Basic Tricks To Take Your Sewing Up A Notch

21 May, 2012

SMS Giveaway Day - post 1







SewMamaSew
- a great online fabric store from my neck of the woods facilitates the best hordes (hoarders) of givers ever. I have participated several years and have met new blogging friends along the way.
<<>>
I did the whole random number thing and it picked a low number. #3.
Candy from Candykins Crafts.
Thank you EVERYONE for entering this drawing.
Please take a minute to plug SewMamaSew on Facebook for facilitating this week of fantastic giveaways.

Here's one of my giveaways.
A big bunch of vintage sewing treasures. Buttons, eyelet trim, seam bindings, rick rack, snaps, self-threading needles. I took the photo before the light faded but I will (most definitely) find more vintage fun stuff to load up the package.
Whatever fits in a priority flat-rate envelope will be sent to one lucky sew-er.
I took some photos but will fill that envelope to the brim with as many notions and sundry as I can fit inside (haberdashery for those folks on the other side of the pond)

If you haven't been here before, I love to haunt garage sales and I find more vintage sewing goodies than I can possibly use. You can see some of it for sale in my etsy shop and many of my creations feature my finds. I live with an airplane, a lab, a husband, an acre of flowers and the kids rooms house my growing collection of machines and fabrics and crafty stuff.
I tend to ramble on about whatever is in my head.


To enter, leave me a comment  telling me what type of sewing machine that you use (the most) and why.
I am thinking of buying a new machine for Christmas. I sew just about anything - from airplane cockpit covers to tiny little purses. Cute clothes for my nieces. I don't quilt a lot but use the quilting in some of my creations.

Open to anyone - International too!
Open until Friday evening (25th) when I stumble home from work and turn on the laptop.

Winner will be determined by total randomness and please make sure your e-mail is accessible.

Please check out SewMamaSew for more wonderful giveaways.

*****>>>>>Kathy here commenting on her own blog:
I find it fascinating that the majority of you sew on old, cheap machines.
Which I do too. A 60's Singer that does great and occasionally on an similar-decade Riccar. Nothing fancy - just the straight stitch and zigzag.

Definitely food for thought on do I need one with more fancy doodads?

However, I did splurge and buy a Bernina 1150mda Serger  a few years back.   I have no clue as to how I got along without it before. I absolutely adore this serger.

155 comments:

  1. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I use a Singer 4032 which is about 35yrs old (inherited from my mom when she bought a fancy new Bernina). I love it because it runs like a dream, has plenty of stitch options, and I've been told by repair places that if it ever needs repair (knock on wood - it hasn't yet) that it would not be expensive to fix.

    The old machines were assembled by people which is why they're easier to fix and also why they rarely need to be fixed. The new machines are assembled by machines which is why they are harder & more expensive to have repaired!

    handmadebytracie (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I use a janome 4120 qdc--it's awesome--does great with knits and has a quilting attachment if you're interested in that!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ha ha, I'm with Handmadebytracie in my enthusiasm for old machines. Mine is also about 35 years old, it's a Janome, but doesn't have any number or distinguishing label...however, it does all I need it to do and is easy for me to keep clean and oiled by myself.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I recently got a Brother SE-400 & I love it. It's my first embroidery machine & first electronic machine. It has a bunch of decorative stitches, an automatic threader, a thread cutter & tons of great functions. There's nothing I haven't been able to do with it so far. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a Brother girl. I have a mid-range machine that came with a walking foot... I especially love it's decorative stitches!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have 2 Kenmore and use them both alot my Aunt gave me the one I use the most and it is awesome. They are easy to maintain and the feet, needles work on both machines even though one is ten years older. I like that. I love vintage sewing stuff so you are right up my alley. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just ordered my first sewing machine ever and it is a Brother. It got good reviews and I hope it will be good for me.

