Les Machines

Found my card reader.  And I'm doing what I can to hop back on the tool train too.  I receive regular requests for sewing machine recommendations, but am a little shy about recommending a starter sewing machine as I've been entirely spoiled on the sewing machine front and haven't had to shop for a starter sewing machine for, well two decades almost & I'm not that old!   

I have three sewing machines and two sergers.  My newest machine is a Bernina Artista 640.  The coolest thing about this one is that I can design embroideries on my computer & then stitch them out at will. Of course, I confess, I've only done this once so far.  But that's because I've been designing more than sewing in recent months. (Isaac wrote an article for Sew News about how to interface with these machines if you're a Mac user & not on PCs. The embroidery I designed for that article is available as a free download in my sidebar under "Free Embroidery File.")  Anyhow, I'm not up to a comprehensive, statistical review, but I can say that Berninas are a very pleasant machine to sew on.

Speaking of Berninas -- Quick story -- Partway through my Apparel Design degree our workshop space was re-outfitted with an army of new Bernina 1620s.  Reading through the manual late one night (many all-nighters were pulled at school - Project Runway pretty much wraps up the experience), there was a mention of 'memorized buttonholes,' but the instructions weren't clear what exactly those were or how to set the machine to do it.  Oh, but the idea of 'memorized buttonholes!'  I proceeded to poke & prod & tap out all manner of button sequences before I was successful.  I think it took me an hour or so to break the code.  Completely worth it!  And, of course, I got to be Santa Claus the next day showing my friends that new technology.  We all took a renewed interest in buttons that season.

Anyhow... sewing with a quality machine is really important, especially if you're new to sewing.  I've taught many people to sew who were originally convinced they were stinky sewers.  In every case I recall, it was their cheapy cheap sewing machines taunting them. The machines would lock up & the threads would get all tangled.  Hands in the air, "I stink!" I'd re-thread the machine & get them going again, only for the machine to grunt & groan once more.  "My friend, it's your machine that stinks!  Here, try mine."  "Oh, hmmm, maybe I can sew."  Yes, I've witnessed this many times.

Of course, you don't need that Cadillac up there in order to be successful either.  Most new sewers should look for a machine with a straight stitch, a zig-zag stitch, buttonhole capability, back-stitch button, ability to change needle position, interchangeable feet, etc. But go with one of the better brands.  (Can't say just which models though as I haven't researched any of this lately.)  Get a good quality machine so you're more likely to succeed & to like yourself as a sewer.

Otherwise, just know that if you're learning to sew with a $50 machine from the drugstore that half of your sewing battles are not your fault.  Blame the machine.  That works too.  And don't give up sewing!

My other machines...
• Viking #1+ Sewing Machine - Not as new as the Artista 640, so it's not in prime position anymore, but I still like this machine a lot.  This is the machine I take out when a friend comes over to sew.  And I like to do buttonholes on this one too (out of familiarity, I think).
• Bernina 840 Sewing Machine - Old machine.  It was old when I got it too.  But it has metal parts! And everyone I've ever heard discuss this machine has given it the - same - exact - nickname -, "workhorse," which really weirds me out. I've lent this machine out to many friends who were learning to sew. And this is the machine I do all of my upholstery and slip-cover sewing on.  It's not an industrial machine, but it's tough.
• Bernina 2500 DCET Serger - Haven't mastered this one yet, but it does all of those cool hem stitches for sewing with knits.  I like to keep this one set on a cover stitch and use my other serger for overlock, so I don't have to switch the threading around too much.  See, totally spoiled.
• Bernette 234 Serger - I love this serger. Just a good, straight-forward machine that's easy to troubleshoot.  Perhaps its our history though.  Loyalty.  I bought this one used.  It was the summer I turned 20.  I had already survived one fashion show in college (huge collection, one-of-a-kind hand-sweaters too, so tiring!) & I knew I'd be putting together another collection the following year.  This serger was my ticket to sewing at home & pulling fewer all-nighters at school (yes, those were crazy-fun, but I was newly-married & trying to be more sensible). It was $200 or $250 at the time, which was about as much as we paid in rent, but neither of us flinched.  It was a good call.

So, those are my machines, a couple of which came as presents from my generous MIL who opted to be paid in machines in exchange for design work (machine embroidery, I think) over the years .  She's just about outfitted all of her daughters with top-of-the-line machines now.  Ridiculously fabulous & indulgent pursuit, don't you think?  Yes, there were times when my sewing machine was worth more than my car.  Not the nicest cars back then though.   

