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Monday, May 21, 2012

May Giveaway Day! - Book & Jelly Roll [CLOSED]

I am so excited to participate in Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day this year! I was not blogging during the last one, but I did win a lot of goodies and find so many new blogs to follow. If you are new to my blog, you can click the following links for more about me and my finished quilts.


Here is my offering: One person will win 1, 2, 3 Sew: Build Your Skills with 33 Simple Sewing Projects by Ellen Luckett Baker & a Grand Finale (by Sandy Gervais) Jelly Roll!


For a chance to win: 
Leave one comment telling me about your sewing machine; what you like about it, what you don't like about it, etc. Buying a sewing machine is overwhelming and I need help! ;) 

I am willing to ship internationally. If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please be sure to include your email address in your comment so that I am able to contact you if you win. 

This giveaway will close May 25th at 5pm PST! I will use random.org to choose the winner.

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***Random.org selected #289 which was Angie from Inspired by H and C! I just sent you an email! Thanks to everyone who entered!

Good luck and thanks for stopping by! You can see the all the giveaways at Sew, Mama, Sew's Blog.

P.S. Beth at Plum & June is hosting the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop this summer. It starts Tuesday, May 22 with Kelsey Sews & Billy Button Designs

Copyright © From Pixels to Patchwork 2012. All rights reserved.

834 comments so far. What are your thoughts?

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Leanna said... #

I have a Jenome I received from a friend. Her gma gave it to her and she doesn't sew...so, I lucked out. Wish it had more stitch options though.

Marcia W. said... #

I like my Husq. Topaz model 20 because it has so many options including an embroidery unit. My fave gizmo is the needle down and presser foot up and high up and the needle threader and thread cutter.... What I don't like, from day one when sew the first few stitches, the thread frequently balls up.

conny's quilts en creaties said... #

Awesome fabric you are going to give away. I'd love to give it a chance to win this! Thank you for giving the opportunity! I have a Bernina 150, great machine, not so young anymore, but still running smoothly. Kind regards, Conny

Irina said... #

I have a Brother Innovis 350E, I love it!

hollymade said... #

I love that my machine has a needle-down feature. Didn't have that on my last one, and man is it handy!

JLinnet said... #

I have a Kenmore and I love the little workhorse! It doe thin but also multiple layers of jean. It is simple, nothing fancy so it is limited, but I'm a beginner/simple sewer, so I love it.

Jennifer Ladd said... #

I love my machine because it is simple ... that means it never breaks! I'm sure that if I had a machine with more bells and whistles it would be broken by now since I use mine so much. Simple is sometimes better!

Jennifer
jennifereladd at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... #

I have a Brother sewing machine. It is an entry level one that my mother bought for me when I was in college. I love it because it has moved all over with me and is a practical little machine. I hate it because it is so basic and limits the type of sewing I can do. (No walking foot, so no free motion quilting.) I hope to purchase a better machine soon, but like you I am totally overwhelmed!

Libby said... #

My main machine is a Bernina 930, and I luuuuurve it. It never, ever, EVER has tension issues and will plow through all sorts of thick and difficult fabrics. I don't love the thread cutter on it, and I do miss automatic needle down, but the speed and awesomeness is worth it.

Anne said... #

It's a Janome, very basic, with none of the modern bells and whistles. I love it!

Anonymous said... #

Great giveaway, thanks!! I have a bernina and I love it! I think the buttonhole foot is especially fun. shelly sal4qtatgmaildotcom

Karen said... #

I have a Babylock that is about 5 or 6 years old. I like it just fine and it does almost everything I need it to do. What I don't like about it is that it was not happy when I was trying to make a pair of jeans and it balked all the way and the stitches look messy.

Anonymous said... #

I don't have a sewing machine YET, still looking for The One!! Thanks for the good question which helps me to decide. Also loves ur giveaway, what a great price! lisanho@hotmail.com

Melanie said... #

I just bought a baby lock and love it!

