When you get a chance to spend an entire day in a sewing machine store checking out the new models, you never turn down the opportunity.

When the folks at Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum invited me to spend the day with them, I jumped at the chance to review the entire Q line from Brother. Among them was the Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW.

At A Glance

Brother Innovis Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW

The Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW is one of several Brother sewing machines in the Q line that bear the logo of the popular television sewing design and sewing competition.

Monochromatic LCD screen

In addition to the Project Runway logo, the NQ 1300 PRW also has the distinguished Innov-is logo, an indication that it is available solely through authorized Brother Innov-is dealers.

There is a monochromatic LCD screen on the column with a touchpad that has a series of control buttons underneath. Above the needle you will find the advanced needle threader; function buttons – start/stop; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; reverse stitch; design stop and thread tie off/cut.

To the right of the function buttons is the variable speed slider with three settings. Beneath the needle is a bright LED light which illuminates the work surface, a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with seam guides etched on it.

The two sided accessories case slides off to reveal a convenient free arm and the drop feed control lever – which is on the back of the free arm.

There is also an extension table which is used for quilting jobs as well as for working on large sewing tasks such as coats.

Features

• 290 on board decorative and utility stitches, including:
  • 58 combinable stitches
  • 10 one-step auto-size buttonholes
  • 5 Sewing fonts
  • 3 Alphanumeric fonts
  • 1 Cyrillic
  • 1 Japanese
• Advanced needle threading system
• Automatic thread tension
• Jam-resistant Quick-Set™ drop-in top bobbin
• Sideways sewing
• Automatic Height Adjuster™ (AHA®)
• Pivot Function
• Longer feed dogs and zigzag foot
• My Custom Stitch™
• Reinforcement stitch
• Drop feed
• Function buttons:
  • Start/stop
  • Design stop
  • Reverse stitch
  • Presser foot up/down
  • Needle up/down
  • Variable speed slider
• Advanced needle threader
• On board stitch selection guide
• On board ruler
• Free arm
• LED Lighting
• Monochromatic LCD screen
• Left to right mirror image
• Stitch memory

Working on the Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW

The steps required to thread the Brother Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW and winding the bobbin is identical in all of the machines in the Brother Q series. Easy to understand and follow on board diagrams and guides take users through every step of the process.

Stitch selection guide

After the machine is threaded and the bobbin is wound and securely in place, the next step is to select a stitch from the 290 utility and decorative stitch options.

The first step in selecting a stitch option is to refer to the stitch selection guide inside the lid on top of the machine. Next, Menu options on the column go to the menu icon on the column that matches the icon in the upper left corner of the section on the lid where the stitch is located.

Then, use left or right directional arrows to highlight the stitch you want on the LCD screen. The stitch will appear on the screen along with the default length and width settings along with identification of the ideal presser foot to use in order to execute the stitch properly.

This review was actually interrupted because a customer was interested in a demonstration. I stepped aside and observed as Laura sat with the client and showed her every single detail about the Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW.

No doubt, people reading some of my reviews may be inclined to believe that I give sewing machines a user friendly rating because I have been sewing for so long.

I have no way of knowing how long this customer has been sewing. I did, however, gather from the conversation that she had never before worked on a computerized sewing machine.

She was interested in purchasing a new machine that had an automatic needle threader and offered features that were not available on her old mechanical sewing machine.

After watching Laura thread the machine and go through the stitch selection process only once, this woman was able to perform those tasks with ease.

The stitch sample on black fabric was done by the customer. When the demonstration was finished, I sat back down at the machine and ran a few stitches myself, just so I could describe the feel of the machine.

Customer demonstration of stitch quality

Both the customer and I agree that the Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW is so quiet you can barely hear it from a distance of about 10 feet, very easy to operate and so well built that it does not vibrate at all.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 15 Snap on presser feet
  • Zigzag Foot
  • Monogramming Foot
  • Overcasting Foot
  • Zipper Foot
  • Blind Stitch Foot
  • Buttonhole Foot
  • Button Fitting Foot
  • Open Toe Foot
  • Non-stick Foot
  • Stitch Guide Foot
  • Adjustable Zipper/Piping Foot
  • Free-motion Echo Quilting Foot
  • Free-motion Quilting Foot
  • Walking Foot
  • ¼” Quilting Foot with Guide
• Extra Needles
• Twin needle
• 4 Bobbins
• Quilting guide
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Eyelet punch
• 3 Screwdrivers (large, L-shaped, Disc-shaped)
• Horizontal spool pin
• 4 Spool caps (1 large, 1 medium, 1 small, 1 mini-insert)
• Spool net
• Knee lifter
• Accessory bag
• Wide extension table
• Dust cover
• Grid sheet set
• Owner’s manual
• Quick reference guide

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Brother Innov-is Project Runway NQ 1300 PRW is the last of the machines in the Brother Q line that I reviewed on that day long visit to Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum.

Each of the machines that I reviewed was user friendly and affordable. The NQ 1300 PRW has more to offer than the NQ 700 PRW the only other sewing and quilting machine in the Q line.

The primary difference between the 1300 and the 700 is the number of stitch options and the NQ 700 is not equipped with an automatic thread tension or automatic height adjustment feature. In addition, an extension table is only available as an optional accessory for those who purchase the 700.

I like this machine for beginners as well as advanced home sewers. It is one of those sewing machines that can satisfy practically everyone. Someone who has never before used a sewing machine will be at ease as they learn the ins and outs of sewing machine operation.

A person who has been sewing for just a short while will appreciate the ease with which they can adjust to this user-friendly machine and an advanced home sewer will be grateful for an opportunity to work on a machine that is so well built.

The affordability is another huge plus, regardless of the skill level. I do not, however, recommend that children younger than 12 years of age be permitted to use this machine.

Although it is extremely user friendly, it also has so many features and stitch options that a young child would be overwhelmed and possibly give up on the idea of sewing altogether.

The features and design are well thought out. I am not thrilled with the placement of the drop feed control lever, but I am coming to realize that this is not an issue for lots of people.

In fact, someone sent me an e-mail message specifically to let me know that reaching the drop feed control is no problem whatsoever if the extension table is in place.

With this in mind, I defer to those who own and are happy with sewing machines that have the drop feed control in the same position… on the back of the free arm.

Having said that, I continue to reserve my right to protest any control mechanism that is not within easy reach on the front of any sewing machine.

The Brother Innov-is Project Runway NQ 1300 PRW is one of the best sewing and quilting machines on the market today. Not only is it user friendly and affordable, it is also solid and very well built.

Of course, since the entire Q line is brand new, only time will tell if this is one of those sewing machines that will stand the test of time or if it will be obsolete in just a few short years.

My money, however, is on its longevity… providing the company does not stop making replacement parts after 10 years, forcing owners to purchase subsequent machines.

Even with this possibility in mind, I think anyone who is in the market for a new sewing and embroidery machine set aside time to visit their local Brother Innov-is dealer and do the same thing the customer did at Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum… ask for a demonstration of the Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW.

The post Brother Innov-is Project Runway Limited Edition NQ 1300 PRW Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

One day, I happened to drop in to say hello to the staff at Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and came upon the Q-20.

When I returned to review this machine, I learned that although the Q-20 is capable of working with a large quilt frame, it is the first long arm quilting machine that BERNINA designed to also function as a sit down quilter. In fact, in its standard configuration, the Q-20 comes as a sit down quilting machine.

At A Glance

BERNINA Q-20

A USB port

The BERNINA Q-20 has a bobbin winder on the right side of the machine and a thread path that carries the thread on both sides of the machine head before going to the automatic needle threader, which initially signals to me that the threading process is not as simple as some others I have seen.

There is also a series of bright LED lights which extend the entire length of the arm and under the needle; presser foot tension release control; electronic presser foot lift; and a USB port.

There is a bright LCD screen above the needle which is used in the process of adjusting the stitch length. The automatic needle threader and a bright LED light are directly beneath the needle.

The machine is mounted on a table that is custom designed specifically for the BERNINA Q-20. This table is available in two standard colors – English white ash and Asian golden teak.

A bobbin winder

It is also available in six additional finishes – American birdseye maple, North American oak, Canadian maple, American walnut, Brazilian cherry and African ebony.

With all those options, anyone who purchases one of these machines can be assured of matching their personal taste, style and décor.

Features

• Adjustable stitch length from 1.05mm – 25.4mm
• Personal program
• BERNINA stitch regulation system [dual stitch regulators]
• On board bobbin winder
• Compatible with domestic sewing needles
• Automatic thread tension
• Automatic presser foot lift
• Automatic needle threader
• 4.3” LED touchscreen
• Sews up to 2200 stitches per minute
• Standard table opens to reveal two large storage compartments on either side the machine head

Working on the BERNINA Q-20

Following the thread guides on the BERNINA Q-20 requires referring to the owner’s manual in order to properly thread the machine. Winding the bobbin, however, is far less complicated and labor intensive.

Adjusting the stitch length is surprisingly uncomplicated. All that is required is to follow the easy to understand guides on the touchscreen.

Touchscreen

Once the desired stitch length is set, the only thing left to do is to touch the icon on the screen to lower the presser foot, place my hands atop the fabric on both sides of the needle, and press the foot pedal. The speed is controlled by the amount of pressure you apply to the foot pedal.

While operating the BERNINA Q-20, I found it to at first to be as easy as driving an old Volkswagen Beetle with no power steering. The BERNINA Q-20 is lightning fast as well.

When combined with the seeming stiffness of the steering mechanism, I must say that it took me a few attempts before I could comfortably operate the Q-20.

After my ‘test drive’, I was able to negotiate the use of the BERNINA Q-20, I found it to be rather easy to operate. Despite a considerable amount of noise, the stitches made by the BERNINA Q-20 are well formed, sturdy and evenly shaped.

Well formed, sturdy and evenly shaped stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Free motion foot
• Instructional DVD
• Owner’s manual
• Metal accessories case

Accessories

Optional accessories:

• Horizontal and vertical spool holders
• Twin needle stitch plate
• Optional presser feet:
  • Embroidery foot
  • Free motion embroidery foot
  • Teardrop embroidery foot
  • Quilting foot
  • Free motion couching foot
  • Echo quilting and cutwork foot
  • Ruler foot
  • Ruler base kit

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Regardless of how fast or slow the BERNINA Q-20 is operating, however, I discovered that there was considerable noise.

When compared with other sit down quilting machines that I have reviewed, [Handiquilter Sweet 16, Janome Artistic Quilter 18 SC and Baby Lock Tiara II] the BERNINA Q-20 is the loudest.

If you are not already accustomed with working with a high speed sit down quilting machine, the BERNINA Q-20 might seem a bit intimidating.

Although my machine quilting experience is extremely limited to say the best, I was able to make all of the necessary adjustments in my own approach to this machine and get comfortable with it after just a few attempts.

After those adjustments were made, I found the BERNINA Q-20 to be rather easy to operate. I did, however, notice a little bit of vibration while moving the fabric beneath then needle and creating a small freehand design during the course of this review.

The fact that the BERNINA Q-20 is equipped with the patented BERNINA dual stitch regulator is a major advantage.

The BSR has a long standing track record for guaranteeing balanced stitches on BERNINA sewing and quilting machines. This single feature assures users that the Q-20 will deliver even, balanced stitches each and every time.

The BERNINA Q-20 has the BERNINA name and reputation behind it. It is versatile and can be used either as a sit down quilting machine with the standard table or with an optional frame.

Either way, anyone who adds this machine to their home sewing room will be assured of quality stitching and the excellent standard of operation and dependability that the BERNINA brand is so well known for.

If you are a machine quilting enthusiast who would doesn’t have the space to accommodate a full sized quilting frame or would simply prefer to sit down while creating beautiful quilted projects, you should visit your local BERNINA dealer for a demonstration of the Q-20 before deciding upon which sit down quilting machine to invest in.

The post BERNINA Q-20 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

While visiting Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I came across the very first combination sewing and embroidery machine to bear the Bernette label, the affordably priced subsidiary of BERNINA.

At A Glance

Bernina Bernette Sublime Chicago 7

The BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago Seven has a monochromatic LCD screen; on board thread cutter; and a semi-automatic needle threader.

The BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 also has a full series of function buttons: start/stop; needle position; needle up/down; twin needle; reverse stitch/pivot; left/right mirror image; vertical/horizontal mirror image; memory and clear.

There are also tabs for adjusting stitch length and width and a dial which is used to control the speed level.

A full series of function buttons

See through bobbin cover

There are also buttons with directional arrows surrounding a ‘check’ button which appears on other machines as an ‘ok’ button, which tell the machine that you are ready to move on to the next step.

Beside those buttons is a numerical key pad which is used in the stitch selection process when the machine is in the sewing mode.

Beneath the needle is a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with seam guides etched onto it. The drop feed control switch is located behind the free arm, which is exposed only after the embroidery unit or accessory case/work space is removed.

On the right side, you will find a port for connecting the embroidery unit, but no USB port to allow computer or laptop connectivity. The USB port is actually located on the front of the column, just below the function buttons.

Features

• 200 on board decorative and utility stitches
  • 20 quilting stitches
  • 1 alphanumeric font
  • One 1-step buttonhole
• 100 on board embroidery designs
• Drop in bobbin
• Drop feed
• Embroidery field 110mm x 170mm
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Manual tension adjustment
• 2 Position presser foot lift
• USB port

Working on the Bernina Bernette Sublime Chicago 7

Winding the bobbin and threading the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 is as easy as can be with the easy to follow on board thread guides.

For this review, I opted to test the embroidery feature… primarily because it was all set up for embroidery and I was really curious to see what it was capable of doing with embroidery designs.

Since the embroidery unit was already in place along with the darning/embroidery foot and the hoop with fabric and stabilizer, it just seemed natural that I would start this review by testing the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7’s embroidery capabilities.

The fun started when I realized I couldn’t move from the set up mode until I raised the presser foot. I did that and pressed the check key on the upper panel.

A monochromatic LCD screen

Rather than take me to the stitch menu, the machine instructed me to remove the embroidery hoop, which I did. I repeated these steps a couple of times before asking a sales associate for assistance.

It was only after she went through the same process a couple of times that we came to the realization that the presser foot on the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 has not one but two presser foot positions and we were working under the assumption that it had only one.

Duh!!! Had either one of us taken the time to first read the manual, this waste of time could have been avoided.

With that puzzle solved, I went into the embroidery stitch menu and selected as butterfly. Normally for reviews, I select single color designs primarily in the interest of time and to save store owners the hassle of setting me up with several thread colors.

This time, however, I decided to do a multi-color butterfly design in only one color – pink, which just happens to be a personal favorite. The butterfly appeared on the screen along with images of embroidery hoop sizes from which to choose.

A multi-color butterfly design

The size of the image is adjusted to the size of the hoop you select. After that decision is made, you have the option to further adjust the position and size of your embroidery design and to rotate it left to right and vertical or horizontal.

The next screen will show your image once again in the position you selected along with the thread color, along with the total number of stitches, the number of stitches in the selected color on top, and an icon which allows you to select the default multi-color or single color setting.

Although I chose to execute a multi-color design with single color thread, I decided to use the multi-color option just to see how the machine would handle it.

As with other embroidery machines, the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 stops for each color change. It is necessary to manually clip each thread with each change.

Even at the highest speed setting, this machine moves more slowly than other sewing and embroidery designs I have reviewed, but the stitch quality is excellent.

Stitch quality is excellent

Because executing this design took more time than I had originally anticipated, I decided to forego the other part of the review – testing the quality of utility and decorative stitches.

This is a major departure for me because I usually review decorative and utility stitching options first. Generally, the most challenging issues with stitch quality are found when a machine is in embroidery mode.