I'll take some photos of my other machines & mix them into this post later this week to break up all this text. I could probably go on, but I'm actually sewing today & am anxious to get back to it.  I'll upload some N.Carolina photos for next time too.

Comments

[Michelle T.]

I'm all about Berninas too! Quick story: I've taken doll classes from your MIL (about 10 years ago in Omaha!) and she's a hoot. I had to fly somewhere for work the next day, and here she comes. Dressed to the nines. I plopped right down next to her and started chatting away. The rest of the concourse wasn't sure what to think of us.

[Amy]

I really want to get a Bernina in the near future. I have a basic Kenmore and while it isn't the cheapest of the cheap, it's pretty damn cheap.

[Summer Allen]

-k- your space is so sunny and clean. Totally magazine worthy! Love it!!!

[leah]

I am a Bernina girl, too when it come to sewing machines...I have a Babylock serger that I LOVE. Anyway, on the "low-end" of Bernina's line is the Activa series (#s 210,220,230) and they are all great machines...a few more features as you go up each level. To anyone who wants a good machine that doesn't cost more than your car, they are very simple to use and don't have more bells and whistles than you need or can learn to use. PERFECT for those who THINK you are a stinky sewer. You'll be confident in no time.

[lisa brown]

Heather, you are so full of information...It is always a treat to stop by and visit your blog.

[rohanknitter]

ITA agree about sewing machines for beginners. I was convinced I was terrible when I had my walmart cheap-o sewing machine. Then I got a basic Janome - basic, but quality - and now I actually enjoy sewing. Before it was just frustrating.

[Cheryl M.]

I too, love my Bernina machines...my 4th child is the 1230 and I have an old 830 that just purrs. :) Also have a Babylock serger. Good machines are a gift! :))

[Freda]

I emailed you about machines...thanks for your post! I actually bought a Pfaff machine and I love it. It is not too complicated, but a heck of a lot better than my dinosaur Singer!

[Niesz Vintage Home]

Thanks so much for the run-down on your machines!
I'm looking for a new serger and reading everthing I can about the different models.

Right now, I have a used Singer Ultralock, but would love the have one with a differential feed. (I think that's what its called) LOL

I love my Viking sewing machine, BTW. Its a lower to middle of the line model, but works really well for me.

Kimberly :)

[christina]

hi heather-just wanted to know if your little girl outfits are original designs or do you use store bought patterns? if so which ones?
thanks!

[Heather Bailey]

Hi Christina - You're referring to the outfits I made for the Home Companion feature, right? I designed those. For a while, when I was in college, my fantasy career was to start a children's clothing label. I think I'll have to do some children's sewing patterns at some point. I really enjoy designing for kids.

[The Lazy Organizer]

I do the same thing with my two sergers. One is set up for a cover stitch and one (an industrial serger) does a regular overlock. I'm spoiled too. My husband bought me the Baby Lock Evolve a couple years ago that threads itself! Love it!!!

I have a 40 year old metal bernina too. I will be passing that thing down to my great, great grandchildren.

[Tia]

I have 2 Berninas as well and I just love them. They are great machines and make sewing a joy.

[Shannon]

Love my Bernina sewing machine and embroidery machine too. Love my babies:) I am hope that next embroidery design you might be able to work in an - .exp - because that is the only file my machine takes:)

[Tonya Richard]

I agree, a good machine can make all the difference. I am not lucky enough to have a Bernina or Viking, maybe one day : ) However, I really do love my machine and it is a very viable option for most people. It is a Kenmore 19606. It retails for around $700, but I got mine on sale for around $480, still brand new in box too. So, anyone reading needing a new machine, this one is a winner and won't break the bank : )

[Sarah Lair]

Thanks for all of your sharing! Love your blog and fabric line. I have an embroidery business and am so interested in your husbands article on Macs- we are a mac family- trying to use an old PC, but would love to use our mac. DO you have this article that you could email? Thanks so much!

[laurel]

My Bernina 830 was my high school graduation present from my grandparents 20 years ago (and it was even a year old when they bought it for me!) That machine has traveled the world and sewn probably tens of thousands of yards for me and it's still purring along like a kitten. Other people sew on it and are just amazed by its ease of use and beautiful even stitches. I can't see myself ever "upgrading" to another machine! I would like to splurge on a better serger, though - I would love to have a cover stitch.

heh - I just looked up and noticed that Cheryl M says that her 830 "purrs" as well!

[Christy/ MommaOnTheMountain]

My beginer machine was/is a Pfaff hobby 4240, a workhorse, but old now and getting tempermental. I just bought (used) a BabyLock Crafter's Choice, that is a dream! I love it. I agree, about buying higher end. Even if it is a used, reserviced one, I would rather spend more money, and get more use...anyways. Good Post!

