Sew, Mama Sew is hosting sewing machine month and I'm posting my meme in hopes it's of use to someone. I know when I was looking for a machine I researched and talked to everyone I knew and I still had to go out on a limb and just buy a machine. One can only look for so long then action has to be taken. :)
So here we go....
What brand and model do you have?
I have a Bernina 165E Artista
How long have you had it?
I've had it for two years.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I paid about $1300 on Ebay. I got a great deal but it sure was hard spending that kind of money of a sewing machine and I wasn't even sewing that much then. I convinced myself with the machine I would sew much more. Thankfully that's actually turned out to be the case.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew a variety of different things, such as knitting organizers and totes. I sew clothes and misc. projects for the family. I have also free-motioned quilted with it as well. My machine also has the embroidery attachment as well so I do some embroidery, although not as much as I thought I would when I bought it.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew on average about one to two hours a day so quite a bit of wear and tear. Which it holds up to remarkably well.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. It being my first real fancy machine I don't have anything to complain about. Really it does everything I need it to do. I can't think of one thing I hate except sometimes I wish I had the walking foot regulator that the new machines have but that's just because I'm still not a great machine quilter. :)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love the variety of stitches that it offers and feet. I also feel like it makes really nice stitches and makes sewing just easier in general.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Other than when I have a hard time getting the tension right at times I can't say I do have anything that drives me nuts. Most is operator error.
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 husband was kind enough to let me use some of the money he received when his grandfather passed away. Because his grandmother was an avid quilter a small part of me hopes I'm using it in a way that is honoring to them and the money they worked so hard for during their lives.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Absolutely! It sews fantastic, with great stitches and is easy to use. Really I have nothing bad to say. I love the solidness of a Bernina because it has an all metal core. Metal just stands up longer to the wear and tear of everyday use. Yeah for my machine, I love it!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I think you have to consider price range, what things you'll be using it mostly for and consumer reviews. I think the hard thing about shopping for a machine is that it's easy to get caught up in the gadgets and the newest gadgets. It's important to really sit down and decide what you need from a machine and how much that's worth to you. I know I got caught up in thinking I should also have the embroidery attachment when in reality it's something I use so rarely it probably wasn't worth the extra cost. I also read a lot of other people's reviews of my machine so I felt comfortable that it fit my needs.
Do you have a dream machine?
Absolutely! I plan on having this machine with me till it dies.
*I hope this litttle meme has been of help to someone out there searching for a machine. Have a great Friday! It's thrifting day for me, my favorite time of the week.
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And this amazing cup holder for the outside patio. So cool and retro and now in desperate need of some retro glasses. I love searching for things. That's half the fun!
I also found a great blue portable typewriter for my shop.
If I didn't already have a typewriter it'd be mine. I hope you all have/had a great Monday.