    Scrapgirl1467 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Thanks for the chance to win this stash, it would be a big help to me starting out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I use a Janome but I want to buy a sturdy vintage machine because I just don't trust the plastic ones now a days...

    xo Steph

    ReplyDelete
  9. thanks for the giveaway! I use a singer quantum. Why? I happened to walk in to a shop selling singer when I needed a sewing machine, and just bought the one they recommended. :-D

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have a simple and old kenmore. Nothing fancy but gets the job done. Thank you for the offerings.

    ReplyDelete
  11. An old vintage Kenmore :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    melissajpalmer at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a lovely pile of goodies. I use a Bernina Bernette 66 that I got last year, it's so nice to have a new machine! Before that I worked on a 33 year old Singer :). Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the wonderfully tantalizing give-away!So many goodies!

    I have a very vintage Sterling machine and absolutely love it!
    The old ones have such character.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I sew on a very old Riccar machine that I got for free from freecycle. It would probably be a great machine in the hands of a more experienced sewer, but I'll probably be looking for something else soon. I love garage sales and estate sales too! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have a Brother that I got for my birthday a couple of years ago. I find it easy to use, great for a beginner sew-er like me.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I sew with a Vintage singer and although It's it nothing fancy, I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have a super cheap one that is a supermarket own brand which was a present to get me going on sewing. I dream of something better. Fab giveaway, thank you.
    ks.eyles@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have a Brother machine that I love. I got refurbished and it has been a real treat. Thanksf or the giveaway.

    kobelcm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have a bernina 350PE that I just bought in March, after a month of stress with my Brother PC420. I love the stitches on the bernina...it doesn't skip over bulky areas like the brother did.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  20. what a lot of great goodies! I use a Janome machine and I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I use a Bernina 1630 that I got from my Mother In Law for free.
    Thanks,
    Erin
    emstone28@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a goldmine of sewing notions. I am a Singer baby and use my Mother's old, old, old Singer which still hums like a charm.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have a Janome 660 and a Jonome 11000 - wouldn't have anything else. I love my machines

    ReplyDelete
  24. I sew on a very basic Brother machine, which suits me quite well. I covet my mother's 40 year old Husqvarna (sp?). I LOVE vintage sewing notions. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have a Brother machine, my mum brought it for me for xmas :) x

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have a Bernina that was my grandmother's. It's loaded with cool stuff, but I honestly have only ever used straight and zigzag!

    ReplyDelete
  27. GREAT giveaway! I could use all those buttons!! I sew on my mom's Necchi, and it's fine. I would love a Janome or Bernina.

    ReplyDelete
  28. i use a cheap euro-pro because i got it for my birthday a few years ago and as a student i don't have the funds to upgrade! or when i do i spend it on silly things like fixing my broken laptop and buying presents at christmas. hehe.

    my email is supersharmie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. i use a cheap euro-pro because i got it for my birthday a few years ago and as a student i don't have the funds to upgrade! or when i do i spend it on silly things like fixing my broken laptop and buying presents at christmas. hehe.

    my email is supersharmie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ooh! I love notions! I use a Singer Esteem II but I hate it. :D I am picking a Viking I got off Craigs list this weekend! Excited!
    brooke at richardchurch dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I use a Brother sewing machine and a Brother serger. They have both been good to me and do everything that I need them to :)

    I mostly sew clothing for my almost 4 year old daughter.

    Desi
    weeshareblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have a roughly 40 year old Kenmore sewing machine that's still working. It's basic, but it meets my needs.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I actually don't get along with sewing machines, so I do it by hand, so I'm not much help! LOL! jinglesells at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I use a white because it was free :D thanks for the giveaway!!

    bbbmonce(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. My sears brand kenmore is 12 years old and GREAT. easy to service and repair----rarely needs it.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the fabulous giveaway! I use a janome (mid level) and I love it. For FMQ I use the Janome and a Singer 201. I love all the vintage notions.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What fabulous goodies! :) Thanks for the chance!

    I use a Janome HT2008 and I love it!!! It's an easy machine to make changes to the stitches and such and works so hard.

