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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: playfish
Date: 05-14-2003, 12:17 PM (1 of 22)
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What do you absolutely love about your sewing machine? What do you dislike about it? What is your dream machine? I have a Singer (4830, I think). I bought it because it was fairly inexpensive and I thought it would be a good machine to learn on. Unfortunately, I took sewing classes that used Berninas and I quickly learned the difference between a good machine and junk. I would love to have a Bernina!!! What I would do for a Bernina... 
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User: playfish
Member since: 05-13-2003 Total posts: 16 
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-14-2003, 12:26 PM (2 of 22)
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Hi playfish, welcome to Sew Whats New. For now, enjoy the machine you have. I'm sure there are lots of good things you can make from your machine. When I was a beginner, I didn't know one machine from another and didn't care. I just wanted to sew. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: playfish
Date: 05-14-2003, 12:34 PM (3 of 22)
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Thank you for the welcome Mary! I've been enjoying my Singer for almost 6 years now. I just get so frustrated with it that I'm ready to pitch it out the window. I am so ready for a new machine! |
User: playfish
Member since: 05-13-2003 Total posts: 16
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From: luvmymunchkins
Date: 05-14-2003, 03:08 PM (4 of 22)
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I have a Husqvarna/Viking Iris and LOVE IT!! It sews beautifully, and embroiders too. I recently made a shape book for my daughter with it, the applique was easy and it was great making a personalized book for her. You can see it, just check out my web page under toys (see sig below ;o). I really don't have any complaints yet, have had it about two months so far. It has alot of great features, you can have the needle stop up or down, you can set the speed instead of controlling it from the pedal, etc. It has two button holes stitches, regular and key hole. I could go on for pages but I'll spare you LOL. Leticia |
User: luvmymunchkins
Member since: 04-28-2003 Total posts: 32 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 05-14-2003, 04:17 PM (5 of 22)
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a Janome MC10000...I quilt with it...make clothes and embroider almost anything I can get my hands on. Now I want a serger and a quilter, so I can have more of a choice and an easier time of switching back and forth. ( I like BIG complicated embroideries and they take a LOT of time....)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Bama
Date: 05-14-2003, 09:46 PM (6 of 22)
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I have a Brother PC6000. I LOVE the automatic thread cutter, and the start/stop button so you don't even have to use the foot pedal if you don't want to. Also love the automatic threader, all the different stitches..... I would absolutely love to have a Husqvarna Viking Designer 1, but I guess it's not going to happen any time in the next several years. My dream is to have a professional quilting machine. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: sewinsue
Date: 05-15-2003, 03:23 PM (7 of 22)
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I have a BASIC - and I do mean BASIC Brother. I have owned it for 15 days... lol... I really like it and for my skills, it is the right machine for me... although, I do wish it had a buttonholer - The instructions are confusing, I am going to make a cheat sheet for it... Ironically, the day after I got it, my husband (who delivers Parcels for a living), FOUND an old Brother VX710, beside a dumpster where he was delivering. I cleaned it up, and we ordered a Bobbin Carrier for it, and are going to have it tuned up for my DD. She is looking forward to that, although it weighs a ton and a half. We have also ordered the manual for it from our local sewing machine repair person...  Sue |
User: sewinsue
Member since: 05-07-2003 Total posts: 11 
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From: Llantrisant
Date: 05-15-2003, 05:21 PM (8 of 22)
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Welcome playfish,I have a Janome sewing machine,loads of different designs to embrioder with,I would love an upgrade but don't see that happening at all,unless i win the lottery lol.I started out many years ago with an old singer treadle machine, which was my mothers.I love my Janome my wish is though because its the 8000 model which is not upgradable! to be able to download embriodery patterns off the internet. I also have a singer serger,with a differencial feed,that means you can move the dial and tighten stitches for gathering etc.