[Terriaw]

Heather - this post was so helpful. I have been telling myself my basic Singer machine is just fine, but I really want a Bernina. Even more after reading your post! Thanks everyone else for sharing your sewing machine experiences too!

[Nevis]

I love my sewing machine, too. It's an Elnita and so easy! Love it!

[Karlee]

thank you for educating us. I love that you will share your knowledge and experience. You seem so down to earth and fun. SO knowledgeable. Thank you.. Keep up it up!

[Karlee]

thank you for educating us. I love that you will share your knowledge and experience. You seem so down to earth and fun. SO knowledgeable. Thank you.. Keep up it up!

[jenn desjardins]

my mom swears by her bernina! I am asking for a sewing machine for my birthday..perhaps my husband should read this!

[kristen]

i've always used a singer and while i know they aren't the most fancy or the best, i've always loved them. my mother has used EVERYTHING - and i think ended up with most complaints with the Elna -

she just bought me a 1920's featherweight for my birthday - i'm just aching to get the new belt it needs and start sewing away on that thing!

[Jennifer]

I learned to sew on my mom's Bernina 830. Then when she got me a machine for my college graduation, she got me a used 930. She new I would be doing a lot of long seams and heavy quilting, so she opted for a used machine with metal construction. I LOVE MY BERNINA! It had to be 10 years old when I got it, and I've been out of undergrad longer than I'd like to admit. I use it all the time.

The short story is, I'm with you. Buy a quality machine! Even if you have to get a used one. My machine is one of those old "workhorse" machines too. Totally worth it.

[kristen]

i've always used a singer and while i know they aren't the most fancy or the best, i've always loved them. my mother has used EVERYTHING - and i think ended up with most complaints with the Elna -

she just bought me a 1920's featherweight for my birthday - i'm just aching to get the new belt it needs and start sewing away on that thing!

[Knitsational]

Thanks for sharing! I'm in the market for a new machine so your post was very helpful to me;)

[Daisy]

I totally agree that a good quality sewing machine makes all the difference in your sewing success. I found an old Bernina 811 at a yard sale last year--for $10! I absolutely love it. Since then I've seen other older machines at yard sales and the on-line classifieds. I'd recommend one of the older, all-metal machines to anyone.
Heather, would you please give us some more of your wonderful advice on sewing?

[Dara]

I picked up a very basic Bernina 6 months ago and the first thing I sewed on it was a crib quilt for my new baby with Freshcut fabric. Its been my favorite purchase ever. Embarassingly enough my grandma had to teach me how to use the needle threader, though.

[Rachel]

Congratulations on your Bernina 640! That is a fantastic machine. I got a Bernina 430 for my birthday. I am also extremely interested in the programs available for embroidery, my dream would to have version 5. Have you taken a look at the new Bernina My Label software?

See you at Market!

[Niki]

My mom has had an Elna for...forever! And when it was time for me to go to college, I had to get my own. So Dad searched eBay and found me one. Now my little sister wants one too because she has one of the cheepy cheep ones and is now realizing that mine and mom's rocks. But I highly recomend the Elnas, at least the old ones. They are work horses.

[Alicia]

Dear Heather
It's a very fine blog. I like it, especially I also own a Bernina 640.
Drink a Cognac and please write more articles,

Alicia
By the way I found your blog via
http://www.naehbistro.ch/sewing

[Cynthia]

Ah, Bernina. I have a Bernina sewing 'computer' (why do that call it that now?), a Bernina sewing machine, and a Viking serger. Glad I'm not the only one who collects sewing machine. My newst Bernina is worth more than one of my cars. Frightening.

I copied your sewing room--pink walls and all--for my sewing room. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Bobbie Lynn Duran]

When I was looking to buy a sewing machine several years ago, I sat down with all the vendors at a local sewing show. I brought a list of things that I thought where important such as, button holes (I would avoid patterns that had button holes), using heavy fabric, sheer fabric, attachments and so on. I bought what could afford and I am blessed to have a Viking Lily 555. I have not used this machine to its fullest, but hope to real soon. Love your photos they bring great inspiration to me.

[Michelle S]

My very first sewing machine was a Bernina 1080. That was over 13 years ago! I have since aquired a Bernina 830, the Bernina 1150 serger... and just a few weeks ago the Bernina 630 with embroidery. Thank you so much for the design, and I really looking forward to trying it out with my new machine. I am really looking forward to you new fabric line!