Therefore, based upon the quality of the stitches I saw while the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 was operated in the embroidery design, I am inclined to conclude that the stitches produced while the machine is in the sewing mode are of equal or quality.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 9 Snap on presser feet
  • All-purpose foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Blind hem foot
  • Button sewing foot
  • Overcasting foot
  • Satin stitch foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Simple embroidery foot
  • Darning/Embroidery foot
• Lint brush/seam ripper
• Needle set
• Extra bobbins
• Screwdriver
• L-shaped screwdriver
• Long spool pin long
• Spool pin felt
• 2 Spool holders (1 large/1 small)
• Dust Cover
• Spool net
• Embroidery hoop (L-110x170mm)
• Scissors

Optional accessories:

• 6 Presser feet
  • Cording foot
  • Gathering foot
  • Hemmer foot
  • ¼“ Quilting foot
  • Walking foot
  • Invisible Zipper foot
• Twin needle
• 2 Embroidery hoops
  • Medium – 100 x 100mm
  • Small – 40 x 40mm

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Overall, the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 is a machine that I believe is acceptable for use by someone who is adept at sewing machine operation and is expanding into machine embroidery. With only 100 on board embroidery designs this machine is somewhat limited in its functionality.

When I turned the machine on, the LCD screen lit up with an icon indicating that I should raise the presser foot and remove the embroidery hoop even though my intention was to test the embroidery function and the embroidery unit and hoop were already in place.

Embroidery hoop

In my opinion, a machine that is already set up in the embroidery mode should not have to be reset every time it is turned on.

In addition to this issue, I also noticed that there is more noise than other machines in its class and there was also some vibration.

I also took note of the fact that the embroidery hoop is locked into place by a latch connected to a spring, neither of which appears to be all that sturdy.

The body of the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 is constructed with that hard plastic which is prone to becoming brittle or even cracking over time without proper care. With all of this in mind, I cannot help but be concerned about the longevity of this machine model.

I hasten to add, however, that since the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 is Bernette’s very first attempt at a combination sewing and embroidery machine, I am hopeful that the issues I observed will be addressed and corrected after the machine has been in actual home sewing rooms for a little while.

I have observed that BERNINA is one of those companies that listens to its customers and makes adjustments to their products in order to satisfy the concerns raised by the people who actually use the sewing machines they sell.

In conclusion, this is one of those machines that I believe could possibly be a viable choice for a person who is not sure whether or not they want to be seriously engaged in machine embroidery.

I believe that anyone who purchases the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 should do so only if they want to get to know the basics of what a combination sewing and embroidery machine is capable of doing.

Sewing and embroidery machine

It is also a good choice for a young person who is perhaps 12 or 13 years of age or so and already knows to sew but wants to experiment with machine embroidery.

A parent or grandparent could first invest in this affordable machine before making a major investment in a sewing and embroidery machine with many more features and a higher price tag than the BERNINA Bernette Sublime Chicago 7.

The post Bernina Bernette Sublime Chicago 7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to say that I have seen more than one Singer sewing machine that is truly worthy of a second look.

Of late, however, I’ve come across a few Singer sewing machine models that give me hope that the Singer brand name is on the way back from the bottom of the list when it comes to quality sewing machines.

The Singer Curvy 8763 is one of those sewing machine that makes me think that the Singer brand is on the road to recovery.

I had an opportunity to review a Singer Curvy 8763 on a recent visit to Gold Coast Sew and Vac in West Palm Beach, Florida.

At A Glance

Singer Curvy 8763

Control lever

When you look at almost any of the new Singers, you cannot help but notice the sleek curvy design. The name ‘Curvy’ is actually one that could fit several machines in the current Singer line. The Curvy 8763 is a basic computerized sewing machine that has lavender colored accents.

There is a series of stitch selection buttons on the column along with sliders to adjust the stitch length and width; a tension dial on top of the machine head; a reverse stitch button above the needle; and beneath the needle, a see through bobbin cover and seam guides on the needle plate.

The on board accessory case comes off to reveal a convenient free arm. On the back of the free arm is a switch that is used to raise and lower the feed dogs.

On the left hand side of the machine is the control lever used to activate the automatic needle threader and a manual thread cutter.

Features

• 30 Built-In Stitches
  • 6 Utility stitches
  • 5 Stretch stitches
  • 17 Decorative stitches
  • 2 Automatic 1-step buttonholes
• Push-button stitch selection
• SwiftSmart™ threading system
• Drop & Sew™ bobbin system
• 3 StayBright™ LED lights
• Automatic tension adjustment
• Automatic presser foot pressure control
• Extra-high presser foot lifter
• Free arm
• Automatic stitch length & width settings [can be adjusted for custom stitching]
• Automatic tacking stitch function
• Automatic tie-off function
• Reverse stitch button
• Maximum sewing speed – 750 stitches per minute
• Side thread cutter
• Thirteen needle positions

Reverse stitch button

Working on the Singer Curvy 8763

Five rows of stitch patterns

Clearly marked thread and bobbin winding guides help even the most inept person get ready to sew with absolutely no problem at all.

The stitch selection process is somewhat different from the way stitches are identified and selected on most other sewing machines.

On the column, there are five rows of stitch patterns. Each row has six different stitch options. At the right hand end of each row is a white button.

To select a stitch, it is necessary to depress the appropriate white button until the pinpoint orange light above the desired stitch option is lit up.

Each stitch has its own preset default length and width setting. In order to customize stitches, it is necessary to slide the length or width controls to the left or right until the desired setting is achieved.

The automatic tension adjustment feature is designed to automatically set itself at the correct tension setting for the fabric the user is working with. This feature can be adjusted as well to accommodate specific customization.

For this review, I sampled quite a few of the 30 stitch options. The quality of each stitch was quite good. Each stitch was well defined, even and secure. The machine itself is relatively quiet, feels well-built and I noticed very little if any vibration while sewing.

Well defined, even and secure stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 5 Snap on presser feet
  • All-purpose foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Blind hem foot
  • Satin stitch foot
• Pack of needles
• Bobbins (class 15J)
• Thread spool caps
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Spool pin felt
• Darning plate
• Screwdriver
• Screwdriver
• Seam ripper/lint brush
• Soft dust cover
• Quick start guide
• Introductory DVD
• Owner’s manual

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Singer Curvy 8763 is a sewing machine that is superior to many of its predecessors bearing the Singer brand name.

What I observed during this review is that this machine is an ideal choice for the beginner as well as the advanced home sewer who is not inclined to want to work with a complicated computerized sewing machine. Having said that… I cannot attest to the longevity of the Singer Curvy 8763.

I am reminded of the Singer sewing machine I purchased back in the 1980s that worked great for the first couple of years but eventually turned into such a disappointment that I sold it at a yard sale about 10 years after I bought it.

Now, this could possibly be my expectation that any sewing machine should operate like a brand new machine for generations – the way my grandmother’s machines did… the way my own older mechanical sewing machines still do.

The bottom line is the Singer Curvy 8763 performs very well. It is ergonomically designed, which means that working on this machine is a comfortable experience.

This fact becomes more and more important for home sewers who are in the baby boomer generation. As we age, certain physical challenges appear that simply were not a consideration before.

For example, I have observed that while I was once able to sew for hours on end, my neck and shoulders now start to ache after a while.

The design of a sewing machine is very important when physical comfort is to be considered.
Younger home sewers, age 10 and above, will enjoy working on the Singer Curvy 8763 because of its simplicity.

I hesitate to recommend it for use by younger children because the stitch selection process might be a little challenging for them.

Older children, however, would no doubt be able to master the stitch selection process and overall use of this machine with very little instruction.

Those home sewers who have been sewing for a long time, as well as those who are ready to move from a basic mechanical sewing machine to an electronic machine will be able to appreciate the convenience of the automatic needle threading and tension adjustment features.

The Singer Curvy 8763 does not have a lot of stitch options – only 30 – but this is more than enough for someone who is concerned primarily with sewing clothing and accessories and home décor like curtains; table linen like runners, placemats, napkins and tablecloths; pillows and other home accents for the home.

I am not comfortable with the placement of the drop feed control lever. Like many other sewing machines in this class, the drop feed control is on the back of the free arm and accessible only after removing the on board accessory case.

On board accessory case

The Singer Curvy 8763 is available for purchase at authorized Singer dealers as well as through various online vendors. My advice is to visit your local authorized independent Singer dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Curvy 8763.

Then purchase your machine from that dealer. This is the only way to be certain that the machine you introduce to your sewing room will in fact function its peak performance level.

More and more often, I am getting e-mails from people who purchase machines via the internet who experience problems of one kind of another.

Some of the accessories may be missing; the machine may be broken; or they need some sort of instruction as to how use a particular feature.

All of these delays in using your brand new sewing machine can be avoided by purchasing it from an authorized independent dealer who is willing to sit down with you to make sure everything is in perfect working order before you take it home… and is there to answer all of your questions when they arise.

You might also be able to get a better deal if you decide to purchase a Singer Curvy 8763 because its successor – the Singer Curvy 8770 – is also available.

Many dealers have limited space and are more willing to offer discounts on earlier models to make room for the newer ones.

The really good news is when you purchase an older model machine, you still have access to all of the benefits that independent dealers offer to their customers who purchase the latest and most up to date sewing machines on the market.

The post Singer Curvy 8763 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

While in West Palm Beach on business, I decided to make a stop on the way home to say hello to my friends at Gold Coast Sew and Vac.

While there, I spotted a computerized Singer sewing machine that I had not yet had an opportunity to review – the Singer Curvy 8770.

At A Glance

Singer Curvy 8770

Automatic needle threader

The Singer Curvy 8770 is a sleek ‘curvy’ machine that has a small monochromatic LCD screen situated above a series of touch pads and buttons that are used to select stitches as well as adjust stitch length and width, store stitch patterns in the memory, engage the mirror imaging feature, and a small dial at the bottom of the column which is used to dim and brighten the backlit LCD screen.

There is also a tension dial on top of the machine head on the left side, a see through bobbin cover, a needle plate with limited seam guides etched on it, a removable workspace that doubles as an accessory case and a drop feed control switch on the back of the free arm.

On the left side of the machine head is a lever that when depressed, engages the automatic needle threader. The reverse stitch button is located above the needle.

I noticed at that time that the Singer Curvy 8770 has no start/stop button… a feature that is rather common on most computerized sewing machines. It does, however, have an automatic needle threader and a side thread cutter.

Features

• 225 Built-In Stitches
  • 6 Utility stitches
  • 5 Stretch stitches
  • 207 Decorative stitches
  • 7 Buttonholes
    • Six 1-step Buttonholes
    • 1 Endless Buttonhole
  • One block alphanumeric font
• 3 StayBright™ LED Lights
• Memory capability
• Drop feed
• Backlit monochromatic LCD Screen with adjustable light levels
• Needle up/down
• Electronic twin needle control
• Left to right mirror imaging
• Continuous pattern sewing
• Automatic tension adjustment
• Automatic presser foot pressure control
• Extra-high presser foot lifter
• Free arm
• Adjustable stitch length & width
• Center zigzag taper
• Automatic tacking stitch for decorative stitches
• Reverse stitch
• Automatic bobbin winding clutch
• Side thread cutter
• On board accessory storage
• Thirteen needle positions

Menu buttons on the front

Working on the Singer Curvy 8770

Winding the bobbin and threading the Singer Curvy 8770 are very simple tasks… so simple, in fact, that a child in elementary school could master the task alone after a few successful attempts under adult supervision.

The stitch selection process is accomplished through a series of easy to remember steps. First, it is necessary to use the menu buttons on the front of the column to identify the menu section where the desired stitch is located.

The button to locate and identify decorative and utility stitches is located on the left hand side of the button panel, above the mirror image icon.

The button used to select and program the alphanumeric font is located on the opposite side of the panel. Directional buttons are used to select stitch designs, adjust stitch length and width and customize stitch pattern selections.

When the desired stitch setting is achieved, press the center circle button and then the foot pedal to sew.

The stitches produced by the Singer Curvy 8770 are well executed, sturdy and evenly formed. The machine is quiet and has a solid feel.

There was no vibration and the ergonomic curvy design made me feel quite comfortable while sampling stitches for this review.

Well executed, sturdy and evenly formed stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Snap-On Presser Feet
  • All-purpose foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Buttonhole foot with underplate
  • Blind hem foot
  • Satin stitch foot
• Extra Needles,
• Extra bobbins (Class 15J)
• 3 Spool caps (1 large/1 medium/1 small)
• Auxiliary Spool Pin
• Spool Pin Felt
• Screwdriver
• Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
• Dust Cover
• Quick Start Guide
• Instructional DVD
• Owner’s Manual

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Singer Curvy 8770 is very much like its predecessor, the Singer Curvy 8763, but has features not found on the earlier model.

Features that are available on the 8770 but not on the 8763 include an additional 195 stitches; five more buttonholes, including the continuous buttonhole; and the inclusion of presser feet that are not part of the standard accessory list with the purchase of the 8763.

Cosmetically, the 8763 might be a little more attractive with its lavender colored accents, as opposed to the grey accents on the 8770.

To my pleasant surprise, working the Singer Curvy 8770 was an unexpected pleasure. Unlike many late model Singers, this particular machine is quiet, and has a solid feel with practically no vibration at all.

The basic on board thread guides are not only easy to follow, they are simple enough for a child to follow with only a little bit of assistance from an adult. Winding the bobbin is equally uncomplicated.

The see through bobbin cover and on board seam guides on the needle plate are very well designed. I have no hesitation in recommending the Singer Curvy 8770 for use by beginners from the age of nine or ten and up.

See through bobbin

It is also a good choice for the advanced home sewer who wants a basic computerized sewing machine with all of the essential features, but none of the extra bells and whistles that are included on many upscale, more costly computerized home sewing machines.

I do not like the fact that the drop feed control lever is located behind the free arm, making it necessary to remove the worktable/accessories case in order to gain access to it.

Through conversations with other people who sew, I am learning that people who have been sewing for as long as I have are the majority of people who are not satisfied with this feature.

People who have not become accustomed to the drop feed being easily accessible on front of sewing machines do not seem to have an issue with reaching behind the machine to drop the feed dogs. I guess that’s another advantage of having learned to sew ‘back in the day’.

For several years, I have been somewhat disappointed with many of the sewing machines bearing the Singer name. The 8770, however, is an exception – at least when brand spanking new.

I cannot vouch for the performance or durability of this machine beyond the first few months of use if that long. But I must say that I am impressed by its performance when it is first put into use.

Only time will tell if a brand new Singer Curvy 8770 will continue to perform at this excellent level after a period of time in an actual home sewing room. My recommendation is that anyone interested in purchasing this machine do so with a bit of caution.

In my opinion, it is essential that anyone who purchases a Singer in this era be fully aware that in the years since the company was sold by its original owners, the Singer sewing brand has gone through several transformations.

The quality and reputation of the brand has declined and no longer holds the high rating and esteem that it once held.

Lately, however, I have come across a few Singer sewing machines that indicate that the current owners … SVP [Singer/Viking/Pfaff] … have been making a few attempts to improve the quality and workmanship of certain Singer models. The Curvy 8770 is definitely one of those models.

If you decide to add a Singer Curvy 8770 to your own sewing room, please make sure you take the time to visit an authorized independent Singer sewing machine dealer.

It is only when you purchase a sewing machine from an authorized independent dealer that you get that level of personal one-on-one service and attention – even with an economically priced machine – that you simply can’t get from a large corporation, a big box store or the internet.

It’s the relationships that you build with store owners and associates that make all the difference in the world. Those of us who spend a lot of time in the sewing room become attached to our machines.

They are like our children, and we want people who care as much about them as we do – who understand how important they are to us – to be nearby to talk to, troubleshoot and share ideas with.

The post Singer Curvy 8770 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is one of those sewing machines that I had read lots and lots about before actually getting a chance to review it at Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida.

It is an extremely lightweight, portable, affordable, combination sewing and embroidery machine that in some ways reminds me of the Pfaff 1.5. It should be noted here that both these machines are manufactured and distributed by SVP – Singer, Viking, Pfaff.

At A Glance

Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35

When I first saw the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35, it was neatly packed and ready to go. The interesting thing about this carrying case, however, is that it is in no way typical.

What appears to be a removable carrying case is actually the sewing machine itself with the accessories compartment mounted and locked in place.

Neatly packed

There is a grey dial on the back that when turned in the upright position, locks it in place. The embroidery unit, however, is not part of this otherwise highly functional portability.

When the case is removed, the workspace and all of the function buttons are exposed. It is necessary, however, to raise the lid on top of the machine in order to access the thread and bobbin winding mechanism.

When fully opened, you see what appears to be the control panel of a complicated piece of equipment.