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144 
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From: sewn-machine
Date: 05-15-2003, 08:58 PM (9 of 22)
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Ok - I'm the sewing machine junky here - I own all Janome/NewHome machines......the 373 flatbed, Jem, MX3123, 2018 and now the Harmony2049LX(just won on ebay for $135); these are all mechanical......the computerized ones are the Memorycraft 5001,3000,4000,7500. 8 machines in all. I am totally devoted to the Janome line. They come loaded with goodies, tons of presser feet, rugged, yet sew very very quietly....and are just down-right good looking. Some of my machines were used and bought from ebay and ebay dealers, others were new and bought from my dealer. The oldest is the Memorcraft 5001 computerized (circa 1980 ) and this is the one I use exclusively for my HUGE quilting projects. It also has an automatic straight stitch plate. It just purrs right along. I also love the fact that all the presser feet are interchangable (even the generic ones). I use the Jem and will use the 2049LX for toting to classes and on vacation. My MX3123 is an absolute workhorse.....sewing through almost 3/4 inch thick drapery material with velcro headers. The 3000 I use for everyday sewing, and the 4000 and 7500 for beautiful embellishment and alphabet stitches. I should mention that I also have the Brother PE150 embroidery only machine........and love it also. With the magic box I have downloaded probably about 1000 free designs from the internet now. Just a quick reply to the previous poster with the MC8000 ----- you CAN download designs from the internet....... just get a Magic Box, or Amazing Box etc..... they will come with the blank card you specify to fit your 8000. I wouldn't even consider buying all those embroidery cards.......they are ridiculously expensive. The Magic box is about $200 but more than pays for itself with all the designs you can get for free from the internet. Anyway, just a suggestion. So, for anyone interested in a new machine, check out anything Janome. You get wayyyyyyy more machine for the money than with some of the other brands. And they last forever.! A good dog, a sewing machine and an old guitar
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User: sewn-machine
Member since: 08-12-2002 Total posts: 13
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From: luvmymunchkins
Date: 05-16-2003, 02:28 AM (10 of 22)
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I have an Ultimate Box and only paid 149.99 ;o) Leticia |
User: luvmymunchkins
Member since: 04-28-2003 Total posts: 32
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From: Aimee S
Date: 05-16-2003, 03:04 AM (11 of 22)
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I have the Janome Memory Craft 10,000. it is soooo awesome. I had the 9000 but I never embroidered with it cause the software to make designs was bad and the cards were to expensive. I sold it to get the 10,000. I love it with direct connection to the computer if I want or with a PC card. it is simple and easy TOOOO easy. My 92 year old grandmother that is still using a treddle Singer tried my machine and was sold. My first machine was a 18 stitch Singer that Gan MA tried and went back to her treddle. I also have the Janome Compulock serger. It too is incredible. I do not have to mess with the tension dials. you chose the stitch you want. tell it the type of fabric, how many layers, and the type of thread in each slot and it adjust for you. tooo cool. I still do tests out of habit but it is not nessasary. the only adjustment is the stitch length. too cool. I have the amazing box and I digitize most of my designs. I am trying to get a site up to sell designs that are hard to find. Generic designs like Arrows, boxes ect. Things that people want but cant find and at a reason able price. 1-5 tops. personal logos under 20. I think some are trying to rip others off. sorry of track. http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: luvmymunchkins
Date: 05-16-2003, 02:39 PM (12 of 22)
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What program do you use to digitize? Leticia |
User: luvmymunchkins
Member since: 04-28-2003 Total posts: 32
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From: Aimee S
Date: 05-16-2003, 04:33 PM (13 of 22)
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I use Janome digitizer 10,000 and I will be getting the Orgins software for FREEE but I have to be a teacher on it at our local sewing club.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-16-2003, 06:31 PM (14 of 22)
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Daily use: Janome Memory Craft 4000 purchased in early 90's. Has 70 some stitches and 3/4 inch alphabets in block letters and fancy old English type letters. Does everything except embroidery programs. It is not an embroidery machine. My serger (cannot remember brand name) purchased in 80's from Cloth World for $279.00.. Its still going strong.. ... In reserve: Singer 221. Featherweight Portable - bought used in 1957 for $159.00 .. Has all the attachments with it (feet, etc) and a Buttonhole attachment.. Still makes the most beautiful buttonholes ever.. (this is my life's treasure) (straight stitch only).. my old daily user: (currently living at DIL's home..) A Kenmore from the 70's. It is a cabinet model I got on sale because when its closed, you can see a little of the machine peeking out under the bottom of the wood on the front.. I think I paid $165.00 for it. It has 5 zigzag stitches and 5 stretch stitches for knits.. Also does good buttonholes automatically.. Only problems I have ever had with any of these machines have been operator errors.. I would like to have an embroidery machine, but I doubt if I buy one. I'm retired now and afraid of what that would do to my income. (fixed) I have been thinking of hiring the embroidery work that I want done.. I think that would suit me better.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 05-16-2003, 07:49 PM (15 of 22)
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A stitch in time saves nine * I have always woundered what exactly does this mean. Gran Ma uses it mother uses it. I ask what it means get the same answer JUST what I said. can you help The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
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From: sewn-machine
Date: 05-18-2003, 03:50 PM (16 of 22)
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it means...... if you take the time to repair small problems or mistakes they won't become BIG problems or mistakes that will ultimately take MORE time and effort to fix. Sort of like putting out small fires before they become BIG fires.