[Lynn]

Your set up for your photos are gorgeous. :)

[Vicki]

I love the Pfaff machines. I have a Hobby at home and top-of=the-line with all of the toys (2170) at work. Great, easy to learn machines.

[stephanie]

I got my first sewing machine for Christmas and it is a Bernina Bernette 66 and I LOVE it! I've already made 2 pairs of bikinis, a few aprons and some other random things. I love learning on it. I've yet to do any button-holes as I'm a bit scared. But I'll get there. My mum actually has an old Janome - great machine, but it's hard to find repairers for them now, otherwise I would have gotten one of those. :)

[lisa]

Hi Heather - I'm enjoying the view out your window as much as your sewing machine insight! Aaahh the warm sun and green palms, I am missing Arizona!

[Arizona]

Hmmm...all these Burnina gals. I have 3 Husqvarna sewing machines: the Designer Limited SE embroidery machine, the Sapphire 870 Quilt and a 1001 Huskylock serger. I love them all. My first machine was a Kenmore and it was great as a beginner's machine. It rarely gave me trouble. After 15 years of use the only things that no longer worked were the backstitch and one button hole setting (and I broke that myself by accident). It cost about $200 back in 1992, so it wasn't very expensive, but it wasn't cheap for back then, either. I love reading about which machines people use. I'm thinking I should have tried out a Bernina before buying my Husqvarna's since they seem to be so popular and everyone loves them.

[Elizabeth]

I used to try to sew and became SO frustrated (on my Mom's hand me down Singer). I stopped sewing unless I REALLY needed something done. I was blessed with a Duetta (Brother) for my birthday last year and absolutely LOVE it!!! I really look forward to being able to sit down and sew now.
I love your fabric line and your wit. Thanks for sharing with all of us :)
Elizabeth

[Lisa N]

Beautiful machine! I love your site and how colorful and wonderfully fun it is. I just ordered some of your fabric from Cabbage Rose, can't wait till it gets here. I'm really into scrapbooking also, so i'm really looking forward to you paper line coming out. Keep us posted! PS. I did your paper chick easter pattern, they turned out really cute, you can see them on my blog www.lisanewding.blogspot.com

[Ruth]

Thank you so much for this information. My machine is a 60€ machine from a supermarket :( I thought it would be enough just for beginning, but obviously it is not. I will try a little bit more with it, just to see if I really have the time for sewing :P

[Laylabean]

I have a Viking sewing machine and the same Bernette serger you have. Love them both!

And I'm totally with you on the buying a quality machine thing. I have had that discussion SO often with people who want to buy a $99 machine at Wal-Mart and can't understand why I try to discourage it. They never want to believe me when I point out that manufacturers of cheap machines have to cut corners somewhere and it's going to be Garbage In/Garbage Out. And then three weeks later they're telling me how much they hate sewing.

*sigh* Oh well.

[clare]

I would love a new machine! I have a 20year old Husqvarna.It does the job but it is also very emotional and will just flip out for no particular reason.Ahh the dream of the Bernina.

[Amy Evans]

I totally love this post! And, can I have your MIL? What an awesome gift for you to have such a generous MIL! You are also so fortunate to have such creative minds in your family! Wow wee. cool.

[Fivvi]

You have an absolutely wonderful blog! So nice to read and lovely pictures. You bring alot of inspiration to this world!

Best Regards!

//Fivvi

[Hannah]

I would love a new sewing machine, ahhh maybe someday. I love reading your blog. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[Malinda Lloyd]

oh I'm DYING for an embroidery machine but the bernina is out of my price range. thanks for the overview of your machines - it's great to get insight into the process of your design.

I have to admit - I'm a singer girl though. My cheapie machine from Target is just now starting to give me trouble after 5 years. My first singer was a old one from the 70's that was given to my mother.

[Judy M]

I started out on a cheap $99 Singer and it at least got my foot in the door. Oh sure, I had to take it in for tension adjustments All. The. Time. but I tried to convince myself it was okay because I didn't spend much on it in the first place.

Then I got a score of a beautiful Bernina 1010 off of craigslist for just $100!!!!! It has many gorgeous feet, but best of all, a genuine Bernina walking foot! Now I cannot even imagine sewing on anything different. My Bernina is an all-metal, Swiss-made machine and I love it.

My serger is a Babylock Eclipse with lovely differential feed and it's dreamy too ;)

Quality really is amazing, but they don't always have to cost thousands of dollars. If you ('you' being the general 'you' out there looking for a quality machine) are looking for consistently beautiful stitches, scope out yard sales, want ads, craigslist, etc... they're out there... sometimes you just have to look!