Control panel

The truth, however, is that the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 has practically all of the functions and features that a larger, more costly sewing and embroidery machine offers neatly compressed in a machine that is half the size and weight.

USB port

In this very compact space, you will find needle up/down; design stop; design fix; thread cut; plus and minus buttons to adjust sewing speed; start/stop; reverse/lock stitch; memory delete; stitch length and width adjustment; a series of stitch selection buttons; alternate view [In embroidery mode, this function switches from stitch out to edit mode; in the sewing mode, the alternate view button is used when working with satin stitch options]; step stitch by stitch [used in embroidery mode]; arrow and OK buttons [select and lock in stitch options in both sewing and embroidery modes]; step color by color [used when the machine is in the embroidery mode]; mirror image and rotate buttons; hoop options [allow you to select hoop size and position]; embroidery info button [shows design name, colors, number of stitches, etc.]; menu button; corner check [used in embroidery mode]; stitch menu; font menu; upper/lower case shift; program mode; memory button; sewing advisor; and a series of buttons to identify and set the type of fabric being used that is common on practically every sewing machine made by Husqvarna/Viking.

There is also a see through bobbin holder and a large needle plate with multiple seam guides; a drop feed control switch on back of the free arm; and an on board stitch selection guide beneath the lid.

A USB port where the USB drive is inserted is on the right side of the machine as well as a port where the foot pedal is connected when the start/stop option is not being used.

Features

• 120 utility and decorative stitches
  • 5 One-step buttonholes
  • 2 sewing alphanumeric fonts
• Stitch programming
• Automatic thread tension
• Automatic thread cutter
• Unique carrying case design doubles as accessory compartment
• Variable speed control
• Built-in needle threader
• Monochromatic LCD display
• Twin needle safety
• Bobbin winds from the needle
• Multiple languages
• LED lights
• Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR™
• Large Sewing Surface 200mm (almost 8″) to the right of the needle
• Needle up/down
• Start/stop
• Drop feed
• Free motion sewing with any stitch
• Upper thread sensor
• 29 needle positions
• USB stick containing 70 embroidery designs
• 1 embroidery font programmable in three different sizes
• Large embroidery area 240x150mm (9½″x6″)
• Faster embroidery speed than other similar machines
• Design basting
• Embroidery edit
• Corner check
• Rotate design 90º
• Step through stitches

Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35

Threading the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is as simple as can be. Following the threading and bobbin winding guides is almost literally child’s play.

Inserting the bobbin is equally as easy. I found that selecting stitches in the sewing mode to be rather straightforward.

Threading and bobbin winding guides

The first step was to depress the stitch selection menu button to first determine the stitch category from which I want to select by using arrow buttons to scroll left or right and then pressing the OK button. Then I referred to the stitch selection guide on top of the machine and dialed in the desired stitch number.

For this review, I sampled numerous utility and decorative stitches and was pleased to discover that the stitch quality is quite good, although the machine is a little loud and has a little bit of vibration.

It is important to note here that the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 will not operate in the sewing mode if the embroidery unit is attached.

When in the embroidery mode, you start by attaching the embroidery unit while the machine is turned off. The embroidery unit slides on easily and clicks into place with very little effort.

The next step is to insert the flash drive and then use the same process to select an embroidery design. The monochromatic screen will not show colors, but will let you know which color threads are necessary to execute the design.

Good stitch quality

You can, however, also load the USB port onto your computer, where you can see color images of your designs, adjust the size, and rotate your designs before attaching the USB port to the machine.

The finished embroidery designs created by the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 are good. The machine is, according to the manufacturer, faster than other embroidery machines in its class, qualifying that statement with the disclaimer that embroidery speed depends upon the selected design. Even at a slower embroidery speed, I noticed that it is noisy.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 8 Snap on presser feet:
  • Utility foot
  • Decorative stitch foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Blindhem foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Edging foot
  • Embroidery/darning foot
  • One-step buttonhole foot
• Self-Adhesive Glide Plate
• Embroidery hoops
• Thread net, Edge guide
• 2 felt spool pads
• 5 Bobbins
• Screwdriver
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Screwdriver
• 2 Spool caps (1 small, 1large)
• USB embroidery stick pre-loaded with embroidery designs
• HUSQVARNA VIKING DESIGNER JADE 35 sampler book
• Extra Needles

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 performs well. However, nearly all sewing machines perform well when they are brand new, especially when they are on a showroom floor.

I must admit that I have some concerns when it comes to machines that are so new on the market that they have not been used for any length of time under actual sewing room conditions.

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is said to complete embroidery designs faster than other sewing and embroidery machines in its class.

To be honest, I have seen only two other machines of this type in this type … the Pfaff 1.5 and the Bernina Sublime Chicago 7. In my opinion, all three have benefits, but each leaves something to desire as well.

Speed buttons

When it comes to the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35, my immediate feeling is that there is a little too much here. For starters, there are so many buttons on the front panel, essential function control buttons, like start/stop; reverse; and the speed control buttons are in an awkward position.

They are on front of the machine, above the needle, but the design of the machine itself means that these buttons are ‘beneath the fold’, if you are going to use newspaper parlance.

The machine is designed with an inward slant immediately above these buttons, meaning that instead of being easy to reach, they are tucked a little underneath, calling for a somewhat uncomfortable twist of the wrist.

The manufacturer promotes the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 as a great machine for the beginner. In my opinion, the overwhelming number of function buttons on the front of this machine make it impossible for someone who has never worked on a sewing machine to be comfortable.

Functions performed by many of the buttons on the Designer Jade 35 are most often executed by fewer keys and steps on other machines. In fact, most of these functions are completed with just one or two buttons.

I do not understand why, but it seems to me that the manufacturer seems to have gone out of their way to make the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 far more complicated than it needs to be.

Even a home sewer who has superior skills wants a machine that is user friendly. I simply don’t feel as though this is a particularly user friendly machine. Don’t take my word for it.

No doubt, there are plenty of people out there who are not only comfortable with lots of buttons, but are not the least bit challenged when asked to go through a lot of unnecessary steps in order to accomplish a simple task. The Husqvarna/Viking Design Jade 35 is available for sale at authorized independent Husqvarna/Viking dealers.

If you want to check out this machine for yourself and decide on your own whether or not the Designer Jade 35 is something that might work for you, I encourage you to visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration.

I would definitely like to know if others agree with me or if they think this is a machine that is on the cutting edge of home sewing and welcome it in their home sewing rooms.

The post Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

Every year, it seems as though the powers that be in the sewing machine industry come up with machines that are capable of doing more and more.

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic is the latest in the growing supply of combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machines that surpass practically every other combination machine that came before it.

I had an opportunity to review this oversized, fully loaded sewing, quilting and embroidery machine while visiting Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida.

At A Glance

Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic

Large full color touchscreen

It’s almost difficult to know where to begin when describing the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic. For starters, there’s the large full color touchscreen which measures 10.1” diagonally and functions much like a tablet.

Then there’s the large workspace, the extra bright lighting and the mere size. This machine has a footprint nearly twice the size of a standard sewing machine. On the right side of the machine, you will find two USB ports as well as the bobbin winder and bobbin thread cutter.

The large full color screen is on the front of the column and all of the function buttons are in close proximity to the needle. From left to right, bottom to top, they are in columns of three.

The first column are buttons to control needle up/down; speed decrease; and auto needle threader. Next to those buttons are the thread tie off and cut; speed increase and stitch restart.

To the right of the needle you will find the start/stop; fix and design stop buttons; and beneath the column… reverse/lock stitch; presser foot up and presser foot down.

There is also a series of bright LED lights – possibly the brightest I have seen on a sewing machine of any type; a see through bobbin and a needle plate with seam guides etched on both sides as well as on the bobbin cover.

Function buttons

Telescoping dual thread stand

The telescoping dual thread stand makes working with large cones of thread easier and the oversized accessory tray gives you a lot more work space when the embroidery unit is not being used.

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic also comes with a speaker, which is situated just above the light on the right side of the machine head. More on that later.

Features

• More than 1200 utility and decorative stitches
  • 6 Alphanumeric fonts
  • 16 Buttonholes
  • Yarn embellishment and motif stitches
• 650 on board embroidery patterns and designs
• Embroidery stitch out
• Stitch positioning
• Joy OS Advisor – provides on screen assistance and help including:
  • Interactive tutorials
  • Stitch and embroidery techniques
  • Sewing instructions
  • Step-by-step workbook
  • Stabilizer guide
  • Quick help
  • Complete user’s guide
• mySewnet Wi-Fi Cloud connectivity – enables
  • Wireless transfer of designs from any location to your machine
  • Automatic updates
  • Free mySewnet™ account with ability to share content between devices
• mySewMonitor App available for both Android and iOS
• 10.1 Full color screen operates like a tablet
• Two free motion settings
  • Floating
  • Spring action
• Interchangeable dual feed
• Electronic needle piercing
• 29 Needle positions

Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic

From the moment you turn on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic, you know you are in for a different sewing experience. The first thing you notice is the chiming that comes from the speaker in front of you.

Next, the screen lights up and settles on a menu that is uncomplicated and rather easy to understand… that is if you are already accustomed to the icons that have been used on Husqvarna/Viking sewing and embroidery machines the last few years and if you know how to operate a tablet mobile device.

The embroidery unit glides on and off easily and attaching hoops is as simple as sliding it into place and fastening the latch.

With 19 different screens from which to choose a stitch pattern, the choices can get a bit overwhelming. The stitches I sampled for this review were all executed perfectly.

Perfectly executed stitches

Each one was well formed, sturdy and secure. When operating in the embroidery mode, the Husqvarna/Viking is not only fast, but also relatively quiet. I didn’t notice any vibration while working in either the sewing or embroidery mode.

Stitch quality

The embellishment feature stitches can even be used for tasks formally done exclusively by hand, like attaching individual sequins.

Well formed, sturdy and secure stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

Accessories

• 12 Snap on Presser Feet
  • Utility foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Sensor buttonhole foot
  • Blind hem foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Non-stick glide foot
  • Edging foot
  • Sensor Q foot
  • Quilter’s ¼ “ piercing foot
  • Embroidery/darning foot
  • Side motion foot
  • 2 Interchangeable dual feed feet
    • Straight stitch
    • Zigzag stitch

Sampler books

• 2 Self-adhesive glide plates
• Stylus
• 4 Thread nets
• Universal tool
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Edge/Quilting guides
• 2 Thread cone holders
• 16 Hoop clips
• 6 Spool caps (2 small, 2 medium, 2 large)
• 2 Large spool holders
• Multipurpose tool/Button reed
• Straight Stitch needle Plate
• Complimentary PC software available for download
• Soft cover for machine
• Luggage style carrying bag
  • Packing insert for embroidery unit
• Extra needles
• Bobbins
• DESIGNER EPIC™ sampler book
• Embroidery Hoops
  • Imperial Hoop (360×260)
  • Crown Hoop (260×200)
  • Splendid Square Hoop (120×120)

Embroidery Hoops

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

If you are already accustomed to working with a tablet, you are already half way to being able to operate the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic. The technologically challenged might find the adjustment a bit difficult, however.

Those who are unfamiliar with working with a tablet will have to first learn the basics of using that mobile device in order to be able to navigate the many screens on this sewing machine.

The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic is not the first combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine designed for home use that has a larger than normal footprint.

However, it is a clear indication of a growing trend toward bigger, more powerful sewing machines that require much more space in the sewing room. It won’t be long before you can say good-bye to the days when you can put a sewing machine on a small desk in a corner.

Larger sewing and embroidery machine

These new, larger sewing and embroidery machines need lots of space. If you were to use the largest hoop that comes with the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic, you will find that if your machine is near a wall, you will have to move the desk or table away from the wall to accommodate the larger size hoop.

The stylus is beautiful. It looks very much like a very pretty ball point pen. My challenge is that after getting accustomed to having a storage port on the machine to store a stylus, I couldn’t find any place on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic to hold this one.

On board tutorials

This means one of two things… either repeatedly open and close the accessories compartment when you want to use the stylus or run the risk of its getting misplaced by keeping it out all the time.

Navigating through each of the screens, accessing all of the stitch options and tons of information is easy, albeit time consuming. Investing the time required to get to know this machine is well worth it, however.

The many on board tutorials actually talk you through the steps required to accomplish each task while simultaneously showing visual images.

Even with all of this high tech on board assistance, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic is definitely NOT a machine for beginners.

I am even a little hesitant to recommend it for those home sewers who are at the intermediate level when it comes to sewing skill, but unaccustomed to working with the newer computerized sewing machines.

There is so much to learn with this machine that I cannot help but be concerned that a person with somewhat limited sewing skills might be intimidated by having so much to take in all at once.

Having said all of that… I do believe that a computer savvy home sewer would probably enjoy being able to combine their creativity with the technological advances of this machine.

Once you get the hang of it, navigating through all of the stitch choices and exploring all of the possibilities could actually be a lot of fun.

The post Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Janome Memory Craft 500E was designed as an update and replacement for the very reliable Janome Memory Craft 350E. It’s not often that a sewing machine dealer gets truly excited about a new machine.

Even before the Janome Memory Craft 500E embroidery only machine was delivered to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, store owner, Fay Nichol, was buzzing about this new acquisition. She even admitted to me that she had been “waiting for this machine for years”.

At A Glance

Janome Memory Craft 500E

Embroidery arm is permanently mounted

The Janome Memory Craft 500E doesn’t look anything at all like its predecessor – the 350E. The 500E has a large full color touch screen. An embroidery arm is permanently mounted on the machine bed. It is designed in such a way that embroidery hoops are very easily snapped into place and removed.

There is a start/stop button on the machine head next to the thread cut button. A menu icon on the touch screen enables the user to gain access to the on board designs, which includes a monogram and embroidery fonts and border designs.

The Janome Memory Craft 500E has a scratch resistant surface, a major advantage over those machines that are made with inferior, hard plastic materials.

Start/stop button

There are bright LED lights, a USB port and a slot for insertion of floppy discs, enabling people who own the Janome Memory Craft 350E to continue to use the software they invested in to continue to use it on the updated 500E.

Features

• Maximum embroidery size: 7.9” x 11”
• 160 built-in designs
• 6 fonts for monogramming
• 2 and 3 letter monogramming
• Auto return post thread break
• Automatically centers designs
• On-screen editing

  Ability to edit on a computer and transfer to the machine via USB

  • Enlarge/reduce
  • Rotate
  • Flip
  • Drag and drop
  • Arc
  • Combine
  • Copy and paste
  • Grouping
  • Corner layout
  • Single color sewing
  • Zoom
  • 4 Way mirror imaging
• Lock out key
• Ability to edit on a computer and transfer to the machine via USB
• Advanced needle threader
• Advanced bobbin threader
• Programmable stitch skip feature
• Shift images by .5 degree increments
• Ability to combine design and borders
• Enlarge or decrease image size by 20%
• Digitizer enabled
• 2 Position presser foot lift
• Automatically ties off and cuts thread before jumping to another part of the design
• Ability to convert any embroidery design from multi-color to single color

Working on the Janome Memory Craft 500E

Color touch screen

The Janome Memory Craft 500E has one of the simplest, most user friendly threading systems available on a sewing machine of any type.

Once the machine is threaded and the bobbin put into place, selecting a stitch option is as easy as first touching the menu button and then scrolling through the design options until the desired design is identified.

Embroidery designs are categorized by hoop size in the menu. It is possible to combine designs, insert borders and to customize designs in a number of ways.

It is not possible, however to increase or decrease embroidery designs more than 20% above or below the original dimensions.

During the course of this review, I sampled several different designs, and options for placement of designs, insertion of borders and programming multi-color designs to be executed with a single color thread. Watching the various designs as they were stitched out was an interesting experience.

With each design created during this review, I observed that the sewing speed varied with the complexity of the design, that the Janome Memory Craft 500E runs smoothly, quietly and although I noticed a little vibration, I believe it is due to the fact that the machine was place on a folding work table.