A good dog, a sewing machine and an old guitar
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User: sewn-machine
Member since: 08-12-2002 Total posts: 13
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From: plrlegal
Date: 05-18-2003, 09:08 PM (17 of 22)
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Tell me about your machine Let's see, my latest and most favorite machine is my Pfaff 2044 Quilt Expression. It's a great trouble free machine that is a dream to sew on with the IDF (Integrated Dual Feed). I've been working on altering a plaid skirt and have not struggled in the least getting the plaid to match down the sides where I'm taking it in. It has needle up/down, automatic tie off at beginning and end of seams, auto threader, stitch lock in, tons of built in embroidery, quilt and applique stitches and many more features that I don't use on a daily basis; these machines are in the $1500 to $2000 price range but well worth the money. However, the one I have is very picky about the brands of thread you use in it, especially the bobbin. It prefers Gutterman, Sulky and and metrosene thread. I have a Singer Quantum 3400 which is computerized. Very nice machine with lots of built in emboridery stitches. It is also very user friendly and trouble free. You can use it with or without the foot pedal. I use it a lot to applique because of the stop/start button that makes it much easier to control the applique areas; I also have a 62+ year old Singer treadle that is in perfect working condition. It belonged to my MIL who is deceased; at the moment, it cannot be seen as it is stacked with fabric, patterns, etc. I also have a Singer 5 thread serger that has given me many hours of service with no problems at all. All in all, my sewing room is pretty well equipped with good machines. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: calicoquilter
Date: 06-01-2003, 11:57 PM (18 of 22)
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I too have a Brother PC 6000 that I love! And I got mine from Louanns as well. It runs like a dream, the manual is well written and the on-screen instructions are clear as well. I just used it to do some buttonhole applique and was very pleased with the results. It's the first machine I've owned that I haven't gotten up and walked away from muttering naughty words LOL Sherrie |
User: calicoquilter
Member since: 04-23-2003 Total posts: 1 
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-02-2003, 07:47 AM (19 of 22)
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Hi calicoquilter, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: bren
Date: 06-02-2003, 08:08 AM (20 of 22)
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I have a Basic Baby Lock , 17 stitches, one step button hole, I love it , it's very easy to thread and easy to use. Welcome to the board's playfish and calicoquilter , You will find lot's of great advice on this site. 
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: allie-oops
Date: 06-02-2003, 08:52 PM (21 of 22)
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Well, I went from the most basic, cheapest Singer you could buy straight to a Designer 1. Talk about shell-shock - I only bought the Singer because I wanted to make curtains quicker, and ended up being hooked on quilting. We got the Des 1 so I could do machine embroidery, after I got hooked on that, lol! Now I love to make redwork quilts. The Husqvarna was the only embroidery machine we looked at....and I do love love love it. I had no idea sewing could be so easy. The only problem I have is with the software, I still can't digitize, but I was able to figure out how to do redwork, YES!
"onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: Yannick
Date: 06-03-2003, 07:55 AM (22 of 22)
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Just like Allie I went from bottom of the line 12 stiches kenmore to the D1. I love the machine did look at others loke the 10000 or the brother.But the best follow up I was getting was from the HUs dealer and I was in love with the machine,I like the idea of using a 3.5'' disk instead of a memory card.I did my first digitized of one of my dd drawing. I am mostly sewing but I want to sew not fight the machine! Yannick Yannick
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User: Yannick
Member since: 10-30-2002 Total posts: 49 |
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