    ReplyDelete
  38. No joke, this prize just raised my pulse a little bit. This is the best one I've seen!!! I'm a Brother kind of girl, and I currently have the Innovis 40, which I LOVE, and a 1034D serger, which is generally a lifesaver for someone who is too impatient to make my seams pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I use a Bernina and I strongly recommend it!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I use a Janome, it is fairly basic, but I love it, and haven't had any problems with it. Thanks for the crazy awesome giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I use Brother Innov-is 1e, a embroidery mashine and I love it - bought it in february so still much to learn :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I use a Viking - it is strong and has enough fancy stiches for me. I had a Singer for many years, and it finally gave up the ghost.
    beth(dot)sebastian(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I use a BabyLock decorators choice. I have been enjoying her thus far. I really like the needle threader and the auto-cut features.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I use a kenmore - because its what I've got!

    Julia @ Stars&Sunshine
    starsandsunshineblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I have an old (circa 1960s) Singer that my husband bought for me off of Ebay....it's the same machine my mother has and the type I learned on.

    ReplyDelete
  46. What an awesome giveaway! Vintage goodies. I use a Bernina 1130. The machine is about 23 years old and it still sews as well as the day I bought it. Hope you find a machine that you like.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I have a Brother PC-420. It's a good machine at a good price. Solid, and lots of features.

    ReplyDelete
  48. my sewing machine was my Mum's. I think it was a 21st gift so it'd be 45 years old now ... probably not much help to you :-). I hope you find something you like.

    ReplyDelete
  49. How fun! I have a basic model Kenmore that I really like...no computerized stuff, which I prefer. I've had it about 10 years, and it's been a workhorse. Thanks for lovely vintage goodies (I'm on Etsy too {waves hello to fellow Etsian!}).

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have a Brother SQ900 that is fine, but I REALLY love my Singer 603E Touch and Sew from the 60s. All metal parts, it is a dream to sew on. Perfect for all of your vintage treasures!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I have a very basic machine, a Brother LS-2125, because when I bought it, I couldn't afford much and my girls were just toddlers and I didn't think I'd do more than sew them a few plushies and other toys. Of course, I sew a lot more than that now so i guess I should get a new machine soon... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  52. I use a brother. It was inexpensive, and I really need a bigger better machine.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I use a vintage Viking 21a and a Babylock Evolve Wave (serger). The viking is sturdy and sews anything and the babylock has auto tension and air threading which removes all the frustration of sergers!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I have a Pfaff that I bought as a floor model. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I have the Janome 10001 and just love it. I do a lot of clothing sewing as well as quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love to find sewing stuff at garage sales too! I use a low end Brother machine but I am looking to upgrade too.
    kirkwood0419(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I use a BabyLock Grace and I really like it! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I use a Brother 1034D. It is a serger
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow! That's some loot! :)
    I sew on an older Bernina 145. I haven't upgraded since it's a good machine and works great for anything I want to sew, from quilts to totes & pouches to skirts to hemming pants, you name it! Plus I bought it as a used classroom machine so I got a super great deal on it.;) Thank you for your giveaway! :)

    lorepuckett at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  60. My machine is a Viking Sapphire. I love the deep throat and the extra-high lift for the presser foot. It's a very reliable machine, great tension and lots of fun decorative stitches.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love my Bernina, it never dies.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I use a Janome Memory Craft 3000-- I love it's up/down foot memory feature. It's saved me many a time! It's also a great value, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love your blog! and the super giveaway!
    I learned how to sew and used for a long time my moms old Singer from the 80s. bautiful sturdy machine!!!
    Now i have a new Singer which Im happy with too :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. I use a brother LB6800 it is very versatile, has bells and whistles, does embroidery, and is very sturdy. Love it! Oh and it was cheap!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I use an old singer which serves me well.
    anghhong(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thank you so much for being part of the “Sew, Mama, Sew” give-away week! Thank you for stopping by my blog at http://kjvjames117agg.blogspot.com/2012/05/hip-hip-hooray-its-giveaway-day.html and entering my give-away for a homemade teddy bear!