Perfect design

I cannot help but suspect that when mounted onto a proper sewing table, there would not be much vibration at all, if any. I also observed that each design, whether single or multi-color, was perfect in every way.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Screw driver
• Screwdriver key
• 6 Spool caps [2 large/2 medium/ 2 small]
• Oil dispenser
• Lint brush
• Scissors
• Extra spool pin
• Stylus
• Needles
• Bobbins
• 4 Embroidery hoops
  • 2 Rectangle – 7.9″ x 11″ and 5.5” x 7.9”
  • 2 Square – 5.5” x 5.5” and 7.9” x 7.9”
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual
• Instructional DVD
• Soft dust cover
• Extra wide extension table
• Anti-slip sticker
• 8 Clamps

Optional accessories:

• Rectangle Hoop – 1.5” x 5.5”
• 9 Piece Scissor Kit
• Specialized Bobbin
• High tension Bobbin Holder for Embroidery
• Metal bobbins
• Plastic Bobbins
• Brush Out Embroidery Kit
• Extra Large Foot Controller
• Horizontal Spool Holder
• Needle Threader
• Needles
• Pincushion
• Seam ripper
• 5 Thread spool stand

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Janome Memory Craft 500E is a very good embroidery only machine. It is definitely capable of rendering excellent embroidery projects, executed perfectly in every way.

My concern, however, is that the user is limited in options as to size. Designs created for specific use in the large hoop cannot be altered or adjusted to fit the small hoops and vice versa.

On the other hand, I like the way designs can be altered, combined and manipulated in other ways. I especially like the ease with which a multi-color design is converted to a single color pattern.

Multi-color design

Working with the easy to follow threading guide, the advanced needle threading and bobbin winding systems makes preparing to work on the Janome Memory Craft 500E a snap, so getting down to the real business of creating embroidery designs is as fast as can be.

When it comes to the quality of finished embroidered designs, the Janome Memory Craft 500E cannot be beat. I like the ease with which it is operated and I like the way designs are combined, moved and executed.

I do, however, have a problem with the fact that anyone who chooses this machine is limited in their choices as to how large or small a design or combination of designs could be. With all of the other major advantages to owning the Janome Memory Craft 500E, I cannot help but wonder why the manufacturer decided to tie he user’s hands like this.

In my opinion, an embroidery machine as excellent in every other way as the Janome Memory Craft 500E is restricting its own capabilities far too much by not making it possible for users to use any hoop to create any one of the 160 designs.

The Janome Memory Craft is a good choice for anyone who is new to machine embroidery. I do not, however, recommend its use by anyone who is new to sewing altogether.

Before taking on the task of working on an embroidery only machine, it is necessary in my opinion for the user to already have a thorough knowledge and understanding of basic sewing machine operation.

Quality of finished embroidered designs

Because of the issue with sizing of designs, I hesitate to recommend the 500E for someone who is an avid machine embroiderer. If machine embroidery is a major part of an individual’s sewing practice, limiting themselves like that could be a definite turn off.

If, however, machine embroidery is something that an individual enjoys engaging in, and is not discouraged or dissuaded by the limitations of having to restrict their creativity to the parameters of the built in design constraints, I believe the Janome Memory Craft 500E would be the perfect choice.

Its sturdy construction, solid feel and scratch resistant outer body are certainly advantages that may not be available on other embroidery only machines.

Anyone who is in the market for a new embroidery only machine should definitely take a close look at the Janome Memory Craft 500 before deciding to make a final purchase.

While the Janome Memory Craft 500E may not be for every machine embroidery enthusiast, there is definitely a place for it in lots of sewing rooms the world over.

The post Janome Memory Craft 500E Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

While visiting the Factory Sew-Vac in Lake Worth, Florida, I came across a machine in their industrial department that I had not seen before. The label said that it was a Real FY 361.

I learned that the Real brand is really from the Tacony Corporation, a US based firm that manufactures sewing machines and sergers for home and industrial use and also imports and distributes several other sewing machine brands, including Baby Lock. Tacony is also the source for Koala furniture for sewing rooms of all sizes.

At A Glance

Real FY 361

When I first saw the Real FY 316, it looked very much like a Juki straight stitch only sewing machine I had previously reviewed.

The only real difference I could determine from looking at this machine was the thread path. The Real FY 361 is easier to thread than any other industrial sewing machine I have seen to date.

Easy to thread

The Real FY 361 has a side bobbin winder, which is really a great asset when you are working on a project that cannot be finished with just one bobbin.

There is a very large, easy to access reverse stitch lever situated directly beneath the stitch length adjustment dial.

The clutch motor is turned on and off by a pair of green and red push buttons located beneath the table top on the left hand side.

a pair of green and red push buttons

The jumbo sized table mounted spool stand is capable of holding two oversized industrial sized cones of thread, making this machine economical and time saving in the most subtle of ways.

Features

• Table mounted
• Straight stitch only
• Sews up to 1600 stitches per minute
• High speed clutch motor
• Side mounted bobbin winder
• Knee lift
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Adjustable stitch length
• Reverse stitch
• Easy to follow thread path
• On board seam guide

Working on the Real FY 361

Winding the bobbin and loading the upper thread on the Real FY 361 is far less challenging than I expected it to be.

This is the very first industrial sewing machine that I have reviewed that did not require a reference to the owner’s manual in order to thread it correctly the very first time.

From the thread cone, there are only four steps to threading the machine. Anyone who has ever sewn on an industrial machine knows that nearly all of them have complicated thread paths that sometimes take up to ten steps before landing at the eye of the needle.

As with all other industrial sewing machines, there are no lettered or numbered on board guides to tell you which way to thread the Real FY 361.

Bobbin is loaded beneath the needle

After winding, the bobbin is loaded beneath the needle. You can also raise the head if you prefer. However, it is very easy to access simply by lifting the metal plate and reaching inside.

I find that inserting the bobbin through the raised cover is quite efficient. The machine head is raised here just to show the placement of the bobbin for this review.

For this review, I used varying thicknesses of medium and heavy weight denim. This machine is super fast. The stitches, regardless of length or the thickness of the fabric were all perfect.

perfect stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

There is actually limited demand for special purpose industrial sewing machines but they serve a very specific purpose.

No doubt, they are used in factories, and specialty shops where shoes and purses are manufactured and/or repaired. However, I was actually a bit surprised when I learned just how many people use these machines in their home based businesses.

People who make wigs, customized drapery and upholstery as well as people who make purses are turning to the straight stitch only industrial sewing machine more and more.

I noticed that the clutch motor on this particular machine is significantly quieter than most other clutch motors I have worked with – including the one on my own industrial sewing machine.

This is a definite advantage, especially if you are working in a room where other sewing machines are being used at the same time.

The Real FY 361 is by far the most user friendly industrial sewing machine I have seen and reviewed thus far. It is easy to thread.

The side mounted bobbin winder not only saves time, it is also equally easy to operate and the extra large dual thread cone holders make it possible for the user to not only sew for hours and hours on end without being concerned about running out of thread, they are also cost effective.

Although the initial cost of a cone of thread this size is certainly high, the end result is you purchase far fewer spools or cones of thread than if you were to use standard size cones.

This machine goes so fast that anyone who is unaccustomed to an industrial machine might at first be intimidated.

When you are working on a machine that sews this fast, you must not only pay close attention to what you are doing, you must also use extra caution. There is no finger guard to protect fingers that get in the way of the super strong rapid fire needle.

The learning curve for transitioning from a mechanical home sewing machine to the Real FY 361 is not as great a one might imagine. After all, there is only one stitch and one presser foot that is permanently attached.

Because it is so fast, there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that this machine should never be used by a beginner or even by someone whose sewing skills are barely at the intermediate level.

Although it is a user friendly straight stitch only sewing machine, an inexperienced user could very well be injured by this lightning fast sewing machine.

I recommend the Real FY 361 for commercial use only. If you have a home based business and are considering purchasing this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine, make sure you first visit a dealer that has one in stock and ask for a demonstration before placing your order.

If you have never worked with a machine that sews this fast, you will definitely be in for a surprise when you realize just how quickly it finishes a seam.

The superior stitch quality and speed are excellent for any kind of commercial enterprise. I believe that whether you have a home based business, if you have a professional tailor shop, if you manufacture or repair purses and shoes, or if you sew boat sails or car seats, you should take a very close look at the Real FY 361 as a possible addition to your sewing machine inventory.

The post Real FY 361 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

With the growing interest in machine embroidery at home, it is a natural conclusion that eventually, there would be a larger, faster embroidery machine for home use.

The Baby Lock Alliance is one such machine. I had an opportunity to review this user friendly stand-alone single needle, four thread embroidery only machine at Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in Tamarac, Florida.

At A Glance

Baby Lock Alliance

Anyone who sees the Baby Lock Alliance for the very first time would immediately believe that it was just one more multi-needle embroidery machine designed and built for industrial use only.

Closer inspection, however, reveals that there is only one needle, a clearly marked easy to follow thread path and a side mounted bobbin winder with a separate motor.

At a Glance

As with all other sewing and embroidery machines, the bobbin housing is beneath the needle and hoop area. There are arms and clamps on either side of the needle which snugly hold the embroidery hoops in place.

There is also a brightly lit work area and a full color touch screen located on the right side of the Baby Lock Alliance. This touch screen is used to control all of the embroidery functions of this machine while it is in use.

On the left side of the machine is a USB port and to enhance the user friendliness, the Baby Lock Alliance has an advanced needle threading system.

Features

• 125 On board embroidery designs plus:
  • 25 Fonts, including large floral alphabet, Baby Lock exclusive script, Greek letters and large applique alphabet
  • 140 Frame combinations
• Ability to combine embroidery designs on screen
• Character/text array function
• Multi-line text designing
• Character spacing
• Ability to change embroidery position using arrow keys
• Rotate pattern by 1°, 10° and 90°
• Design size change (10% reduction and 20% enlargement) on most designs
• Needle forward and reverse position placement (1, 10, 100 or 500 stitch increments) and by color
• Design duplication
• Color sorting non-overlapping designs
• Automatic basting
• 4 Way mirror imaging
• Ability to increase the size of the design thumbnail for easy viewing
• Ability to change color selections within designs
• Continuous border and color sorting on border designs
• Monochrome option for all embroidery designs
• Instant needle edge placement (9 starting and ending positions)
• Custom color displays in 3 options (Original Palette, Custom Palette 1, Custom Palette 2)
• Hoop sensor
• On-screen stitch count and running time display
• 1 MB built-in memory
• Quick-Set, built-in bobbin winder with independent motor
• Ability to use pre-wound Class “L” bobbins
• Push button, automatic needle threader
• 2 LED lights
• Upper thread breakage sensors
• Manual tension adjustment
• Automatic upper and lower thread trimmer
• Start/Stop button with lock feature
• On-screen speed control
• Ability to change screen and thumbnail back-ground color
• 4-Thread positions
• On board stylus holder
• 7” diagonal TruView LCD Color Touch Screen
  • Shows 260,000 colors
  • Adjustable screen brightness
  • Programmable date and time settings
  • Design placement using drag and drop capabilities
  • Estimated embroidery time display and stitch count
  • Needle advancement (1, 10, 100 or 500 stitch increments)
  • Measurements displayed in inches or millimeters
  • Color separation
  • Thread color indicator
  • On-screen hoop size indicator
  • 300 Color names
• Needle Beam for precise alignment
• On board operation guide
• On board tutorial
• Auto save feature

bobbin

Working on the Janome Memory Craft 500E

Nearly every other stand up embroidery machine that I have reviewed was so intimidating that I opted to invite a sales associate who had been trained by a factory representative to give me a demonstration as though I were a prospective client.

In fact, this is what Hank, the service manager began doing. However, the Baby Lock Alliance is so user-friendly that I asked him to just stand by in case I had any questions.

Threading the Baby Lock Alliance is as easy as threading a machine of this type could possibly be. The easy to follow threading and bobbin winding guides are so uncomplicated that threading this machine was as easy as threading a regular home sewing machine.

Choosing one of the on board stitch designs is equally as easy. All that is required is to go into the menu and scroll through until the desired embroidery design is identified.

Selected design on touch screen

With the Baby Lock Alliance, it is possible to program multi-colored embroidery stitch designs to be produced with a single thread color.

When Hank loaded the embroidery hoop with stabilizer only, I pointed out that we needed to add fabric to the hoop before closing and loading it onto the machine.

At that point, he invited me to watch him demonstrate a new feature of this machine. I’m always willing and ready to learn something new, so I stepped aside and watched as he merely laid a strip of sample fabric that he uses for testing machines across the hoop.

Prior to doing that, however, he showed me how simple it was to load the hoop onto the machine. The hoop literally slides and clicks into place on tiny metal pegs on either side of the machine. Next to the pins there are small metal tabs which are used to release the hoop when you are ready to take it off of the machine.

Now, back to my lesson of the day. After I scrolled through several design patterns until I settled on one that I wanted to use for this review, Hank laid the fabric strip across the hooped stabilizer.

He then demonstrated the basting feature, which I think may be the coolest of all the user friendly features on this machine. When I selected the design, it appeared on the touchscreen encased in a box, and a red laser dot illuminated the center of the design to be created.

After Hank engaged the basting feature, the machine automatically began by sewing a series of stitches framing the design area approximately one inch in length.

While watching this stage of the project, I realized that the pale pink thread loaded on the machine would probably not show up on the fabric well enough for me to show a true representation of the stitch quality, so he interrupted the stitching before the actual design began. I changed the thread without the slightest problem and we hit the start/stop button once again.

My design was executed in what seemed like record time. The Baby Lock Alliance is as fast as practically any industrial embroidery machine on the market. The stitch quality was flawless.

Flawless Stitch quality

I did notice a little bit of vibration, but not much at all. Hank pointed out that the wheels on the cart/table on which this particular machine was mounted were not locked and suggested that the vibration would be eliminated once the wheels were locked legs anchored to the floor.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Stylus
• Self-contained accessories case
• Pre-wound bobbins
• Empty metal bobbins
• USB cable
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Screwdrivers
• Spool
• Oil Dispenser
• Tweezers
• Spool caps
• Lint brush
• 2 Embroidery frame holders (one large/one small)
• 6 Embroidery hoops:
  • 8” x 8” hoop (200mm x 200mm)
  • 4” x 4” hoop (100mm x 100mm)
  • 1-5/8” x 2-3/4” hoop (41mm x 70mm)
  • 2” x 2” hoop (50mm x 50mm)
  • 1-1/2” x 1-3/4” hoop (38mm x 44mm)
  • 1-15/16” x 2-15/16” hoop (33mm x 75mm)

Accessories

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

I sincerely believe that anyone who is very serious about machine embroidery or an individual who is launching a home based embroidery business could be extremely satisfied with the Baby Lock Alliance. I love the way the machine was designed to be so user friendly.

The clearly labeled threading guides along with the on board advanced needle threader are advantages that are generally not available on machines that are designed for commercial or industrial use. The speed, however, and the superior stitch quality scream perfection and professionalism.

No doubt, the Baby Lock Alliance is an excellent choice for the intermediate to advanced home sewer who is ready to step up their machine embroidery game.

I can see how the easy threading guide and bobbin winding system might tempt someone with little or no sewing skills to invest in the Baby Lock Alliance. I must caution anyone without any prior sewing experience to avoid attempting to use this machine, however.

No machine of this type should be operated by an individual who does not have a full comprehensive understanding of how to operate and maintain a sewing machine.

Without this prior knowledge and understanding, a novice could easily be lulled into a false sense of security and make a mistake that could potentially cause irreparable damage to the machine because of lack of knowledge.

If your sewing room is large enough to accommodate an embroidery only machine, the Baby Lock Alliance might fill the bill. The actual footprint is about the same as a full size sewing machine.

In fact, the Alliance has a footprint considerably smaller than many of the fully loaded combination sewing and embroidery machines that have appeared on the market in the last couple of years.

If you are ready to make a commitment to taking your machine embroidery talents to the next level, I urge you to take a long hard look at the Baby Lock Alliance and all of its features and capabilities.

My suggestion is that you take an afternoon or morning to visit your local Baby Lock dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Alliance. It is not for everyone, but in my opinion, those for whom it is a good fit will be elated.

The post Baby Lock Alliance Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

A little while back, I received an e-mail message from a reader requesting that I review the Baby Lock Unity combination sewing and embroidery machine.

