Monday, June 1, 2009

I'm still out here! And a meme

I've been so quiet. I got SUPER busy with orders, which was awesome. It meant I shut down the shop entirely so I could catch up. I'm now essentially caught up and actually developing some new projects including some cute little grab-n-go bags, some loyalty/credit/business card holders and my first pattern! And finally I have a brand new skirt to share with you all very soon. So stay tuned!!

Meanwhile I thought I'd participate in the Sew Mama, Sew meme on sewing machines:

What brand and model do you have? Kenmore model 19153

How long have you had it? um, 5-6 years I think? not the original owner.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? it was $900, retail.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? everything. primarily clothing but I've done it all. did lots of quilts, a few handbags, tons of craft and gifts, a few home dec projects. I've also taught a few kids to sew on this machine and they've used it to make gifts for others.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? daily. Sometimes hours a day. Sometimes just a minute here and there. LOTS of wear and tear. LOTS.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love it mostly because she has been so very reliable to me, although terribly abused and neglected. I think she's getting old and to be honest, my machine before her was an ancient singer so this was like High Tech Luxury by comparison. She deserves a name but I hadn't considered it. Thanks for that! I think I'll call her Audra.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? I like the quick threading, easy drop-in bobbin and easy swap-out feet.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? The embroidery letters are a nice touch in theory but too small and ugly to really be legible or useful.

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!
A friend of mine who was a professional seamstress had TONS of machines and was purging. and her greedy sister-in-law who she detested wanted this machine, in particular. So, to spite her, she decided to find it a quick home with someone who she knew would appreciate it and she chose me! Even if it was given to me with family drama attached, I have really REALLY appreciated this machine for years and years!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Well they don't make it anymore and for the cost of buying it used you could probably buy a newer, more technological machine retail. I would recommend Kenmore/Janome in general because this machine has been a workhorse!!

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Ease of use, how much use they can handle, availability of service and parts locally for sure!! Plus if you have lots of feet for an old machine, it might be beneficial to buy a machine that can use those feet.

Do you have a dream machine? Actually it would make me crazy to shop around for a dream machine knowing I'll NEVER be able to afford it. But I have picked out this economical replacement for when Audra hits the hey: Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery-and-​Sewing Machine

By the way, all sewing machine, fabric and notion donations WELCOME :) ha.

2 comments:

  1. HAHA! Maybe it's more fun to sew on because of the family drama attached. :) I think that is a great reason to get a machine as a gift.

    I have the same issue with the embroidery letters on my viking. They are nice, but small. Good for labeling things, but not big projects.

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  2. I loved hearing about your machine! LOL! I CAN'T WAIT to see the new skirt you've been working on! :) Devon

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