Sew,Mama,Sew is celebrating Sewing Month with giveaways and a Sewing Machine Meme to share. I am not usually a meme answering kinda girl but I could not help but participate in this one.
Sew here it is, he he . . .
What brand and model do you have?
Brother NX-600
How long have you had it?
Four years
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was $600 new. It has been discontinued for a newer model.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I make quilts and the occasional pillow cover.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I try and get a hour or two in a few times a week. Saturday or Sunday morning the boys go out on the boat and leave me home to sew. Too bad sewing is not a water sport.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love her. Her name is Sister, even though she is a Brother, ha ha. She is my first machine and the one I learned to sew on. She has enough bells and whistles to grow into but not too much to overwhelm me.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I swear, that thread cutter button alone is worth a couple hundred bucks. So simple but yet so satisfying. It also has built in text and decorative stitches that stitch up nicely. I have actually done a few pieces that look like old alphabet samplers and didn't even have to turn on an embroidery machine.
If you quilt, the walking foot is just life changing.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Nope! She is very reliable and has yet to let me down.
I do use my 1/4 inch foot a lot and it requires that the needle be in the center position. When I turn on the machine the needle is on the left. I cannot even tell you how many times I have accidentally sew into the foot and broken the needle. You would think I would learn by now.
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!
I was a fibers major in art school and the ONLY person who did not really know how to sew. We had a studio full of Berninas and Jukis but I was scared to try and use one and show my inexperience. I did not even know how to thread the darn things. I bought my machine so I could sew at home and hide my shame! Luckily, I picked up sewing quickly but I still kept sewing at home because Sister has been such a good fit for me. I can't imagine life without a sewing machine now.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
You bet! She was a lot cheaper than the higher end machines but I think I get the same results for the sewing I do. I do think a higher end machine is necessary though if you do a lot of heavy quilting or free motion work. Maybe one day . . .
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Take into consideration what you are using it for and what you might grow into. You want to make sure it is simple to use but still has options if you gain new skills. It also helps to have a dealer nearby. Mine is only three miles away. If I had gotten something like a Bernina I would have had to travel an hour out of town for cleaning and repairs. That's not cool if you don't have a back-up. And two year olds don't like quilt shops.
Do you have a dream machine?
Ooooh. I have my mother's old Kenmore from 1971. It is a green, metal cabinet machine. It needs a little refurb. It would be a dream to get that done.
If I ever get another machine I would looove a Husqvarna Emerald 183 or a Janome 6600. They have great stitch regulators for free motion quilting and are just all out super performers. It's not in the cards right now, I'd have to win the lottery, or a give away . . .