It took a little while, but I eventually came across a brand new Unity at Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in Tamarac, Florida. Finally, I had an opportunity to get my hot little hands on this machine.

To be honest, I am grateful for this request because it gave me a chance to broaden my own knowledge base about options home sewers have for combination sewing and embroidery machines.

At A Glance

Baby Lock Unity

The Baby Lock Unity looks very much like a smaller version of the Baby Lock Destiny. The Unity, in fact, has all of the essential features that the Destiny offers for home sewers to have access to the most necessary up to date sewing and embroidery technology.

The full color LCD screen on the Unity is smaller than the screen found on the Destiny. However, unlike the Destiny, you do not have the luxury of watching movies on this screen.

Therefore, in my opinion, the Unity’s 7” diagonal screen is perfect. There is also a large embroidery unit that does not have to be removed in order for the Unity to operate in the sewing mode.

Embroidery unit

All of the function control buttons are easily accessible on the machine head. Across the top of the machine head are function buttons: thread tie off and cut; presser foot up/down; variable speed control slider and the advanced automatic needle threader.

The start/stop, reverse stitch, design stop and stitch lock/reinforce buttons are situated above the needle. Beneath the needle is a needle plate and see through bobbin cover that also double as seam guides with measurements in both inches and centimeters.

On the right side of the machine are two separate USB ports, a laser pen, for precise placement of the embroidery design and a stylus which can be used on the touchscreen.

FYI – I discovered that my fingertip works just fine when I chose to not use the stylus. There is also a port where the foot pedal is connected for those times when you don’t want to use the start/stop button.

Features

Technological Features

• Date and time displayed on touchscreen
• Needle and guide beams for accurate stitch positioning
• 2 USB ports
• Extra bright LED lighting
• Independent bobbin winding system
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic upper and lower thread sensors

2 USB ports

Embroidery features

• 266 on board embroidery designs
  • 166 Exclusive designs
  • 12 Floral alphabet accents and frame patterns
  • 13 Bobbin work designs
• 140 Frame combinations
• 19 Embroidery fonts
• Embroidery field up to 7″ x 12″ (180mm x 300mm)
• Memory capacity 2MB
• Stitch capacity of up to 500,000 stitches per design
• Color Touch Screen displays:
  • Design placement
  • Embroidery time display and stitch count
  • Advance needle positioning by 1, 10, 100 or 500 stitch increments
  • Measurements displayed in inches or metrics
  • Color separation
  • Thread color indicator
  • On-screen hoop size indicator
• 9-point trial check points
• Starting point key
• Customize embroidery pattern and thumbnail background colors (66 options)
• Resume feature
• On-screen grid
• Cuts jump stitches

Sewing Features

• 537 on board utility and decorative stitches
• Utility stitch editing capabilities
• Ability to store personal stitch settings and preferences
• Decorative stitch editing capabilities
  • Back to the Beginning key
  • Edit and combine character and/or decorative stitches
  • 24 Memory Pockets
  • Ability to store additional stitch combinations on your PC
• 4 way Mirror imaging
• Stitch lock
• 57 Needle positions
• Upper and lower thread sensors
• Lateral and diagonal feeding
• Twin needle settings
• Function buttons include:
  • Start/Stop
  • Reverse stitching
  • Stitch lock/reinforcement
  • Needle up/down
  • Thread tie-off and cut
  • Presser foot up/down
  • Advanced automat needle threader
• Seam guides on needle plate and bobbin cover in inches and centimeters
• Free arm
• Two on board accessory storage compartments
• On board operation guide
• On board tutorial
• On board sewing application guide

Working on the Baby Lock Unity

Threading the Baby Lock Unity and winding the bobbin is rather uncomplicated because simply following the on board thread and bobbin winding guides is so easy to follow.

Once the machine is threaded and the bobbin in place, the next step is to determine whether you want to first use a decorative or utility sewing stitch or create an embroidery design.

When you first turn on the Baby Lock Unity, the touch screen lights gives you three options from which to choose… Sewing, Embroidery and Embroidery Edit. Since the threading path does not change for any of these three modes, you don’t have to make a decision until after the machine is set up for operation.

Selection the mode is as simple as touching the screen. When the sewing mode is selected, the screen displays the basic sewing menu. From there, it is necessary to select the menu category in which the desired stitch appears… utility, decorative, or character.

It is then necessary to scroll through the stitch menu on the touchscreen and then select the desired stitch. With each stitch selected, the desired presser foot and default stitch length and width settings appear on the screen.

Length and width settings can be adjusted easily by touching the plus or minus icons. For this review, I sampled several stitches and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was not necessary to make any adjustments to the length or width settings in order to achieve perfect results with each stitch.

Perfect stitch results

When in the embroidery mode, I found it very easy to scroll through the embroidery design menu. In the interest of time, I settled on a small single thread color design.

Attaching the embroidery hoop was as simple as sliding the hooped fabric into place on the embroidery unit and flipping a small lever, locking the hoop into place. The results were excellent.

Excellent embroidery Results

Whether set in the sewing or embroidery mode, I found the Baby Lock Unity to be quiet and fast, even when set at the highest sewing speed. There was no vibration and all of the stitches were precise, tight, secure and perfectly formed.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• 12 Snap on presser feet
  • Digital Dual-Feed System Foot
  • Buttonhole
  • Overcasting
  • Monogramming
  • Zipper
  • Zigzag
  • Blind stitch
  • Button fitting
  • Straight stitch foot
  • Embroidery foot with LED pointer
  • 1/4″ Quilting foot with a guide
  • Free-motion open toe quilting
• Alternate bobbin case for use with pre-wound bobbins
• Specialty bobbin case for bobbin work
• Cord guide bobbin cover
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Soft cover
• Extra bobbins
• Assorted spool caps
• Seam ripper
• Twin needle
• Embroidery bobbin thread
• Embroidery hoops and grids
  • 7″ x 12″ (180mm x 300mm)
  • 5″ x 7″ (130mm x 180mm)
• Alternate bobbin case for pre-wound bobbins
• Laser sensor pen and holder
• Stylus
• USB cable
• Knee lift

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Baby Lock Unity is one of the most user friendly, combination sewing and embroidery machines I have had the pleasure of reviewing. This machine is an excellent choice for the individual who has been sewing for a long time and is fully aware of the operation of a sewing machine and how to maintain it, but has little or no machine embroidery experience.

I like the ease with which stitches and embroidery designs are selected and especially the fact that the embroidery unit does not have to be removed in order for the Unity to operate in the sewing mode.

That’s not the only thing that’s easy about working with the Unity. In fact, the only thing about this combination sewing and embroidery machine that is not easy is the fact that there is no on board stitch selection guide.

I find that a bit odd since so many other Baby Lock models have a stitch selection guide conveniently placed inside the lid of the machine. It seems to me that including this apparently easy to add feature would only enhance the value and user friendliness of the Unity.

The only thing I am not comfortable with is the placement of the drop feed control lever. For some reason, the drop feed control is either beneath the on board accessories case or behind the free arm on nearly all of the new sewing machines I encounter.

For the life of me, I simply cannot understand why sewing machine manufacturers think this is a good idea. I have also spoken with people who sew who do not have a problem with this placement.

It is important to note here, however, that nearly all of the individuals who are satisfied with having to reach behind the free arm or remove the accessories case have very little or no experience working on sewing machines where the drop feed control is easily accessible on front of the machine head.

When you are accustomed to accessing the drop feed control without having to take any additional steps, your attitude about taking extra steps in order to engage in freehand sewing, attach buttons or darn seems to change.

Even with this inconvenience in mind, I must say that I believe the Baby Lock Unity is not only an excellent combination and sewing machine, it is also well built. There is no vibration and the when the machine is running, it is almost whisper quiet.

When compared with the Baby Lock Destiny, the Unity is comparable in quality of stitches and workmanship. There are, of course, many features that are not available on the Unity.

In my opinion, those features are nice to have, but far from essential in order to have continuously satisfactory experiences sewing and embroidering for a long, long time.

If you are in the market for a combination sewing and embroidery machine, whether you are new to machine embroidery or not, the Baby Lock Unity is an excellent choice.

Do not make a final decision before visiting your local Baby Lock dealer and asking a sales associate for a demonstration of the Unity.

You might very well agree with me that it is more than just an excellent sewing and embroidery machine, but also a well-built machine that produces excellent results with ease and above average speed when compared with other machines in its class.

The post Baby Lock Unity Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

What are the chances of moving into a house and finding a sewing machine that was left behind?  Believe it or not, this is exactly what happened to a friend of mine not too long ago.

As she and her husband were unpacking and putting some of the things they had very little use for – but didn’t want to let go of – she found a vintage Singer sewing machine behind the water heater. As it turned out, the find was a Singer 377, a machine that was manufactured and sold in Europe.

In fact, it still had a European plug attached when she found it.  Since it was not compatible with US home outlets, she called me to ask for advice as to how to find out if it worked or not.

I checked with the sewing machine service repair professional I take my machines to… Dave at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale.  He assured me that he could check out my friend’s sewing machine and if it worked, the cost to convert it to US compatibility was less than $100.

She did just that and after she got it back home, I was invited to visit and review this unexpected find.

At A Glance

Singer 377

The Singer 377 is all metal – inside and out with a sturdy plastic handle on top.  It is a basic straight and zigzag stitch machine with three needle positions.

A dial on the column is used to adjust the stitch length.  There are two lever across the top of the machine head.

The one on the left is used to select the straight stitch option or one of three on board zigzag stitch widths.  Needle position is selected with the lever on the right.

Column dial

A dial on the top left side of the machine head controls the presser foot pressure, enabling the user to work with heavy fabrics or multiple layers of fabric. The Singer 377 has a drop in bobbin and a threading process that is familiar only to people who are accustomed to working on vintage sewing machines from the 1940s or 1950s.

Features

This extremely basic vintage sewing machine has very few features:

• All metal construction
• Drop in bobbin
• Adjustable stitch length
• Three needle positions
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Reverse/lock stitch
• Three zigzag stitch settings
• Accessory storage beneath the machine head
• Seam guides on needle plate

Working on the Singer  377

Even those of us who worked on sewing machines 50 years ago will have to refer to the owner’s manual in order to properly thread the Singer 377. Winding the bobbin is a bit easier, but a glance back at the owner’s manual might still be necessary before executing this task properly.

Dropping the bobbin into the housing is the easiest part of threading this machine.Once it is threaded, however, sewing is a breeze.

After all, it is a straight stitch and zigzag machine only.  The dial on the column is used to set the stitch length.

The quality of the stitches produced by the Singer 377 is superb.  Everything about them was better than expected.

Metal construction

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accesories

Owner’s manual

When we looked in the compartment beneath the machine head, the only accessory we found was the owner’s manual.  Presumably, all of the original that came with the machine accessories were either misplaced, lost or taken by the original owner when she moved out of the house.  According to the manual, the original list of accessories consisted of just a few items:

• Bobbins
• Needles
• Oil dispenser
• Straight stitch presser foot
• Straight stitch needle plate
• Lint brush

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Working on this machine was in many ways reminiscent of making dresses, skirts, tops and slacks while working on my mother’s vintage New Home portable sewing machine when I was in high school, or the old Singer table mounted machine my aunt used to have.

Its solid construction, lack of vibration and superior stitch quality combine to make working on the Singer 377 one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had while reviewing a sewing machine in a very long time.

Superior Stitch quality

There is a lot to be said in defense of the newer crop of sewing machines – especially the number of stitch options, easy to follow threading guides, on board needle threaders and other user friendly features that so many people have become accustomed to.

The downside, however, is the fact that these new machines – even the mechanical ones – require annual servicing by a trained professional, and for some people that could be rather costly.

The older vintage machines are not capable of delivering all of the different stitches you can get on the newer machines, but with just a little bit of training, anyone who owns a vintage machine can learn how to perform all of the necessary steps required to thoroughly clean one of these old all metal babies and perform general maintenance tasks.

The ability to execute these necessary duties means that anyone who owns the Singer 377 or any other vintage sewing machine can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in routine service calls alone.

Another advantage to owning a vintage machine like the Singer 377 is the fact that manufacturers generally stop producing parts for the newer sewing machines after 15 years – especially those machines equipped with computerized components.

This includes the essential software to keep these machines running.  Let’s face it.

If the software is no longer available, the machine is essentially obsolete. That simply does not happen with machines produced prior to the inclusion of computers and circuit boards on sewing machines. 

While it is becoming more and more difficult to find replacement parts for vintage sewing machines, there are so many old Singers and Singer clones out there that finding replacement parts for an older sewing machine is often much easier than finding parts to repair a sewing machine that is only 10 years old.

Since the Singer 377 was manufactured and sold in Europe, I doubt very seriously if you will be able to find too many machines just like this one in shops that specialize in selling vintage sewing machines on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, if you should be lucky enough to come across one, I strongly urge you to look into adding it to your own sewing room… especially if your sewing needs can be met by a sewing machine that produces only straight and zigzag stitches.

The post Singer 377 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

One day while visiting my friends at Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, FL, I came across a Brother Innov-Is 2800D.  This machine has actually been on the market for a few years, but this was my first opportunity to review it.

The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is a sewing and embroidery machine that features more than 100 Disney embroidery designs as well as enough sewing and decorative stitch options to more than satisfy nearly every home sewer’s wildest dreams.

At A Glance

Brother 2800D touch screen

The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is equipped with an embroidery unit that when removed is replaced by an on board accessories case/work space.  In addition, there is a large color LCD touch screen that is used to help users navigate through the sewing and embroidery stitches and designs.

Users are also able to access on board tutorials and guides through the touch screen as well.

Card slot

On the right side of the column there is a card slot, a USB port and a port that was designed to allow the machine to be connected to an older computer. On the machine head, just above the needle is an advanced needle threader and function control buttons: start/stop; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; thread tie off/cut; presser foot up/down; and a speed control slider.

Beneath the needle, is a see through bobbin cover and a needle plate with etched seam guides.  A large, comfortable carrying handle disappears behind the lid when the machine is in use.

Features

More than 700 utility, decorative and quilting stitch options

• 129 Disney designs
  • 314 Decorative stitches
  • 14 one step buttonholes
  • 3 alphanumeric fonts
• 340 on board embroidery designs.
  • 129 designs with Disney® characters
  • 10 monogram fonts
  • 10 embroidery frames
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Reinforcement function
• Embroidery rotation: 1, 10 or 90 degree increments.
• Trial Position/Layout Adjustment
  • 9 point trace
• On-screen editing
• Compatible with PE-Design/PED Basic design software.
• Sewing and embroidery design memory
• Ability to upgrade software via USB cable
• Advanced on-screen help
• Oversized LCD color touch screen
• Automatic Height Adjuster™ AHA™
• Pivot function
• Back to Beginning key
• Embroidery field 10 “ x 6”
• Dual USB ports
• Free motion stitching
• On board seam guides

Working on the Brother Innov-Is 2800D

Brother sewing machines are well known for being user friendly. That is certainly true in the case of the Brother Innov-Is 2800D.

Easy to follow on board guides simplify the process of winding the bobbin and threading the machine so much, I daresay a child as young as eight or nine will  be able to master the process after just a few attempts.

On board guides

Selecting the right stitch is almost as easy.  All it takes is to select the stitch category on the touch screen.

The choices are: utility stitch, character/decorative stitch, embroidery, and embroidery edit.  For this review, I first selected the utility stitch option.

From there, a visual icon of each available utility stitch choice was literally at my fingertips.  After sampling several of the utility stitches, I moved on to the character/decorative stitch option and the results were the same.  Regardless of which stitch option I selected, each stitch was perfect in every way – perfectly formed, well balanced and secure.

Stitch selection

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accesories

As stated in the introduction, the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is not a brand new machine.  In fact, research on the Brother website revealed that this particular machine is no longer listed with other Brother sewing and embroidery machines.

However, I was able to gain access to a comprehensive list of genuine Brother accessories that are compatible with the Innov-Is 2800D.

Brother 2800D accessories

The bad news, however, is there was no way of determining which of the accessories listed below are included with the purchase of a new 2800D and which accessories are optional.