    I have my mom's old singer that I love and a serger that I picked up for $10!

    Sweet blessings,
    Laura
    jdswiley(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  67. To be honest, I don't have an own sewing machine. I use my mom's one occasionally, but not as often as I would like to. In school, I learned how to sew with a sewing machine, but I haven't gotten much sewing done later in life. However, the attraction is there -- now there should be also a bit more time... But whom do I tell that? You just mentioned your stressful job... Anyway, thanks for the chance to win those goodies!

    Sunny greetings from Bavaria,
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
  68. Great giveaway! I use an old 'Toyota' sewing machine. My friends got it from the local tip/dump for my 30th Birthday and is was reconditioned and it works great, though not fancy. Can't afford anything else so will stick with it until he decides otherwise!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Ooh all those lovely notions!! Awesome. I have a newly acquired Bernina 910 that my hubby found in a secondhand shop. It is only the second machine I have sewn on, but it is such a vast improvement on the el cheapo I was using! I just love it.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Love vintage goodies! I sew on a 20+ year old New Home (Janome) Memorycraft. I keep eyeing the new machines but this one just keeps going! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  71. What a fun bunch of goodies. I use a Bernina 330.

    Also, loved that you write sew-er. Can't really say sewer, as that's pretty stinky, right? I face the same dilemma. I'm not so much a seamstress or exclusively a quilter. A friend suggested sewologist (must be careful with autocorrect on that one), sewthusiast or sewphile. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  72. My current machine unfortunately won't really help you since it's a John Lewis (UK only).
    Before I moved across the pond I'd sewn on:
    a computerized Brother DS140: I despised it. The computer would freeze or sew the wrong stitch, and the tension was all over the place. It was just never worth it. The quick set bobbin was nice especially since I constantly had bobbin jams that used up that thread.
    Singer 4220: Lovely machine, we just never really got along when it came to knits (tension and jam problems) and I unfortunately decided to use it while in the midst of the great tshirt refashioning phase of 2007.
    I switched to a Janome 525 during those tshirt refashions and those tshirts went through like butter. I never quite got good buttonholes from it though (my John Lewis in contrast makes great buttonholes).

    ReplyDelete
  73. Ilove my Brother but i do miss my old War horse Singer

    ReplyDelete
  74. I have a pfaff tiptroinc and love it, but I only brought it because it was the only decent second hand machine the shop had when I was buying!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Oh, I love vintage items!
    I have a Brother sewing machine which works great. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I use an old janome that belongs to my Mum. It is simple but does everything I need and it's easy to move around.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I use my mother's Singer sewing machine; I don't want to buy my own just yet :). Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Ooh I'd love to have a serger, but it would have to thread itself:) I sew on a Babylock. Good middle ground machine with lots of bells and whistles for the price.

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am currently using a Singer that was intended for the purchase of school systems. It has all metal workings and I am in love with it, its a little workhorse! My first machine was a bernette by bernina, because I couldn't justify spending the big bucks that early in my sewing career....wish I would have spent the money up front! I would have saved myself lots of money and frustration in the end.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway. I LOVE those notions and have some upcoming projects that these would work wonderfully in:)

    ReplyDelete
  80. i use an old singer from the 80s-her name is linda. thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I have a janome thread banger and i love it.
    Thank you for the great giveaway.
    I still have notions and trim from my husband's grandma and i love & use them.
    :-)
    Katz.gali(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I use a Pfaff Varimatic, which is at least 20 years old. I got it used about 6 years ago for $50. It works well overall, but sometimes I wish I had a fancy computerized one.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I sew on a Husqvarna but I'm currently looking for an old Bernina!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Can't give much comment on this topic. I'm using a featherweight from my mum but I'm thinking of getting a new Brother sewing machine too.

