacing my Babylock, I was able to purchase the Juki TL-2010Q. Based on your type of projects, I think you would be happier with the Juki rather than a new "all the bells and whistles" sewing machine. I know I'm thrilled with the new addition to my sewing family. Next on the list is a machine quilting frame.
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