• Presser feet
  • Binder foot
  • Cording foot
  • Non-stick foot
  • Gathering foot
  • ¼” Piercing foot
  • Narrow hem foot
  • Invisible zipper foot
  • Free motion sewing foot
  • Quilting foot
  • Blind stitch foot
  • Gathering foot
  • Walking foot
  • Braiding foot
  • Fringe sewing foot
  • Open toe foot
  • Ruffle
  • Pearls/sequins foot
  • Cording foot (5 or 7 groove)
  • Adjustable zipper foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Button attaching foot
  • Stitch guide foot
  • Straight stitch foot
  • Edge joining foot
  • Pintuck foot
  • Candlewicking foot
• Bobbins
• Scissors
• Threads
• Extension table
• My custom Stitch software
• Embroidery hoops
• Stabilizer
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Screwdriver
• On board accessory case

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Brother Innov-Is 2800D is one of those combination sewing and embroidery machines that is not only user friendly, but durable.  This particular model has been discontinued, but available at those authorized Brother Innov-Is dealers who still have some in stock.

The machine that I reviewed was the very last one of in stock at Ace Sewing and Vacuum. I found the Brother Innov-Is 2800D to be an excellent choice for the person who is adept at sewing and quilting by machine, but new to machine embroidery.

However, it is also an ideal option for the seasoned sewing and machine embroidery enthusiast who has chosen to dedicate more time to creating an extended array of machine embroidery designs. The Brother 2800D is a very good alternative to the brand new line of Brother combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machines simply because dealers are no doubt willing to offer more flexible pricing options.

With more than 100 Disney embroidery designs, the Innov-Is 2800D would be a great addition to the sewing room of a mom with young children or a grandmother who does a lot of sewing for the little ones.

Combination of sewing and embroidery

I especially like the way the Brother Innov-Is 2800D sews.  Not only are the stitches perfect in every way imaginable, regardless of the selected stitch option, this machine is solidly built.

I didn’t experience any vibration whatsoever, and even when running at the highest speed setting, the Brother 2800D is whisper quiet. There are so many advantages to owning this machine, I am tempted to wonder why the folks at Brother stopped making it.

With this in mind, however, I must add that the newer models, especially the newest series of sewing, quilting and embroidery machines from Brother … the Q line … seem to be even more sturdily built and offer features that are simply not available on this one.

My final word on the Brother Innov-Is 2800D is if you want the experience of a solidly built combination sewing and embroidery machine without having to spend top dollar, take the time to investigate the 2800D for yourself.  You just might discover that, like a gently used automobile, a good used model is every bit as good as one that is fresh from the factory.

This is not to say that a brand new machine is not a good investment.  However, in the real world, not everyone is in a position to invest in a brand new sewing machine when they are in the market to upgrade the equipment in their sewing room.

Investing in an older model machine that is either brand new and as yet unsold or a trade-in is a much wiser choice than making a decision to purchase a newer model sewing machine that is available for sale through a big box store or via the internet.  Far too often, I receive e-mails from people who purchase machines from these sources who are disappointed with their machines and have very little recourse when it comes to customer service.

I repeatedly tell people that in the long run, they will much better if they save their money and invest in a sewing machine sold by an independent authorized dealer.  It is the only way to be assured of the hands on customer service, training and caring relationship that makes owning a new sewing machine the most  positive and productive experience it could possibly be.

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I got a chance to review the Juki DDL 5550N by a stroke of luck as my neighbor received it in a huge box just as I was heading out. Read on…

Imagine what it might be like to learn that the person who bought a house directly across the street from you is a semi-retired professional tailor.  That is almost the case with Kennedy Samuel, my new neighbor who lived in New York and worked in the garment district for many years as a cutter and pattern maker before moving to South Florida.

One day, I happened to be heading out when a Fed Ex truck delivered a huge box from WAWAK.  Knowing that WAWAK specializes in sewing machines and accessories, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity take charge.

The box contained a brand spanking new Juki DDL 5550N, a straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. When I got my nerve up, I asked Kennedy for permission to review his new acquisition, I am very grateful that permission was granted.

At A Glance

The Juki DDL 5550N is mounted on its own table with a dual cone thread holder, an on board lamp and bobbin winder as well as a 30 inch ruler along the front.  It has a whisper quiet Servo motor and a needle plate with etched seam guides.

Dual cone thread holder

There is also a finger guard, a manual spring tension adjustment dial and a large reverse stitch lever on the right column.  The on/off switch is located on font of the table on the right side and there is also a knee lift which is used to raise and lower the presser foot.

Juki DDL 5550N

Since the Juki DDL 5550N is a straight stitch only machine, one might be tempted to think the needle plate and presser foot were permanently attached, but they are not. Some of the key features that I tend to like best on this machine are not even visible to the naked eye.

The Juki DDL 5550N is equipped with a thread trimmer that is embedded beneath the needle plate along with a fabric edge sensor which automatically stops the machine and trims the thread when the needle runs off the edge of the fabric. Another invisible feature that makes working on the Juki DDC 5550N even more time efficient is the bobbin thread sensor, which buzzes when the bobbin thread is running low. 

Features

• Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 5mm
• Finger guard
• Knee lift
• Reverse/lock stitch control
• On board bobbin winder with separate motor
• Servo motor
• Needle plate with seam guides
• On board 30 inch ruler
• Bobbin thread sensor
• On board thread trimmer
• Fabric edge sensor
• Adjustable presser foot pressure

Working on the Juki DDL 5550N

Anyone who has prior knowledge or experience in working on industrial sewing machines will have no problem threading the Juki DDL 5550N or winding the bobbin.  However, if you are new to working on an industrial sewing machine, or even if you have been away from it for a long time, you might need assistance.

The instruction manual is helpful and will take users through the step by step process.  The manual, however, is written in such a way that anyone who is not already adept at sewing machine operation, and the proper names for the basic parts of a sewing machine will be completely lost.

Well formed stitches

Once threaded and bobbin wound and put in place, I discovered that the Juki DDL 5550N is not only lightning fast, it is also surprisingly quiet.  The Servo motor on this machine is smaller, yet seemingly more powerful than the Servo motors mounted on industrial sewing machines that I had the opportunity to review in the past.

Prior to allowing me to review his new acquisition, Kennedy had only set it up and sewed a few test stitches to make sure it was operating properly.   When it was time for me to actually test the sewing performance of the Juki DDL 5550N, Kennedy gave me a piece of medium weight woven cotton blend fabric.

I discovered that the tension needed to be adjusted a little in order for the stitches to be properly balanced.  It took only a slight turn of the tension dial to achieve the perfect setting for the particular fabric he gave me to work with.

After that task was successfully accomplished, the stitches produced were not only well formed, they were secure in every way.  It was possible for me to change stitch length while sewing and the large reverse/lock stitch lever moved easily and effortlessly.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

When it comes to industrial sewing machines, one can never expect to find the large number of standard accessories we have come to expect when unpacking a sewing machine for home use.  The accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550N are somewhat limited.

Aside from the on board lamp, cone thread stands and table mounted bobbin winder, the only accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550D are screwdrivers, an oil dispenser and an owner’s manual.

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Juki DDL 5550N is loaded with all the standard features anyone in the market for a well -built industrial sewing machine would want and then more.  The newly added sensors that warn you when the bobbin thread is running low or when the needle sews beyond the edge of the fabric are features that in my opinion only enhance the value of this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine for anyone who uses it.

Bobbin thread sensor

According to the Juki website, this machine is recommended for apparel construction, using medium weight fabrics.  I concur with that recommendation, and might add that heavy weight apparel fabrics would be suitable as well.  This includes apparel weight leather, suede and vinyl as well as light to medium weight upholstery fabric.  Solely based upon the manufacturer’s recommendation, I hesitate to recommend this machine for excessive use with heavy upholstery fabrics, leather or suede.

My only guess is that there is something about this machine that is not readily apparent to the naked eye that precludes its long term use with fabrics heavier than this.With this in mind, I strongly recommend the Juki DDL 5550N for use in a tailor shop, an alteration shop or like my neighbor, a home based business focused on clothing construction.

With the exception of having to stop to adjust the tension – which is to be expected when working with any machine with a manual tension adjustment – I found the Juki DDL 5550N to be exceptionally user friendly when compared with other industrial sewing machines.

I especially like the automatic tie off feature that I have not observed on any other industrial sewing machine.  Snipping threads is certainly not a time consuming task, but when you have a machine that sews up to 5500 stitches per minute and cuts threads as well, you can really appreciate the time savings in a major way.

I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is not  comfortable working on high speed sewing machines… which definitely eliminates anyone who is new to sewing.  However, in my opinion, I believe the Juki DDL 5550N could very well be a good choice for use in vocational programs where tailoring is a course of study.

Learning the skills needed to be a successful and productive tailor or alteration specialist on a machine like this is a major advantage for students whose experience is limited to standard home or classroom sewing machines.

If, like Kennedy, you find yourself in the market for a straight stitch only high speed industrial sewing machine, I strongly recommend that you visit your local Juki dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Juki DDL 5550N and compare the way it operates and feels with other industrial machines on the market before making a final decision.

Kennedy said he purchased his machine via the internet for a couple of rather significant reasons. First of all, after having spent so much time in the garment industry, he was confident that WAWAK is a reputable source and that Juki is a reliable brand; and he has not yet purchased a car, so he gets around on a bicycle.

Obviously, he couldn’t bring a machine of any type home on a bike.  He is in the process of establishing his own pattern making business here in South Florida and is eager to establish relationships with lots and lots of new clients.

He confided in me that he is also available to do alterations for people in the Palm Beach-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami tri-county region.  Kennedy can be reached via telephone at 718.641.9277, and his e-mail address is kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com.

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In the development where I live, new neighbors are greeted and invited over for coffee, dessert or cocktails.  Recently, our new neighbor reciprocated by inviting my husband and me over for dinner.

You will never know how fascinated I was to discover that behind a folding screen separating his dining area was an area devoted to sewing.  On a small desk next to the screen sits a Consew 14TU serger, apparently one of the earlier models in this line, a predecessor of the Consew 14TU854.

As it turns out, Kennedy Samuel, the new neighbor is a semi-retired pattern maker who worked as a tailor on the side before moving from New York to South Florida.

At A Glance

At first, I thought the Consew 14TU was identical to the Consew 14TU854 which I had actually reviewed some time ago.

Upon closer examination, however, I discovered that there are several differences between the two machines. For starters, the Consew 14TU doesn’t have nearly as many features, bells and whistles as the Consew 14TU854.

In fact, the 14TU is ideal for someone who has never before used as serger or uses a serger only for the bare essentials, like finishing seams.

Compartment for accessories

Like the Consew 14TU854, the Consew 14TU features user-friend lay in threading. There is also a latch that unlocks a door that opens on the left side of the machine which reveals a compartment for storing accessories.

A second door inside the first allows for easy access when threading the lower looper.  Inside the front looper door is an easy to follow and understand threading guide.

Differential feed control dial

Unlike the 14TU854, however, the presser foot lift is in the traditional location, not on the right side of the machine.  Instead, on the right side you will find only three dials, the hand wheel, differential feed control dial and the stitch length adjustment dial.

Features

• Color coded lay in threading
• Sews with one or two needles; 2, 3 or 4 threads
• Easy access to the lower looper through a side door
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Consew 14TU

For this review, I used the one needle option.  The existence of a color coded on board threading guide, lay in threading system and the ability to open the side door to access the lower looper made threading the Consew 14TU much easier than many other older sergers I have had an opportunity to review.

That side door opening made all the difference in the world when it was time to thread the lower looper.  That simple feature made it possible for me to accomplish the task without feeling as though I needed an extra hand, skinnier fingers and shorter nails.

I am almost tempted to say that threading the Consew 14TU was actually easy.

Threading the lower looper

After threading the machine, I discovered that the stitch quality was excellent, smooth and even.  The Consew 14TU is a solid, well-built machine, which is one of the most prominent features of all the Consew sewing machines and sergers that I have been able to review.

Excellent stitch quality

This particular machine does is relatively noise free, but there was a little more vibration than I had expected.  I believe, however, that the vibration issue could easily be addressed by putting a small rubber mat under the machine.

The small desk that this serger is sitting on is an old wooden writing desk with a drawer immediately beneath it.  While I did not experience any significant noise, and only a little vibration, it is entirely possible that the cause for the vibration is the table, not the machine itself.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Kennedy admitted that he had been using his Consew 14TU for so long that he wasn’t absolutely certain which items were included as standard accessories when it was first purchased.   When pressed, he surmised that the original list of accessories included all of the standard items that come with nearly every other brand new serger.

Accessories compartment

Those items are:

• Tweezers
• Needle threader
• Screwdriver
• Needles
• Lint brush
• Oil dispenser
• Extra needles

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

My new neighbor uses his Consew 14TU exclusively for finishing seams. When it comes to sergers, this machine is ideal for finishing seams and for working with knits.

It is not capable of performing many of the tasks that lots of the newer sergers can execute.  It is, however, in my opinion, an excellent choice for someone who has never before used a serger and wants to start out with a user friendly machine before diving into the deep end of the pool of multi-purpose sergers and overlock machines.

With this in mind, I do not think the Consew 14TU would be a good choice for someone who is in the market for a machine that can not only perform the functions of a basic serger, but also execute other tasks as well.  I find that people who are serious about tailoring and classic clothing construction, regardless of their skill level, are interested in using sergers primarily for finishing seams and occasionally working with knits.  Those are the people for whom the Consew 14TU and others like it are made.

It is indeed rare to find out that you live just across the street from some who shares your passion for sewing and creating great clothes.  Kennedy’s specialty is designing and drafting patterns for tailored casual and formal men’s clothes.

However, he is capable of designing and drafting patterns for one of a kind dresses, shirts, jackets and slacks for both men and women.

The last time I lived in close proximity to a sewing buddy was back in the late 1980s and early 1990s when I bonded with my first real sewing buddy who lived directly across the hall from my Washington, DC apartment.  Back then it wasn’t unusual for one of us to get a phone call or a knock on the door in the middle of the night, accompanied with a request for bias tape, seam binding, interfacing or some other sewing notion that we found ourselves in need of to finish a nocturnal sewing project.

We are still dear friends and come together as often as we can to share great memories about our fabric runs [hunting for the best fabric deals from Baltimore to Richmond] or road trips and excursions to classes and workshops all over the mid-Atlantic region.

My new neighbor and sewing buddy has decided that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to and is now launching his own pattern making and tailoring business here in South Florida.  I have seen some of the clothes he has made and can confirm that this guy really knows his stuff when it comes to customized sewing patterns and garments.

In his sewing area is a dress form draped with one of his stunning original designs.  Unfortunately, that dazzling dress is much too small for me.

Otherwise, I would have offered to purchase from him.  This is a huge departure for me because I have been making nearly all of my own clothes for at least the last 20-25 years.

We don’t spend a lot of time running in and out of each other’s houses, but it is great to know that I have a sewing buddy close by.

Anyone who is interested in talking with Kennedy about his work or engaging him to create a customized pattern for them can reach him via e-mail at kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com or give him a call at 718.641.9277.

The post Consew 14TU Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a quilting frame that can be attached to a home sewing machine, giving the user the flexibility and all the benefits of having a real three by five foot quilting frame in a small space without the expense and the need for a lot of extra space.  Until seeing the Brother Dream Fabric Frame in use on a television show called It’s Sew Easy, I never even knew such a machine existed.

As soon as I saw how easy to use and versatile this machine actually is and how easy it seemed to be to operate, however, I set out on a campaign to find someplace where I could review it.

The opportunity to review this versatile quilt frame finally presented itself during a visit to Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

At A Glance

If you don’t look too closely, you would be inclined to believe that the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is merely a smaller version of any other quilt frame with the stitching apparatus permanently attached.

Upon closer examination, though, it is clear that the frame is not only smaller, but it is also attached to one of several compatible Brother computerized sewing and quilting machines.

Computerized Sewing and Quilting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has a single large black ratchet crank handle on the right side that is used to move the fabric from one position to the next.  There are several large clamps that are used to hold the fabric in place.

Stitch Regulator

The sewing machine is mounted on the rear of the frame with the stitch regulator attached to the back of the machine column.