    ReplyDelete
  85. • • • I started with a low end Brother and then decided I needed more room to for quilting. Now I have a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire. Best decision ever.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I got a Brother 2600 and I love it. It was pretty inexpensive, but a reliable brand and all the features I need-plenty of stitches and a free arm. Works for me anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I sewed on my old Kenmore for years. My hubby gave me a Bernina for Christmas 8 years ago, and I have never turned back. I LOVE IT!!! It doesn't have bells or whistles, but it's a great machine.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I have a brother SE400 and I love it! It has an automatic needle threader, you push a button to sew (no pressure foot), you can do embroidery with it, it has tons of stitches and built in button holes, very easy to use!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I have a Kenmore that is about 10 years old. I think it was moderately fancy back then, but is completely basic now. But it is a great machine and works without a hitch, always. The only thing I would like to change is to have one of those new-fangled up/down needle stopper things. That would be sweet.

    I just got a Brother serger, and I like it a lot, too. I'm still finding my groove with it - and going between the machines.

    My mother has my great-grandmother's treadle Singer in her basement waiting for me to have more room in my house and the time to give it a tune-up. It worked when I was a kid, but now it needs a new belt. And speaking of vintage notions, its drawers are still full of my great-grandmother's things. I would never think of using the consumables, but I do use her darning egg from time to time.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I use an oldish singer. LOVE the vintage goodness! BTW, what do you do with hem facing? I have some...don't know what to do with it!
    sntbosch(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I have a Singer Simple that is about 3 years old & cost me $70 on sale at JoAnn Fabric. Which is the answer to the "why" question! My daughter snapped the spool pin off my old(er) Singer, and this was what I had the cash to replace it with. I'm hoping to upgrade next year; I'm not convinced this one is going to keep working through the holiday season. xo

    ReplyDelete
  92. I have a Janome Magnolia that I got last fall. The older machine that I had was actually my mom's and needed to be serviced something terrible and I got a new machine out of it and I am not going to complain!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I need a new sewing machine so bad! My cheap Singer eats fabric all the time. Good luck with your search!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'm usung the sewing machine grom my granny. it is really old but it still served my needs. But I don't know wich brand it is.

    ReplyDelete
  95. cant help you here..i have a brother something or other and its still sitting in its box (purchased a year ago)..i do a lot of sewing by hand..but i think i need to get that machine out of its box this summer :)

    ReplyDelete
  96. I use a basic kenmore. It is what I have and it is a work horse. I would love a fancier one, but that is not in the financial future for us right now.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I have a basic Singer, but dream of a better machine some day

    ReplyDelete
  98. Thanks for this great giveaway. I love vintage items and have a few in my collection. I would love to have these to add to them.
    The machine that I use now is a Bernina Activa 240. It does everything that I need it to do. But the reason that I purchased it was because I had an old one that I had used for almost 30 years.I used it everyday, all day long. It was a lot better made than this one, but nothing is as good as they use to be.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I sew on a Bernette that I got as a birthday present from my mom soon after I graduated from college. I wanted a good basic machine, and it has served me well so far. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I sew on a Janome. I used to sew on a 1974 Singer that my mom got at Sears when my sister was born, but it was painfully heavy to move around and I didn't have a sewing-only space then. I traded it in at the local sew'nvac for a lighter machine - the Janome Gem 2 and recently I upgraded to the Janome DS something or other. It's not super fancy but it's full size with a good throat; I was sick of shoving quilts through a 3/4 machine.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I sew on a new Janome, because my old Singer (very sad face here) died. I do, however, have a Singer treadle & once that is restored (rust troubles) I'll be using that one more often than not :) Thanks for the wonderful giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  102. I use a super cheap Brother, Project Runway series. I love that it functions how I need it to and was so very cheap. I also have a Singer Serger, which I love. I figure if I never sew with a higher quality machine, I'll never know what I'm missing, right? I sew mostly clothing, so I really would like a coverstitch machine, though.

    rebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hello, I sew on a 1980 Singer sewing machine. It is a work horse and I'm very happy with it. I'd love to get a serger some day. Thanks for the chance to win your vintage goodies. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  104. I have a Viking sapphire which I love for quilting. It has a bigger throat than some and has a few fancy stitches.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I sew on a cheap singer from walmart but dream about a bernina

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love all your goodies! I have two machines. I have a Kenmore that I have had for over 30 years. I also have a pfaff which I love for quilting. I use them both for different things.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I have a BRother and it works really good! mjalfano19@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Bernina 450 aurora is the best

    anabelsu@yahoo.es

    ReplyDelete
  109. lovely! unfortunately i dont have a sewing machine yet!>.<

    andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I use a mid-80s Singer and love it. It was my grandmother's before me and she often wistfully pines after the machine!
    tina_crossgrove(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I sew on a newish Kenmore, because it's the only machine I have access to.

