Stitched with Love mini quilts in Little Snippets and B&C Solids (plus a corner of Lighthearted!)
Of all the questions I am asked, the one I get most often is how I hang mini quilts on my wall. That one is easy. Plain old clear push pins from Target. Simple! But the next question, which sewing machine I use/recommend is a much more complicated question. And it just so happens to be the subject of my blog post today. So lets talk sewing machines. Ready?
Disclaimer: I really I am not a sewing machine collector and my machines have been purchased over 12 years. That being said, I really am not justifying having 4 sewing machines. It's silly, I know. But I love them all for different reasons. Please don't judge. I also only know what I have used and am very hesitant to recommend a machine unless I've sewn on it for an extended period of time. So while I'm sure there are wonderful Babylocks, Brothers, other Bernina models, etc, I don't know them well enough to advise one way or the other. This post is based on my experience only. I would love it if you would chime in below if you have a machine you love. Maybe that will help someone who is looking? Okay, end of disclaimer. Oh wait, this post is kind of long and I definitely ramble a bit. Sorry, that's the real end of the disclaimer.
My Bernina 430- binding Swoon Sixteen in Hello Darling
As many of you know, I sewed for many years on my Bernina 430. It was/is a wonderful machine which I have sewn millions of stitches on. It has lots of stitch options, and was especially helpful when I was doing more applique because it has a beautiful blanket stitch. I love machine quilting on it too. For so many years it was reliable, it worked hard, and it was the only machine I needed. It was a wonderful machine. A few years ago it started having trouble starting up when it was plugged in. I talked to my local shop about it and they knew just what it was but I still haven't taken it in, as it is an expensive repair and I haven't needed this machine as often as I'm usually on my Juki. It is on my list though. This issue aside, I have nothing but good things to say about the 430.
A Bernina 880 on loan from Bernina a few years ago making Vintage Tulips
I tried other new Berninas here and there through the Bernina Ambassador program a few years ago and if I am being completely honest they just weren't a great fit for me. I'm not a bells and whistles girl, I like simplicity. I didn't use the fancy features and I was often frustrated. That being said, while they weren't a great fit for me, I know a lot of people who love sewing with them and make really wonderful things. I guess what I'm trying to say is find a machine that fits your needs!
Singer Featherweight at home on my favorite shelf
My second machine is a Singer Featherweight and I know at some point I knew what year it was made and more info about it but I can't seem to locate the info right now. If I'm being honest, I bought it because it is beautiful. I saw one like it on Ebay and couldn't stop thinking about it for months. Eventually I found this one and the price was right so I caved and it came to live in my sewing room. I had it serviced locally when it arrived and it does work and has a beautiful stitch, but I mainly stick to my modern machines. For now.
My favorite machine- Juki TL 2000i
A few years ago when several friends of mine were getting Jukis, I didn't think I needed one. I was happy with my Bernina 430 and wasn't really looking. Until late one night at a sewing night with friends (Three years ago this week actually!). I tried one for the first time and it was love at first stitch. It. Was. SO. FAST. It felt like it was twice as fast as my machine. VERY late that night/the next morning I ordered one on Amazon and my Juki TL 2000i came two days later.
I absolutely love this machine. What do I love about it? The stitch, the thread cutter on the pedal, the throat space, the height it sits on my table, how reliable it is, and most of all, how simple it is to use. I turn it on and it just works. Every time. Note that it is a straight stitch only machine, so it is ideal for piecing, but this might be a deal breaker for some. I ordered a 1/4" foot for it off of Ebay that night, but honestly it is terrible and falls apart regularly. A replacement foot has been on my list for forever but I haven't found one yet. Juki owners, let me know if you have one you love!
The first time I watched Gilmore Girls. Those were the days...
I chose the 2000 over the 2010 because it was less expensive and the big difference between the two is speed control. Since I like to sew full speed that wasn't a selling point for me so I stuck with the less expensive model. No regrets there, it is perfect for me! But if you would like a speed regulator, maybe go with the 2010.
When I got my Juki I was thinking I could take it with me when I traveled to retreats. I was very wrong. This thing is solid and heavy (!) and is definitly not fitting in my carry on! Enter, Bernina 215.
My travel machine- Bernina 215 Simply Red edition.
My local shop Quiltique talked me into this one (it wasn't hard- I mean, it's red!) for retreats and it is a great little machine. Nice and solid, not too fancy, and stands up perfectly in the bottom of my rolling carry on.
Action shot at a retreat last month. Hi Nicole!! (Mat also made by Nicole, isn't it darling?)
Things I love about this machine? The size, the stitch, the 1/4" foot (can you beat the quality of Bernina feet, really?), and it sews over everything. I prefer piecing minis on this machine over my Juki because it tends to handle small pieces better. I also prefer this machine for straight line quilting, even through there isn't a ton of throat space, mainly because the Bernina walking foot is better than the one that came with the Juki.
Straight line quilting the Sweet Escape pillow I made last week with my 215
Hmm... what else? I think that's pretty much it. Did I cover everything? Hopefully so! Hopefully this helps some of you who have asked. Oh! And feel free to chime in below if you have a machine you love. There are so many amazing machines out there!