Susan C. said... #

I absolutely love my 1950s vintage Singer 221. It runs like a champ! But I admit, it only makes straight lines, and sometimes I long for a zigzag stitch. :)

Second Chance Tan said... #

Ooo my machine is ancient.... all is sews is a straight line. But I love it because it belonged to my Nana. I would love a new one, and maybe for my 40th will get everyone to club together to get one for me. Wouldn't know where to start to choose one though x

Anonymous said... #

I love my sewing machine, except when it decides not to like a type of thread.

sherri said... #

Hi I have two machines - a baby lock quilters choice and a brother quilting machine (forgotten number) anyway - I just my baby lock for straight stitching and machine quilting and the brother for everything else. I belong to a quilt guild and when we get together to sew most of the women brint their singer featherweight. They swear by it for quilting and say it's got the best quilt stitch. I'm now obsessed with finding just the right one :o) they were made in the 40's - 50's - there are lots of black ones priced by what condition they are in but not many white ones - they are soooo cute and come with 'history' - makes you wonder who sewed on it before you! LOVE IT! Anyone got one they want to part with? lol
Thanks for the giveaway! I'm giving an owl :o)
Sherri
rebeccamaedesigns.com

glaucia said... #

my sewing machine is a very simple one, but i love her exactly because of that. She's old, faithful and a good companion :D ( a basic Singer from the 70's, belonged to a dear aunt of mine who used to took me with her to choose the most amazing fabrics for her to sew)
Thanks for the generous giveaway!

Heather said... #

I love that my Singer sewing machine is simple; sometimes technology makes things too complicated. What I don't like is that it sounds like a train going through the room when I sew. What I love most is that my brother gave me my machine to help me start my new passion!
grahamstory@aol.com

Renae said... #

I have a Janome and LOVE it! My only complaint is that I wish it had a wider throat! thanks for the giveaway!!!

Ellie Roberts said... #

I have a Bernina! I have always had a Bernina and I think I always will. :)

Delorise said... #

Kenmore from Sears is smy favorite.

Anonymous said... #

I have a Brother SE270D. I really like that it is a two in one sewing machine and embroider but I do not like that the embroidering size is only 4X4. buggystevenson@aol.com

EngrSandi said... #

I have a Bernina 1080 and it is very dependable. It's 17 years old and I've never had an issue with it.

Kathleen said... #

I currently have a run-of-the-mill Singer I bought at Target a few years ago. It sews like is should and is easy to clean and oil. It is also simple enough that I can let my two girls (ages 8 and 12) use it to sew on as well without too much confusion. I had an old Elna that was a total workhorse before purchasing this machine. Unfortunately it just got to be where it was going to be a little too much money get fix it.
My oldest is getting her first machine this summer (thank you Grandma & Grandpa) from our local Bernina dealer. They run a week long camp with the kids teaching them not only sewing basics but the operation and home maintenance of their machine.

michellekimster said... #

I have a brother XR7700...i started sewing last year(8th grader) and my dadddy bought it for me..its not the priciest machine but it works so well! its so important to me because my daddy is soso sick right now he is in the hospital and we couldnt communicate for 2 months now..i hope he gets bettter soon so i can tell him ive learned so much..i find so much joy in sewing and thanks to him even in these hard times i can find peace through this beautiful art..thank you so much for the post!

A said... #

I have a Brother beginner model. I like it because it's easy to use. I don't like having to hand thread the needle.
ad.oneal@rocketmail.com

Maureen Hayes said... #

I JUST bought a Brother sewing machine, but I haven't even opened the box or tried it, so I feel your pain. I could "sew" use this prize because I am just starting out with sewing and need all the help I can get!! Thanks for the great prize.

you can reach me at scrapgirl1467 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Have a great day,
Maureen

Mands said... #

Well the sewing machine I have is borrowed..I returned one that I thought I might like to own but no good...the one I am using is a Kenmore and it's really good.

mandy dot ueda at gmail dot com

Anonymous said... #

My sewing machine is a beast, and unfortunately it's been getting harder and harder to use (I named it Leonidas at a friend's suggestion, since trying to sew anything too ambitious on it is madness).