    ReplyDelete
  112. I use a circa 1970's Singer sewing machine i got from my mother.

    ReplyDelete
  113. oh I love the prize you offer to a winner! Great choice.
    and I use my "Brother" 1990 sewing machine, quite simple, with few stitches options but durable and easy to handle.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I have a pretty new Brother, it's a good machine and I've been pretty happy with it. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  115. I actually bought myself an Elna for Mother's Day last year (yes, I bought it myself - hubby is a bit slack in that department!) Before then I was using a borrowed machine, so I had to buy something and Elnas were recommended. I love it and haven't had any problems with it so far. I have since bought an Elna overlocker as well and it is nice and easy to use :)

    ReplyDelete
  116. i have a janome...lovely prize...

    ReplyDelete
  117. I use a Pfaff 2040. I love it but if you are looking at a new machine I would recommend the Bernina. I love my aunts machine and it is more versatile than mine.
    Make a list of everything you do on your machine, everything you want to do but can't and then go to a professional sewing machine dealer - you don't have to buy from them but they will be able to help to narrow down your choices. Go to several if you can and then decide which is the machine for you.

    ReplyDelete
  118. My machine is a Bernina 830 record ( the old, all-metal one, not the new one that costs more than my first car!) that was passed down to me from my grandma.
    Thanks for the chance to win! I LOVE that striped bias tape!

    ReplyDelete
  119. My machine is a Bernina 830 record ( the old, all-metal one, not the new one that costs more than my first car!) that was passed down to me from my grandma.
    Thanks for the chance to win! I LOVE that striped bias tape!

    ReplyDelete
  120. My machine is a Bernina 830 record ( the old, all-metal one, not the new one that costs more than my first car!) that was passed down to me from my grandma.
    Thanks for the chance to win! I LOVE that striped bias tape!

    ReplyDelete
  121. Elna air electronic. It's from the eighties. It's a workhorse, and I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Some of those old Singers are like gold. We used to use ours from the 70's. I, however, am cursed with a new Singer and I almost hates it (Gollum voice there.) It's a step or two up from the basic models they make. My sisters also have Singers of the same level and we are all regularly frustrated beyond belief. Sometimes I feel like throwing it out my 2nd story window. Thread tension/stitch length/stitches all go wrong and that's just a start. I hate to have to say it but avoid mid-level Singers with everything you have. I've heard other ppl have had some luck with the basic ones and the super expensive ones, but mostly have heard other horror stories about Singers. My mothers Husqvarna gets borrowed by me a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  123. I sew on a Brother 950; it's a great machine but I wish I would have gone maybe one model higher.

    ReplyDelete
  124. I use a basic Kenmore and I like it because it's simple.

    ReplyDelete
  125. I use a basic Janome because it's a workhorse!

    ReplyDelete
  126. I sew in a Bernina Aurora 440QE and I love it! I's always good to go.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I use a Brother CP-6500 the most, I bought a serger but...after I ran out of thread on one spool I...didn't re-thread it right away and it's a bit complicated so it's just sat there gathering dust for the last 5 months... ooh that's embarrassing!

    ReplyDelete
  128. I use a white, although I prefer my mothers Pfaff

    Jticrow at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  129. I have no idea what the brand is. I have used it for over 2 years now but it is being loaned! Its blue and does the job and that's all that matters to me!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Thanks for the giveaway. I been using a New Home from 1976 that my mother in law gave me a few months. I love it. She only pieced quilts on it.

