My Sewing Machine for Sew, Mama, Sew!
Sew, Mama, Sew is compiling a reference guide for buying a new sewing machine and has asked its readers to do a little Q & A about their machines. Sew….here’s my contribution:
What brand and model do you have? Viking Emerald 116
How long have you had it?
Since Xmas 08, but I actually just learned how to use it in March of this year (09)!
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $300±
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Mostly home dec
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I just started sewing regularly, about a project a week.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
Oh my - I have to name it?! ha ha I love the machine. My husband actually shopped for and picked it out for me for Xmas. I think he did a good job :-)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Since I am new to sewing & sewing machines I can’t actually compare to others, but I would say that the adjustable presser foot pressure has been helpful especially since I sew with some heavier fabrics. And I adore the threading feature - saves me hours of poking thread at the needle!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I am sure down the road they’ll be something, as I get more skilled (as in enough to notice that something should drive me nuts), but for now, nothing.
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 don’t know if this qualifies as a great story, but when I went to the free “learn how to use your machine” class, the gal running it was very impatient with me because I hadn’t ever actually sewed and I kept asking her “why?” every time she’d tell me how to adjust something. I was just trying to understand why I would want that particular dial set on 3 and not 4 and she just wanted to tell me to set it on 3 and move on. Kinda made me want to ask “why” a little more….
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Absolutely - because it is a great, solid, easy to use machine.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I’ll let you know if I ever feel the need to look for another! ha ha But seriously, for me it would be easy to use first and foremost, Then I guess you should consider what you’d be doing with it the most. If you’re doing home dec, you’ll want something more solid than if you’re just sewing clothing.
Do you have a dream machine?
Not yet since I am still mooning over this one :-) However, one day I might want one that does fancy stitches.