I know the one feature I really appreciate on other people's machines is an easy-to-use buttonhole maker. It's probably pretty standard now, but I don't have one and am envious of those who do.

(and my email address is ettlinga (at) gmail (dot) com)

Grace @ WhimsyLoft dot com said... #

My sewing machine is an Innovis 50 by Brother. It's really nice, low maintenance, easy to find parts which are not too expensive. Serves my sewing purpose well, and it can sew Alphabeths!

Please come join my giveaway too:
http://whimsyloft.com/2012/05/may-giveaway/

Hugs,
Grace
whimsyloft (at) gmail (dot) com

Girly said... #

I have a Singer sewing machine. I love it - it has quite a few different stitches but not too complicated for me :-)

jellybean said... #

Military wife.... so my saddest moments are when they pack it up to move us its the worst...

Peggy said... #

I bought a new Jenome sewing machine last year and I love it. Thanks for a chance to win.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Mhairi said... #

I have a Pfaff 2040. I love the fact that it works really well and that it is easy to use. I wish it had the knee/foot up thingy but that is my only complaint. I also have an old Necchi that is brilliant as it is really indestructible. I can sew anything on it, if you can find and afford an older machine as well as a new one I would recommend it as they just feel like they are heavier and therefore more capable of sewing through thick fabrics - if you just want one for patchwork etc I would suggest a Bernina over the Pfaff. My aunt has a Bernina and it has better features for quilting than the Pfaff.
Hope this helps.

Brenda said... #

Great giveaway. I'm now using a New Home from 1976. My mother in law owned and barely used. I love it.

jen said... #

Nice giveaway! My advice : get one with a needle that will "stay down" with a button ... invest in a not-too-expensive machine, then get one of those tables that fits around your machine if you're into quilting. I really love that I have one of those!

Jessica said... #

I have a Pfaff that was my mums when she turned 18. It's amazing having the same one to use that i grew up with!

Unknown said... #

I have a Brother sewing machine that was meant for a kid to use, which is awesome because it is super easy to thread :) I don't like trying to make button holes, they are tough, especially on anything non-cotton! Any sewing machine you choose is going to take a little while to learn - that's the fun part, practice, practice, practice!! :)

Morgan said... #

I have a Pfaff, which I in fact WON. It's probably their cheapest model, but I really like it. Big pro is the "free arm" feature.

Brandi said... #

I have a very basic machine from Sears - a kenmore. I really like the clear instructions in the manual. BUT, I am a completely beginning sewer - which is why I would LOVE that book! I need to just play and see what happens, but I am so afraid to mess something up :)

Mary P said... #

I wish my machine had a thread cutter. I do love its needle down option though.

Reb Thack said... #

I lucked out. My starter singer (POS) was killed in an unfortunate library tote making incident. Thinking myself thrifty, I took it to the local shop where (unbeknownst to me) all the serious sewers and quilters go, was almost laughed out of the store when I asked them to please repair aforementioned POS. Service cost was equal to the value of POS.

the owner of the store, a very. Ice and knowledgeable gentleman steered me to the table of used machines and patiently explained to me that what it would cost to repair my machine was $50 less than the high end (used) Baby Loc machine.

Cue the angelic music and heavenly light.

I love my new (used) machine. It does everything I want, including a few fancy embroidery stitches. It's got some cajones and is incredibly easy to use. The only thing I need now is a serger :-)

Sam said... #

I love my sewing machine - have an Elna and I bought it after trying out a friend's machine. I ended up buying an Elna overlocker and a basic Elna for my 13 year old daughter as well as I find them so easy to use :)

Amy said... #

I like my machine because it is simple ans straightforward...no frills:). Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

RoseyPosey said... #

I bought a second hand Bernina Virtuosa 150 Quilters Edition and I love it! Even second hand it was quite an investment compared to the machines I had in the past but it is so worth it, especially with the walking foot.