    ReplyDelete
  131. I use an old, cheap White because the is what fits in my budget.

    ReplyDelete
  132. I sew on a 4 month old Janome quilting model machine. My inherited Singer machine from my Grandma-in-law was starting to have too many problem so hubby told me just to get a new one. :) And so far I love my new machine! :)

    ReplyDelete
  133. I have a Janome JR1012 and I love it, it was nice and cheap, very sturdy and can sew through four layers of denim without complaining.

    kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. use a brother innovis 4500. i love it but don't think it'd survive seat covers for long--too delicate, but a great one for quilting and embroidery. have an old, old pfaff that's a major workhorse. have to laugh at your vintage notions--i'm vintage myself so they look very familiar to me!! thanks for the opportunity and have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I love my machine it is a Janome De 5018. It's not too pricey - just a good solid machine

    ReplyDelete
  136. That's an amazing giveaway! I use a Janome 1024, because it's the only one I have :)

    ReplyDelete
  137. I use a Kenmore, about 10 years old. It's okay, but not great.

    ReplyDelete
  138. I use only one machine .. but then I only have one machine .. It's the old Pfaff of my mum, it's a little odler than me (so not so terribly old) I use it because mum has no time to sew anymore .. I'm wokring on getting my grannies sewing machines (non of cousins know hot to sew so maybe I will get it if I ask nicely) one is an industrial one for heavy canvas fabrics and the other is a hmm how do you call those where you have to get the thing goign with your feet?

    ReplyDelete
  139. I have two of the more expensive BabyLocks and I use the equally. I love them because I can sew anything and embroidery some fantastic things too.

    ReplyDelete
  140. My current sewing machine is a Brother machine. I am saving up my money to buy a Bernina though.

    ReplyDelete
  141. I use an old Singer that it's not made anymore, but it's a war machine, that's for sure!
    anaeosviraventos(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  142. I have a fairly basic Elna which my mum gave me for Christmas a couple of years back so I could sew when I wasn't visiting her. It is great because I can use it without needing a degree or to many references to the instruction manual.

    ReplyDelete
  143. I use a cheap Brother sewing machine that works just great for the small projects I make.

    ReplyDelete
  144. basic kenmore - it has all teh features I want

    ReplyDelete
  145. I mainly sew on a cheapie little Huskystar Husqvarna. It was the first sewing machine I bought, and I had no idea what to look for, so just picked one that didn't look too complicated.

    I recently bought a Juki TL-2000Qi, but I haven't used it too much yet (even though it's awesome and has a huge throat and sews super fast) because the motor is so strong that it vibrates my little townhouse, and I'm nervous about bothering my neighbors when I sew late at night. :}

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  146. I love my Singer Futura - does all sorts of awesome stitches, plus embroidery!!

    ReplyDelete
  147. I use an ancient (well, older than me) White machine. Heavy but sturdy as can be. Nothing fancy, but I'm not that advanced yet anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Hmm, thought I'd already commented, but doesn't look like it - I was having internet problems the other day... anyhow - I use a Kenmore that's as old as I am (my mother's old machine - she now has a Bernina I use if I want a fancy decorative stitch). It doesn't require any special computerization techniques or anything, and it's reliable (see: age). It works for me! (I do have a Singer serger, though.)

    ReplyDelete
  149. I found my old Elna Air Electronic at a flea market and will not swap her for any modern machine. She's a trooper and have been very patient with me during the learning phases of sewing :)

    Thank you for a great prize and the chance to win it.

    Marilize
    marilize (dot) paulsen (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  150. I use a janome 423s - it has all features I want. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  151. I had an old Singer that I bought secondhand that I loved. The tension went on it and I couldn't find anyone who could fix it. So I bought a newer Singer. Not as good a machine.... Then I upgraded to a Bernina, which I love because I quilt and do free motion quilting on it. But if I didn't quilt I would use an old Singer.

    ReplyDelete

I love comments. My heart goes pitter-patter every time there is a new one.