On front of the sewing machine is a large handlebar with comfortable black foam pads on the handles and a small blue control box which allows the user to set the machine speed and stitch length.

The start/stop function buttons are also situated in easy to reach positions on the control box.

Features

• Expanded work space
• Compact – 3 feet x 5 feet
• SureStitch^™ Stitch Regulator
• Multi-function control capabilities
• Compatible with most Brother-made sewing and quilting machines and accessories
• Capable of thread painting, free-motion couching, appliqué, needle felting and more!
• Adjustable height
• Easy to mount a new Brother sewing or quilting machine
• Smooth gliding carriage system
• Floating take up fabric
• Ergonomically designed Easy Grip handles
• Ratchet wheel

Working on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame

It seems to me that the most difficult part of being an owner of the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is assembly. However, a reputable authorized Brother dealer can alleviate that challenge by putting it together and making sure you are comfortable with the height setting and installation of your sewing machine for you.

Even if you are stuck with having to attach the sewing machine on your own, the process doesn’t appear to be overly complicated.

According to the video on the Brother site all that is necessary is for you to place the machine on the platform, lock it into place, connect the sewing machine to the Dream Fabric Frame control box and attach the Stitch Regulator to the back of the column.

Fabric Clamp and Ratchet Wheel

When I arrived at Laura’s Sewing and Fabric to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame it was already set up with a Brother PQ 1500 SL straight stitch only quilting machine and loaded with fabric and quilt batting.  I did, however, get a chance to work with the fabric clamps and ratchet wheel when adjusting the fabric before attempting to sew.

I found the process to be a little awkward at first, but by the time I was on the third clamp, I had the procedure down pat.  Once all of the clamps were in place, tightening the frame and stretching the fabric was quite easy to accomplish.

During the review, I found that operating the control box is extremely easy.  When the unit is in operation, the control box is capable of performing all the tasks of a multi-functional foot control, providing the sewing machine is equipped with that particular feature.

The control box is used to set the stitch length, start and stop sewing and to cut and tie off the thread – as long as this feature is available on the sewing machine in use.  Users are able to control how fast the machine sews simply by moving the handle bars slow or fast.

The faster you move the handle bars, the faster the machine sews.  In just a few short minutes, I was very comfortable working with the smooth gliding motion of the Brother Dream Frame as I created my very own freehand quilt designs.

Freehand Quilt Designs

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• Five fabric hooks underneath to keep fabric off the floor
• Seven large plastic fabric grips to hold fabric in place on top and on each side
• Straps and clamps to hold the fabric in place on top of the frame
• Bungee cords with attached clips to hold small pieces of fabric in place
• Dream Frame Starter Kit
  • Quilt batting
  • Quilting thread
  • Top and backing fabric
  • Free motion quilting template
  • Needles
• Leader cloth to help align small projects

Starter Kit

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

At first, I was a bit timid and moved very slowly, but as I became accustomed to the feel, I was able to comfortably increase the speed with which I was able to create a freehand design. I was also quite impressed by Laura’s son who was extremely helpful in demonstrating the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and its operation.

My only real challenge was the discovery that the sewing range is limited by the distance between the needle and the column.  The larger the work space on the sewing machine, the greater the work space on the Brother Dream Fabric Frame.

The machines with the longest distance from needle to column which are compatible with the Dream Fabric Frame are the Brother Dream Weaver, the Brother Dream Machine, and the Baby Lock Destiny.

Floral Pattern

While it only took me a few minutes to get accustomed to working with the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it will no doubt take lots and lots of practice to be able to create the beautiful roses and other floral pattern he made as well as many of the designs and patterns displayed on the website and in the starter kit.

I was pleased to learn that in addition to the usual quilting tasks, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame can be used for couching, felting and fabric painting as well.

Fabric Painting

The Brother Dream Fabric Frame has its limitations.  The most important of which is the limited range between the needle and the column, necessitating frequent readjustment of the fabric.

The clamps and grips were at first a little bit of a challenge for me, but once I got the hang of it, the process went rather smoothly.

Although I’m not a quilter, and very seldom perform some of the other tasks that can be accomplished with the Dream Fabric Frame, I enjoyed my experience with it.

In my opinion, it is a good choice for someone who already owns one of the compatible Brother or Baby Lock sewing machines and wants to experience frame quilting before investing in a full size quilting frame.

If, however, you do not already own one of these machines, you might be better off purchasing a sit down table mounted quilting system like the Baby Lock Tiara II, which does not require as much floor space as the Dream Fabric Frame.

On the other hand, if your sewing room is already filled to capacity with machines, cutting table, dress form, and other sewing necessities, you might want to consider replacing one of your sewing machines with a compatible Brother or Baby lock to accommodate the Dream Fabric Frame and a smaller sewing table to use when you want to use your new Brother or Baby Lock for tasks that do not involve quilting.

Quilt Frame

Quilt frames are not for all machine quilters.  If your quilting experience is limited to small jobs like small wall hangings, clothing, table runners and place mats, a quilt frame isn’t necessary.  Those tasks can easily be completed on practically any sewing and quilting machine.

But for those people who like to create large projects like quilts for use on a bed, and wall large hangings, a quilt frame is the best accessory to have available.  If you are working with limited space in your sewing room and spend most of your time working on large quilting projects, the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is very likely your best option.

If this description fits you, I strongly advise you to go ahead and make an investment in the Brother Dream Fabric Frame and one of the compatible machines if you have not done so already.

The post Brother Dream Fabric Frame Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I visited Laura’s Sewing and Fabric in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to review the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, it was attached to the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW sewing and quilting machine.  During the course of reviewing the Dream Fabric Frame, it was impossible to avoid reviewing the PQ 1500SL PRW as well.

During the course of this review, I witnessed how this straight stitch only sewing and quilting machine operates in the quilting mode.  I was able to personally judge the stitch quality, the workmanship, the feel and the ease of operation, including the level of noise and vibration.

At A Glance

The Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a basic sewing and quilting machine with on board telescoping thread guides which make it possible to easily use cone thread.

Brother PQ 1500SL PRW

The stitch length adjustment dial is located on front of the column.  Directly beneath that dial is a lever which enables the user to adjust the drop feed level. This is an important feature when you are NOT using the Brother Dream Fabric Frame because it makes it possible for users to work with varying thicknesses of fabric with ease.

The knee lifter, which is also not necessary when using the Dream Fabric Frame, is essential for any home machine quilter because their hands are free while adjusting small or large quilting projects on a smaller work space.

There is a large reverse stitch lever on the lower edge of the column which allows the user to lock stitches and have greater flexibility when working on freehand sewing projects. Above the needle is a manual tension adjustment dial.

Large Reverse Stitch Lever

Features

• Sews up to 1500 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch length up to 7mm
• Built-in knee lifter
• Automatic thread cutter button
• Side loaded bobbin
• Manual tension adjustment
• 4 Position drop feed
• Pin Feed – allows the user to exchange the feed dogs for a single pin that extends from beneath the machine to advance fabric without leaving feed dog marks on delicate fabrics
• Extending thread guide bar to accommodate cone thread
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Needle plate with etched seam guides

Working on the BROTHER PQ 1500SL PRW 

While there are on board threading guides, they are not as clearly defined as on some other models.  They are, however, easy to follow for anyone who is already familiar with basic sewing machine operation. For those who are new to working on a sewing machine, the process is, in my opinion, easy to learn.

Since the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is a straight stitch only machine, the only stitch selection step is to determine the desired stitch length in advance and set the dial to the proper setting.

During this review, sewing with the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW while attached to the Dream Fabric Frame was accomplished by pressing the start/stop button on the control box attached to the handlebar on the Dream Fabric Frame.

Since there is no start/stop button on the PQ 1500SL PRW, it is necessary to engage the foot pedal when the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is not in use.  The on thread cutting option is, however, a standard feature on the PL 1500SL PRW.

With the Dream Fabric in place, the sewing speed is dictated by the speed with which the user moves the handlebar.  When the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is operating on its own, the speed is regulated by the pressure the user applies to the foot pedal.

Perfect Stitch Quality

When using the Dream Fabric Frame, the stitch quality is only as good as the quality of the stitches produced by the machine you use.  During this review, I observed that not only were the stitches perfect in every way, the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW is unexpectedly quiet.

Regardless of the speed with which I moved the handlebars, the noise level remained the same.  In addition, I did not detect any vibration whatsoever as I moved the handlebars at varying speeds.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 7 Presser feet
  • General purpose foot
  • Rolled hem foot
  • Adjustable zipper foot
  • Invisible zipper foot
  • 1/4″ Foot
  • Spring action quilting foot
  • Walking foot
• Extra-large extension table
• Spool net
• Knee lifter
• Accessory kit
  • Extra needles
  • Spool cap
  • Fabric separator
  • Feed pin
  • Feed pin changer
  • 5 Metal bobbins
  • Seam guide
  • Lint brush
  • 2 screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
  • Spool cushion
• Owner’s manual
• Dust cover

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Whether you use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW as a stand alone sewing and quilting machine or attached to the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, I believe that this sewing and quilting machine is a strong contender for one of the best straight stitch sewing machines on the market.

This machine does not have any of the bells and whistles that are available on lots of other sewing machines, and very few features aside from the thread cutter. It is a very basic, well-built sewing and quilting machine with a larger than average work space – 5.7 x 8.6 needle to column – that is capable of working with lots of different types of fabrics.

Of course, if the extension table is attached, the work area is expanded to 11 x 23, but the needle to column, of course remains the same.

Since there is no zigzag stitch capability with this machine, the only way I would recommend it for garment construction is if you have one of those old fashioned buttonhole makers which can be attached to almost any sewing machine and a serger to finish seams.

If you decide you want to purchase the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW and use for clothing construction as well as quilting, you must be prepared to add these two items to your sewing room if you do not also have them.

Fashioned Buttonhole Makers

I love the buttonholes produced by these old sewing machine attachments because the finished project is always consistently perfect.  You just choose a template based upon the size and style buttonhole you want, insert it in the machine, attach it to your sewing machine and drop the feed dogs.

If you do not have a drop feed feature on your sewing machine, the buttonhole maker comes with a feed dog cover which you must put in place before attaching the buttonhole maker.  The only challenge is that buttonhole makers are no longer being made.

There are, however, several places both online as well as brick and mortar stores that specialize in parts for vintage sewing machines where you will be able to find buttonhole makers of all types.  Both my sewing machines are capable of rendering zigzag stitches.

However, I have three buttonhole makers – one for each of my sewing machines and one that I just keep on hand for spare parts.

Buttonhole makers were made to fit three basic types of sewing machines – long shank, short shank and slant shank.  If you decide to invest in a buttonhole maker, make sure you purchase one that fits your machine shank.

Since the Brother Dream Fabric Frame is a separate piece of equipment that is ideal for use when working on large quilt projects, it is not essential for you to purchase one to make very good use of the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW.

It is indeed possible to use the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW for projects other than those large quilts for king size beds and the like without ever having to invest in the Dream Fabric Frame.

The PQ 1500SL PRW is ideal for anyone who likes to create smaller quilt projects like small wall hangings, quilted table runners and placemats, quilted accents on clothing items and gift items.

If the majority of your sewing involves small quilting projects and gift items, and some clothing construction from time to time or if even if you work on larger machine quilting projects but simply do not have space to set up a quilt frame – even one as small and versatile as the Brother Dream Fabric Frame, you owe it to yourself to take a long hard look at the Brother PQ 1500SL PRW before making a final decision when shopping for a new sewing and quilting machine.

The post Brother PQ 1500SL PRW Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

When I reviewed the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I first thought it was just another combination sewing and quilting machine.  It is, however, more than that. The folks at Janome have added some features that I had never before seen on a sewing machine made for home or industrial use.

At A Glance

For starters, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a small dial on the right side of the column is the drop feed control, which is in my opinion an answer to a prayer.  Anyone who is familiar with reviews on this website knows that the placement of the drop feed control has been a pet peeve of mine for quite a while.

Drop Feed Control

In addition to this very important change, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has a stitch adjuster and stitch creator, which allow the user to create and customize stitches to suite their individual needs.  There is also a USB port on the side of the column, and a large full color touchscreen on the front.

Stitch Selection Guide

The on board stitch selection guide is inside the lid cover along with the numerical threading and bobbin winding guides.

The removable dual compartment accessory case reveals a convenient free arm.  Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides etched all around and on the see through bobbin cover which makes it possible to see the thread supply on the drop in bobbin.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP comes with three separate needle plates: a zigzag plate; a straight stitch and quarter inch plate; and a professional grade straight stitch plate which is designed to work with the needle in the left position only.  That needle plate also comes with its own separate snap on presser foot and ankle.

Large Needle Plate

Across the machine head and above the needle is a series of function buttons: start/stop; thread tie-off and cut; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; design stop and a variable speed slider.  There is also an advanced needle threader and a bright LED light that extends from the top of the machine adding extra illumination to the area around the needle.

Features

• 350 On board utility, decorative and quilting stitches
• 4 Alphanumeric fonts
• Drop in bobbin with see through cover
• Automatic tension control
• Adjustable stitch length and width – up to 9mm wide
• Independent bobbin motor
• Full color touchscreen
• More than 1000 stitches per minute
• USB Port
• Variable zigzag
• Advanced needle plate seam guides
• Stitch Composer Software allows users to design their own stitches
• 9 On board LED lights
• Automatic needle threader
• On board threading guides
• 2 On board accessory storage compartments
• Free arm
• Adjustable high light extends above the needle
• Function buttons:
  • o Start/stop
  • o Reverse/lock stitch
  • o Presser foot up/down
  • o Needle up/down
  • o Thread tie-off/cut
• Variable speed control slider
• Work with single or double needle
• On board stitch selection guide
• On board ruler
• 4 Way mirror imaging
• Stitch memory
• 13 Languages
• Choice of three different background colors:
  • o White
  • o Pink
  • o Yellow

Working on the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP

The on board numerical threading and bobbin winding guides make getting started a piece of cake.  Once the machine is threaded, selecting a stitch is simplified by a clearly defined menu.

Users have the option of choosing a stitch from one of six menu categories all depicted by graphic icons… utility stitches; decorative stitches; alphanumeric fonts or a tee-shirt icon which when opened reveals an extremely interesting menu of helps for applying practically every imaginable sewing application.

For this review, I sampled several of the utility and decorative stitch options, some of which I believe have never before been available on earlier models of sewing and quilting machines.

Precise and Perfect Stitches

Not only did the stitches all come out with precision and perfection, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is extremely quiet. There was no vibration at all and the ergonomic design makes for a very comfortable feeling, reducing the possibility for neck, wrist, shoulder and back strain when working for long periods of time without a break.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

Standard Accessories:

• 13 snap on Presser feet
• 1/4 Inch Seam foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Button sewing foot
• Cloth guide
• Darning foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Open toe satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot m
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zipper foot
• 3 Interchangeable needle plates
  • Zigzag
  • Straight stitch/quarter inch
  • Professional straight stitch (left needle position only) with presser foot
• Seam ripper
• Lint brush
• Extra needles
• Bobbins
• Extension table
• Knee lift
• Owner’s manual
• Stitch composer software disc
• Instructional disc

Optional Accessories:

• 1/4 Inch seam foot for Acufeed
• 3-Way cording foot
• Acufeed open toe foot
• Applique foot
• Beading foot (2 – 1 narrow/1 wide)
• Binder foot
• Border guide foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Ditch quilting foot
• Edge guide foot
• Extra-large buttonhole foot and stabilizer plate
• Free motion couching foot
• Gathering foot
• Blue tip needles
• Purple tip Needle
• Red tip needle
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Extra-large foot controller with thread cutter
• Horizontal spool holder
• Insert plate
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Optic magnifier
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Single Acufeed holder and foot
• Ultraglide needle plate and Foot set

Optional Accessories

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and quilting aptly describes the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCQ as a machine that does “everything up to embroidery”.  I couldn’t help but agree with her.  This combination sewing and quilting machine really does do everything but there is no embroidery hoop, no embroidery software and no embroidery designs.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400 is definitely the dawn of the next generation of sewing and quilting machines from Janome.  I must say, I was so happy to see that the folks at Janome took heed of my complaints and put the drop feed control in a very easily accessible place that I almost jumped for joy.

