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sew, mama, sewing machine month
2009 @ 8:08 am
Sew, Mama, Sew’s blog has a nice meme about sewing machine’s this month and I thought I’d participate since things are going so well with my Futie over her…
What brand and model do you have?
I own a Singer Quantum Futura CE200 (called a Futie on the yahoo message boards!). It’s a full range sewing machine with quilting stitches plus embroidery machine.
How long have you had it?
I got this as a 30th birthday present from my husband in 2006. Notably, the same year daughter number 1 was born.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I think it cost $700 at the time. I seem to recall redeeming a bunch of Amazon points from our credit card. We use those rewards exclusively for diapers now, *sigh*.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew mostly little girl clothes. It’s so hard for me NOT to sew for little girls! I have two cute and willing young ladies in front of my all day long. This year, nay, THIS SUMMER I am committed to making something for myself to wear! I said this last year too, but it didn’t work out due to birth of baby and subsequent extra squish.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I wouldn’t say this thing gets a lot of wear and tear. I am on a kick right now and since I’m still pretty new at sewing, I haven’t ventured too far from straight up cotton fabric. If I did more embroidery, I am sure there would be more wear and tear! I think this lady can handle it though.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
We are in like with each other. Straight up, 4th grade LIKE. The kind of feeling you have when you are not sure how you feel because you just don’t know enough. I like it, but I have not named it, although I guess I think she’s a “lady”. This is an improvement though since I think last year was full of love/hate moments! Now that I know the machine better, I think it was me the whole time. I even bought her some presents last week. A variety of new feet that I’ll blog about as I try them out.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
This machine beeps at me for the slightest sewing infraction! Did I forget to put the presser foot down? BEEP BEEP BEEP. Thread broken? BEEP BEEP BEEP! I sort of like that it just shuts down before I can screw anything up. With regard to the sewing itself, I assumed that all Singer machines sounded like my mother’s, but this one doesn’t. You push the pedal, it goes. On my mom’s (and other models I’ve seen since), there is a lead in bzzzzzzz, before the thing takes off. As a new sewer, this would trip me up. Another thing I like about my machine? Its clear presser foot. Muy helpful.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Said beeping can also drive me a little nuts. Especially if I can’t figure out what’s wrong!
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it
There are no great stories… maybe this is why I only “like”, instead of “love” my machine.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would only recommend it if you think you’ll be into the embroidery thing. I totally was, but then I went Mac and my old laptop died. I am patiently waiting for my mom to give me her old one so I can get back into it!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I would make sure it’s something you can grow into. And if you are sewing children’s clothes, those decorative stitches can come in very handy! I guess I wouldn’t go whole hog if you aren’t sure you will sew for life. I mean, you can knock Signer all you want, but it’s much less expensive to maintain than the imported brands. I have used their helpline too and it was awesome.
Do you have a dream machine?
I really don’t! I guess I dream of a serger, but really? I probably won’t ever go there. We are literally drowning in little girl clothes over here. I think I have a machine that is just right for me 
Maybe we will fall in love someday!
