Sewing Machine Meme

From Sew, Mama, Sew!

This is sort of fun, because I never really thought about my sewing machine much until I read this meme. I bought my sewing machine to just "get the job done." I knew that I didn't want to hand sew everything, and that I wanted a sewing machine to allow me to make things. My friend and fellow dancer Melanie opened my eyes to the possibilities of stitching during my college years.

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Tell us about your sewing machine! We’ll keep a running list of Brand/Model “reviews” and we’ll publish the list at the end of Sewing Machine Month. We think this will be a great resource whether someone is searching for a first machine or looking to upgrade.

What brand and model do you have? Brother VX-1120

How long have you had it? ten years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $100

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I've sewn everything -- Halloween costumes, quilts, purses, potholders, chef hats, my dh made a bean bag chair, leotards, etc. I've never been very successful at apparel. My attempts are usually too embarrassing to wear publicly. The machine sees the most action around Christmastime.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I occasionally sew in manic spurts.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? No name. It gets the job done and has never needed serious maintenance. Just a drop of oil every now and then.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? It has no bells and whistles. That is why I bought it.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? No.

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! This is more about how I came to own my sewing machine, not the machine itself. I always wanted to learn to sew, and my mother and grandmother acted like I didn't need a class to learn. However, neither of them volunteered to teach me or make something with me. Mom offered her sewing machine, if I would have it maintenanced, but again, no offer of instruction time. After years of tracing and cutting and changing patterns to match different bodies, but not sewing, for dance costumes during college, I bought my Brother. I read through the owner's manual. It was definitely written in a different language with unfamiliar terms. My grandma's Better Homes and Garden "Sewing Book" was in the same language. Somewhere, in a culture far away, or at a jr. high school with better resources than mine, people learned words like "ease." My first project was curtains for my garage windows.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Yes, if you want a no-frills machine.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? It has to matches your needs. And budget.

Do you have a dream machine? I just want something that gets the job done, so no dream machine. Drooling is poor behavior, anyway.