In addition to that very crucial feature, I really like the way the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP handles.  The stitch selection process is only a little bit of a challenge because there are so many choices.  Once the user understands the process, however, selecting stitches and creating new ones is possibly one of the greatest features this machine has to offer.

I do not believe the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a good choice for anyone who has never worked on a sewing machine before or is still in the process of learning the basics of sewing machine operation because of the many advanced features that are standard on this machine.

There are interesting new features that I hesitate to recommend it for certain home sewers whose skills are good, but not what some would consider to be at a strong intermediate level.

Stitch Selection Process

Anyone who decides that they want to add the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP to their sewing room should be ready to spend some time getting to know this machine and working with all of the features before actually working on a major sewing or quilting project.

The good news is I don’t believe it will take long for a seasoned home sewer to learn to use these new features and be able to create fabulous clothes and quilts after just a few short hours of experimentation and practicing to determine preferences and favorite stitch combinations, which can be stored and saved for repeated use.

The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is more than just efficient, user-friendly and ergonomically designed.  It is also affordably priced.  With a MSRP of just $4999, this machine is within reach of many home budgets.

If you think you want to take home a Janome Memory Craft 9400 QCP of your own, set aside some time to visit an authorized independent Janome dealer near you. Ask a sales associate for a demonstration of this well designed sewing and quilting and be prepared to discuss flexible pricing and financing options.

The post Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

During a visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting, I had an opportunity to review the Janome MB-7, a seven needle embroidery machine designed for home use.  No doubt, this machine could also be used in a home based business as well as a professional embroidery studio where it is not the only machine in the shop.

At A Glance

The very first thing I noticed on the Janome MB-7 was the optional remote computer screen.  When attached, it is capable of giving the user a visual image of the 50 on board designs and monogramming fonts along with a read-out of the thread colors, the time it takes to complete the design and the number of stitches required for each color.

Optional Remote Computer Screen

The bobbin housing is located directly beneath the needles.  There is also a separate bobbin winding motor, which can be engaged while the MB-7 is creating an embroidery design.

The model I reviewed was sitting atop an optional MB-4 table, which is very conveniently designed with shelves, drawers with racks to hold thread cones and all the other accessories one might need when working on either the MB-7 or the MB-4.

Features

• 7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)
• Extra large bobbin
• 6 white LED lamps
• 50 built-in designs
• 10 monogramming fonts
• 2 and 3 letter monogramming
• Maximum embroidery area 9.4″ x 7.9″
• USB port
• Maximum embroidery speed 800 stitches per minute
• Programmable jump thread trimming
• Flexible stitch traveling
• Auto return after a thread break
• Adjustable hoop positioning
• 2 Sensors

• Upper thread
• Presser foot

• Stitch-out time indicator
• Stitch counter
• Independent bobbin winder
• Embroidery area tracing

Working on the Janome MB-7

While threading the Janome MB-7 is quite easy, winding and inserting the bobbin is not quite as simple.  Properly inserting the new open bobbin case presented a little bit of a challenge, but after several references to the owner’s manual, Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and Quilting and I were able to figure it out.

The trick is to carefully follow each step exactly as written in the manual.  In all honesty, that is the only difference in setting up the new MB-7 and its predecessor, the MB-4.

If the optional remote computer screen is not attached, the Janome MB-7 can be connected to a desktop or laptop computer via the USB cable that is included as a standard accessory.  Embroidery designs and all the other data that appears on the remote computer screen will appear on the computer monitor.

Even with the removable Janome optional remote computer screen in place, you can import an embroidery design from our computer via a USB port on the side of the removable screen.

Crisp and Clean Stitch-out

Like the MB-4, the Janome MB-7 sews monograms, one of 50 on board embroidery designs or an embroidery design downloaded from the internet at speeds up to 800 stitches per minute.  In the interest of time I selected a small two color design for this review.

The Janome MB-7 is solid and although not as quiet as many home embroidery machines, it is quieter than I had expected for a machine of its size.  The actual stitch-out when completed was crisp and clean with even, well-formed stitches throughout.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Open metal bobbin
• 3 Embroidery hoops and grids

• M1: 9.4″ x 7.9″
• M2: 5″ x 4.3″
• M3: 2″ x 2″

• Seam Ripper
• Instructional DVD
• Spool pads
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual

Standard Accessories

Optional accessories:

• Remote computer screen
• Bobbin Cases (multi-needle embroidery)
• CD-Rom Drive
• Lettering Hoop Holder Unit
• MB-4 Support Table
• Needle Threader
• Embroidery needles
• Lettering hoops:
  • 1 J7 (110mm x 95mm)
  • 2 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 3 J5 (25mm x 54mm)
  • 6 J2 (25 mm x 54mm)
  • 7 J8 #7 (120mm x 121mm)
  • 8 J4 (42mm x 67mm)
  • 9 J6 (66mm x 66mm)
  • 11 J1 (30mm)
  • 12 J1 (30mm)
  • 13 J3 (64mm x 28mm)
• Sock Hoop Kit
• Spool stand

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The MB-7 is the next generation of the multi-needle embroidery machine from Janome.  When compared to the Janome MB-4, the MB-7 can deliver embroidery designs faster with its capacity to work with up to seven threads while the MB-4 can handle only 4.

The MB-7 weighs 50 pounds, approximately five pounds more than the MB-4.  The MB-7 allows users to resize, rotate and flip embroidery designs as well as group, re-edit, combine and duplicate designs.  With the MB-4 users can perform all of these tasks with the exception of grouping and duplicating designs.

Both machines come with 50 on board embroidery designs and 10 monogramming fonts. They both have a maximum embroidery field of 9.4” x 7.9”, come with three embroidery hoops as standard accessories and both machines are compatible with JEF; JEF+ and DST embroidery formats.

The only other difference I could detect between the two machines is the fact that the MB-7 comes with that open bobbin case and the MB-4 has a standard bobbin case.

I honestly cannot say why the manufacturer switched to the open bobbin case.  In my opinion, it is the only flaw in the design.  As Fay and I struggled with inserting the bobbin so that it seated properly and did not create birds’ nests, I couldn’t help but wonder why in the world it didn’t have a closed bobbin case.

If you ask me, an open bobbin case is a) a chicken way of trying to save a few cents in production costs; and b) a good way to create unnecessary headaches with birds’ nests and worse in the bobbin area.  If you are not careful when winding and inserting the bobbin, you could potentially create a very bad situation which might very well result in you taking land your MB-7 in for servicing.

Open Bobbin Case

As I said in the above section, however, when you follow the instructions to the letter, the bobbin goes in and works perfectly.  It’s just a matter of mastering a new technique.  No doubt, people who are not as accustomed to working with traditional closed bobbin cases will have much greater ease in getting acclimated to working with this new type of bobbin case.

I have no doubt that some people will say that the Janome MB-7 is a machine that can be used by beginners.  I disagree because I believe that knowing more than just the basics of sewing machine operation will make learning to use this machine much easier.

Someone with little or no sewing machine knowledge or experience, even an adult, will have a very difficult time learning how to work with any machine with this many needles. Anyone who has never used a sewing machine or has no experience with machine embroidery at all should first start with a single needle machine before even attempting to use a multi-needle embroidery machine.

If your sewing skills are strong enough, and you are a machine embroidery enthusiast, you might very well be a viable candidate for moving up to the Janome MB-7. The only other consideration, in my opinion, is space.  If your sewing room is large enough to accommodate a traditional size sewing machine, you will be able to accommodate the MB-7 with very little adjustment to your sewing space.

The Janome MB-7 is not for everybody.  In fact, I do not recommend it for anyone who is beginning to create machine embroidery projects.  Nor do I recommend it for anyone who is not serious about machine embroidery and only engage in machine embroidery on an occasional basis.

I do, however, believe the Janome MB-7 is an excellent choice for anyone who spends at least 50 percent of their time in the sewing room on machine embroidery projects of all sizes.

Before making a decision to add the Janome MB-7 to your sewing room, however, you should first visit our authorized Janome dealer.  Ask a sales associate for a demonstration and see for yourself is this is, indeed, the multi-needle embroidery machine for you.

The post Janome MB-7 Review appeared first on Sewing Insight.

After several months of hearing and reading about the Janome Skyline S7, I finally had an opportunity to review it at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, FL.  This computerized sewing and quilting machine has been highly praised, and is very popular.

So popular, in fact, that when I was forced to postpone reviewing this machine due to illness, they had sold out by the time I had recovered.  After that, I had to wait until a new shipment was delivered.  On the day I did this review, there were only a few left in stock.

At A Glance

In all honesty, the Janome Skyline S7 looks almost exactly like the Skyline S5 to me.

When I asked Sunshine owner and manager Fay Nicoll to explain the difference between the two machines, she quickly pointed out that that the major external difference between these two machines is the advanced needle threader.

On the S5, the needle threader moves the thread from left to right.   The thread moves to the front of the needle on the S7.

Bright LED beneath machine head

An online comparison revealed that the S5 is equipped with the Superior Feed System Plus (SFS) while the S7 has the more up to date AccuFeed.  Finally, the Janome website revealed that the stitch selection process is different.  The S7 has a touch screen stitch selection process.

Selecting stitches on the S5 is accomplished with direct selection buttons. The final difference between the S5 and the S7 is the number of stitch options. 

The S5 has 170 decorative and utility stitches including 10 one step buttonholes.  The S7 brings with it 11 buttonholes and a total of 236 stitch options.

On Board Stitch Selection Guide

The Janome Skyline S7 has an on board stitch selection guide inside the top lid. When it’s closed, the machine has the appearance of a sleek opened, it has the appearance of a sleek 21^st Century machine with practically a minimum of visible controls or switches: start/stop; presser foot up/down; thread tie-off/cut; design stop and a three level speed control slider.

The USB port is on the right column with the balance wheel and power switch.  Opening the lid not only reveals the stitch selection guide but also the thread and bobbin winder along with detailed threading and bobbin winding guides.

One thing that I noticed that was of particular interest to me was the placement of the drop feed control lever.  Rather than hiding it, the folks at Janome seem to have heard my complaints and placed the drop feed control lever on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel.

Beneath the machine head are bright LED lights and a large workspace that features an oversized needle plate that is easily removed with just one hand.  Two needle plates come with the S7, one for straight stitches and the other for working with zigzag and decorative stitches.

Rather than the numerical keypad that is found on the S5, the S7 has a large touchpad which is used to select stitches, lock the machine, access the stitch memory and all of the other on board functions that make working on this machine user friendly.

Features

• 240 Onboard decorative and utility stitches
• 11 One-step buttonholes
• 7 Alphanumeric fonts
• Top loading 9mm full rotary hook
• USB port
• Stitch composer stitch creation program
• Automatic thread tension
• On board advanced needle threader
• Easy set bobbin
• Bobbin winding plate with thread cutter
• Function buttons:
  • Needle Up/Down
  • Presser Foot Lift
  • Thread Cutter
• AcuFeed™ flex layered fabric feeding system
• Variable zig-zag for free motion quilting
• One-step needle plate conversion
• Free arm
• On board accessory storage

Working on the Janome Skyline S7

Threading the Janome Skyline S7 and winding the bobbin are completely routine.  If you are accustomed to threading any other modern day sewing machine and winding its bobbin, you will have no difficulty in preparing this machine to get down to doing some serious sewing and/or quilting.

The addition of a safety lock is one of the most functional safety features this machine has to offer.  By locking the Janome Skyline S7, users are able to thread the needle, change the needle plate and perform other non-sewing tasks without having to worry about injury caused by inadvertently touching he start/stop button in the process.

On Board Decorative and Utility Stitch Menu

After the Janome is threaded and the bobbin in place, the next step is to select a stitch option from one of the six on board decorative and utility stitch menus.  The needle up/down position and thread tie-off/cut functions can be preprogrammed to increase the efficiency and decrease the time spent performing routine sewing machine tasks.

Superior Stitch Quality

For this review, I sampled several stitch options and discovered that the quality of the stitches produced by the Janome Skyline S7 is superior to many other sewing and quilting machines in its class.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Denim
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard Accessories

• 9 Snap on presser feet

• ¼” Seam Foot
• Zigzag foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed holder with AD foot
• Automatic buttonhole foot
• Blind hem foot
• Darning foot
• Overedge foot
• Rolled hem foot
• Satin stitch foot

• Seam ripper
• Extra large foot controller
• Spool pins
• Screwdrivers
• Owner’s manual
• Extra needles
• Spool caps

Standard Accesories

Optional accessories

• Snap on presser feet
• 3-way cording foot
• AcuFeed Flex™ ¼” seam foot (twin)
• AcuFeed Flex™ holder and foot (single)
• AcuFeed open toe foot
• AcuFeed straight stitch foot
• AcuFeed zipper foot (single)
• Applique foot
• Beading foot narrow
• Beading foot wide
• Binder foot
• Blue tip needles
• Bobbin (specialized)
• Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
• Bobbins
• Bobbins (plastic)
• Border guide foot
• Button sewing foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Buttonhole stabilizer plate
• Circular sewing attachment
• Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
• Clear view quilting foot and guide set
• Concealed zipper foot
• Crafting and home decor accessory kit
• Ditch quilting foot
• Ditch quilting foot for AcuFeed Flex™
• Edge guide foot
• Fashion and finishing kit
• Free motion couching foot
• Free motion quilting closed toe foot
• Free motion quilting holder
• Free motion quilting open toe foot
• Free motion quilting zig-zag foot
• Gathering foot
• Ultraglide foot
• 9 Piece scissor kit
• Horizontal spool holder
• Long quilting guide bar set
• Needle set
• Needle threader
• Needles
• Optic magnifier
• Pink and white pincushion
• Purple tip needle
• Quilt binder set
• Quilting accessory kit
• Red tip needle
• Remote thread cutter switch
• Ruffler
• Skyline accessory case
• Sliding guide foot 9mm
• Spool stand (2 threads)
• Ultraglide needle plate and foot set
• Universal sewing table

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

To sum it all up, I find the Janome Skyline S7 to be a superior sewing and quilting machine.  The machine is extremely quiet.  I didn’t notice any vibration until the speed setting was set at its highest level, and even then, the amount of vibration was minimal.

This could have been caused by the fact that it was not set up on a sewing table, but on a folding worktable instead.  My guess is that if this machine were mounted on a more stable surface, especially a table or desk designed to support a sewing machine, there would be no vibration whatsoever.

Janome Skyline S7

The Janome Skyline S7 is an excellent choice for someone who is learning how to sew.  I hesitate, however, to recommend it for use by a child younger than 10 or 12 years of age.  It isn’t the least bit complicated, but it could be a bit intimidating for a young child.

I believe an older child, teenager or adult would be quite comfortable learning the art of sewing on this very sturdy sewing machine. An experienced home sewer or someone who has taken a break from sewing for a few years and returning to the sewing machine would have no problem adjusting to the features found on the Janome Skyline S7 that may not have been available on machines they operated in the past.

The workspace is extra-large, making it possible to quite handle on small to medium size quilting projects with ease.  The free arm and on board accessory storage are merely added advantages.

When compared with the Janome Skyline S5, the S7 is a comparable machine, offering a few additional stitch options and a little more convenience.  While the advanced needle threader is a significant difference between the two machines, I feel that the biggest difference is the stitch selection process.

Some people prefer to dial up a stitch on a numerical keypad while others are more comfortable with a touchscreen.  In my opinion, the decision between purchasing the S5 or the S7 rests largely with that one consideration.

Before making a decision to purchase the S5 or the S7, I recommend that you take the time to visit an authorized Janome dealer in your area and try them both for yourself.  Ask for a demonstration and make your own comparison.  I have no doubt that you will be happy with either one.

The Janome Skyline S7 is definitely a well-built, reliable sewing and quilting machine.  You cannot imagine my surprise when I learned that Janome has already released the Skyline S9.  My first response was to wonder whether or not folks at Janome were losing it until I discovered that it is a step above the S7.

The S9 is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine that has all the features of the S7, but comes with additional utility and decorative stitch options along with three embroidery hoops

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