Jackie said... #

I've just recently taken up sewing, and have been using my sister in law's machine (when I can pry it out of her hands!)so I have been looking for a machine myself. It's very helpful to read others comments. Needless to say, I need to build up my fabric stash, and could really use a book of simple projects...so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win!
Thanks for the chance at this awesome giveaway!

Diann said... #

My sewing machine is a Bernina Activa 135 and I really like everything about it.

Nanbon44 said... #

I have a Janome Sewing/Embroidery machine that I use the most... out of my 7 machines... my Janome is a work horse, and there is no switching the beds to go from sewing to embroidery thanks to the way the have the hoop support. I also have a Singer and a Brother sewing/embroidery machines and they are fine but I tend to use them more for the embroidery then the sewing.. of course I have to have my surger too.

Rebekah B. said... #

I have a Bernina. LOVE everything about it! I'd buy the same machine again... no hesitation.

inthegrove5 *at* gmail *dot* com

Sydnie said... #

I have a Janome Memory Craft 6600 that I LOVE. I love how easy it is to use and how beautifully it stitches. I used my grandma's 60's-era Kenmore for years, and it was a great machine too. AND... I have a Singer Featherweight 221 from the 1940's - I love it for taking to classes. Great little machine, very portable, and does a great straight stitch! Thanks for the giveaway!

The Hojnackes said... #

I have a Viking Scandinavia 300. I think it is probably similar to their Emerald machines. I love just about everything about it. The only problem I've encountered is that the reverse button on it is finicky. You have to push it in just the right spot or it won't work. I've sewn on many different machines in my lifetime. I grew up sewing on a Bernina that held up for so long- my mom sewed every single day, so it had to have the motor replaced a few times. It was a workhorse. I have found that with the Viking, because of the top loading bobbin, there are far less bobbin and tension issues than I had with the Bernina- which outshined every Brother machine I've also sewn on by leaps and bounds, by the way.

Treasuresofjoy said... #

My sewing machine works and that is what I like about it. It is very basic, but it gets the job done.

Nancy L said... #

I am also on a lookout for a new machine though the one my mother gave me is working out very well. It is a Kenmore but actually it is exactly the same as the Janome one my mother has. I think Janome made them for Sears. Until I learn to sew more and clean up our cluttered space, I can only dream of the Bernina. I've sewn on an Elna too and seems to be just fine too.

Dianne said... #

I have a brother 800 machine. I've just bought it and love playing with all the computerized stitching the last machine wasn't computerized. I don't like it because it's new and I still have to think through some stuff to make sure I do it right. The best advise I can give find a good quilt shop that sell machines be comfortable with them and the machine they will be your best friend.

Jodi Godfrey said... #

Cool giveaway! I have a simple Elna. I was given it. I hate that I can't get a walking foot or other fancy attachments, but it sews a straight line! :) I wouldn't get it again, but I'm determined to make the most with what I have.

Cloud 9 said... #

I have an old New Home that has been a great machine since I bought it right out of college. Only basic stitches but never gave me trouble and will sew through anything as long as I have the right needle. I bought a Brother NX-650Q as I wanted some embroidery stitches. I can also regulate the speed better for free motion quilting. Although now I think I might have preferred one with a built-in walking foot. If money grew on trees I would have bought a Bernina.

