Over the last year, I have spoken about how my friend of the last decade, my partner in crime in creating, and my sewing machine rock has been fading. At each yearly check-up the repairman asks me when I'm going to upgrade her because she is really getting towards the end of her life. She is past machine warranty and has any number of little ticks that can be fixed for a minute and then come back...she is wearing out from use and love.
So, I've decided to overhaul my sewing machine and serger. I've been reading up and trying to figure out what will work for me for the next 25 years...okay realistically the next 10-15 years! *smile* I've also been working out what features I really need because those TOL machines with all the bells and whistles are like bling to me and draw me in everytime!
Finally, I have an idea of what I want and am now slowly starting to purchase well actually completely overhaul my sewing machine & serger experience. I decided to take baby steps and am starting with my back-up machine. Which by the way, I no longer own since my DD absconded with it! That's where this new Brother PC-420 comes in:
It has quite a few of the features that my Janome has but at a lot cheaper price point. It even has a knee-lift...something I've always wanted! Bertha arrived Thursday but I didn't have an opportunity to look at her, take her out of the box, set her up and play with her until yesterday...so there went any sewing I might possibly have done as I was enthralled with finding out about Bertha...that's Miss Bertha Brother to you, btw! *smile*
She is a version of the Project Runway PC-420 without some of the built-in designs but since I really didn't need that many designs I'm happy with her as she is! Anyway, she will make sporadic appearances here in the future and my sewing machine overhaul has officially begun.
I won't be updating the Burda skirt this weekend unless I get home early from the Knicks game. My boss gave me some tickets...so I will be watching the game in Madison Square Garden this afternoon, snoop shopping at Macy's and checking out the Christmas windows both there and Lord and Taylor before heading home.
I hope everyone has a great sewing day...and as always, more later!
what fun, playing with a new toy. So, help clear up the confusion, is this a new purchase, or is this one you brought home to test drive?
ReplyDeleteTake some pics while window shopping, please? sigh, window shopping in NYC, I'm jealous.
Have fun with your new toy! I have a new one on the way also lol.
ReplyDeleteA new sewing machine and Knicks at MSG, you can't beat that. Have fun with both.
ReplyDeleteNew equipment is always exciting...for all of us! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo...what kind of serger are you looking at?
Congratulations on your new machine, how wonderful. I bet you'll have even more fun sewing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great weekend going...enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteA new machine is so much fun. I hope you enjoy it and I am sure you will.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new baby!
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling like we should have a virtual baby shower for you!
Brenda
Congrats on the new tool! You will make this baby hum.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the addition to your sewing family! I don't have a serger, been sewing for 40 years and am resistant to buying ANOTHER machine (since I've gotten along without a serger for so long). Perhaps sometimes you could do a post about your serger and the advantages of using one?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! A new sewing machine is always exciting and it's a big deal :) Have fun.
ReplyDeleteyou know I love Miss Bertha Brother! I have a wee little sister of hers and I love it. It is also my back-up machine, but seriously has everything I need.
ReplyDeleteI do have TOL (but only because I worked for the dealer and could get a screaming deal) but I rarely use much more than straight, zig-zag and buttonholes - seriously! Unless I'm doing crafty sewing - then I use all the fun stitches!
Enjoy your weekend. I didn't get to the studio but cleaned and decorated instead. g
I love the new addition to the family! Can't wait to see what she helps you create!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I have the Inovis-40, the Brother Project Runway limited edition. Bubba doesn't have all the features your Bertha probably has but he fits the bill of giving me zig-zag capability. I just adore the needle up, needle down feature and the push to sew option so much I never use the foot pedal. Enjoy your new machine, she looks like a trooper.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having yourself one fantastic day! A game in Madison Square Garden, snoops shopping and window shopping in NYC and a new toy to play with when you arrive home. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new machine. Next time the only addition I want is a keyhole button hole. I'm sure you'll keep your old one as back up, though.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new baby.
ReplyDeletewhoohooo, gotta love a new machine :)
ReplyDeletehave you seen Butterick B5382?
ReplyDeleteIt's the red dress Michelle Obama wore when she and Barack met with the Bushes at the White House after winning the election. Very cool!
Karen
Congratulations on the new machine! I know it will get lots of love from you.
ReplyDeleteI have this exact same machine...and I love it!!! It is my only machine. I had a serger and after I ruined the first project I sewed with it, I returned it. *shrug* I don't have enough money to replace fabric when I screw it up....
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your Miss Bertha as much as I enjoy mine...
The new baby looks great! Have fun with it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new machine! I look forward to reading about the ewing adventures the 2 of you have.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - your new baby looks like she's going to be producing wonderful things with you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that new toy, Carolyn. You've worked that Janome to death over the years--and have great results to show for it! I hope this one stands you in as good a stead (or better) as your Janome did.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
She's gorgeous, Carolyn! (=
ReplyDeleteSeriously, looks like a great machine! Looking forward to your serger selection. Are you getting one with cover stitch? I also have an old serger that I would like to replace with a better model, but am also thinking one of those little dedicated cover stitch machines might just be all I need. Would certainly save changing the settings back and forth.
This is a great machine. I purchased it last year and love love love it.
ReplyDeleteHey Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteSurprised and glad to see that you've got a new machine, and a Brother, to boot! I've had mine for well over ten years now. Like you, I wanted a different make (a Bernina) but there were a lot more features on the Brother for a LOT cheaper pricetag.
I've never regretted that purchase. About two years ago, I was at a sewing expo, and marvelling at the automatic threader mechanism on the TOL Brother. I went home, took out my 'antique', and remembered, much to my delight, that my machine has the forerunner of that same idea, although it is manual.
Anyway, it is a pleasure to use that function, now that my eyesight is 'maturing' ;-).
I'll probably buy another machine in the next few years, but sister, my Brother has been, and still is a great sewing machine!
Oh yes- one other thought. I wanted a Berning at the time for that famous 'stitch quality'. A couple of years back, I happened upon Klasse machine needles. Now, I realize that most sewers use another more popular brand, Smetz, I think, (sorry about the spelling).
ReplyDeleteI must tell you, that Klasse is indeed a great product, I am more than impressed with the 'stitch quality' that these needles produce.
Yay for you! Congrats on your new purchase, and enjoy the process of upgrading all your equipment. It's hard to say bye to the old stuff, but you'll be rocking and rolling so well with the new stuff, once you get going you won't look back.
ReplyDelete