Anonymous said... #

I've worked on a Pfaff since 1986. I got a new Creative 2.0 last year with a 10" throat and it's super! Love it!
Patti (at) deal52@comcast.net

Unknown said... #

I have a Janome 3160 - love it! It's just a small machine, my first, and I love that 60 stitches, the automatic thread cutter, and the start/stop button (I'm a pedal-less sewer). I don't like the fact that the needle plate is a bit raised and sometimes she doesn't cooperate perfectly (still not a tension master).

shayshap said... #

What a great giveaway thank you, I have a Pfaff. In New Mexico we had a great Pfaff store and I learned a lot from them. Now I live in Az and Pfaff is few and far between. I stiff love my pfaff, the built in walking foot is a life savior. kathy

Lisa E said... #

I have a Bernina 1230 that I love. The downside -- it's very heavy. Otherwise, it does everything that I want it to.

Loree said... #

I have a Babylock decorator's choice. What I like -- it's reliable. What I don't like - the bobbin is picky!

Loree
loreew at pacbell dot net

Jeannie D said... #

I have a computerized Brother machine. I love the way it sews...very smooth and it has automatic threading which is great for "aging eyes"!

tubilinha tiacarminha said... #

Para minhas costuras é SINGER e ponto.Eu tenho duas, uma antiga que uso para tudo,é a minha pretinha básica,costura até lona de caminhão.E uma nova que uso para pregar botões e casear,algum ponto fantasia,essas coisas.Tenho uma industrial enorme e pesada para quilting,esta é tão velha que não sei a marca infelismente,está comigo já tem 8 anos e nunca quebrou nem agulha,eu troquei algumas para trabalhos que exigiam mais grossas ou mais finas do que a que veio com ela,que eu marquei com esmalte de unha.Tem lugares que você vai encontrar usadas,e semi-novas em ótimo estado.Eu comprei duas ultimas em venda de garagem.Espero que tenha ajudado.Obrigada por sorteio,este sim seria o meu sonho de consumo.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

Heather B said... #

I have a Janome my mother got me 3 years ago and I'm finally using it. I love it, it's easy for me being a beginner. BUT we weren't to a thrift store and picked up a Singer Stylist 513 in a cabinet for $15!! It's in great working condition! I just need more room in this house!

Kathy said... #

I have a 20+ year old Viking 630 - It's a hard-working machine and you never have to oil it. I'm saving up for a new machine though... probably another Viking or maybe a Bernina, with features specifically for quilters.

edeenut said... #

I have a kenmore, really good work horse it's an old one. When I keep up with it's cleaning and maintenance visits it's Perfect!
But I would grab up a Bernina any day if I had the chance .

Jodi said... #

My sewing machine is a basic getting started model which my mum bought me for Christmas a few years back. It is simple but that is a good thing when your starting out. To many knobs and switches just leads to more time reading the manual and less time sewing. I would love that book - would be a great kick start to my timid sewing.

Goldogmom said... #

I have a Janome 6600 and love it. It s able to sew all kinds of fabrics, many thicknesses and sews a beautiful stitch. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Michelle

Cherise said... #

I have a pretty basic brother and it works fine for my needs. I would love to upgrade to a real fancy one some day! :)

Suze said... #

I have a very old Bernina 801, which I love. I bought it over 20 years ago. I recently bought a Janome 6600 which I haven't used much, I'm still learning how to use it, but I do like it.

Yana said... #

I have Privileg with 22 different stitching and I love it. Working without any problems!

Anonymous said... #

Thank you for this Giveaway. I have 2 Berninas and 1 Brother Combo. I sew more than I machine embroider therefore I prefer my Berninas to my Brother. My Brother is very good for Machine embroidery though.

God Bless
Sandra
gml448@yahoo.com

Chrissy said... #

My sewing machine is a brother. Well it's really my Mums sewing machine. It is older than me! I like it because it is quite basic and simple to use, I don't like that it is quite basic so it can't do alot.
Great blog, I am a new follower.
Cheers

Dianne Neale said... #

I have a Viking Sapphire 835 Quilt. I love it - it does everything I want it to but it's very sensitive to thread quality, fluff, etc. But I've come to the conclusion most of them are.

tammi said... #

I love my Bernina Virtuosa 153 that I bought new abut 11-12 yrs ago. At the time it was sort of a middle -of-the-road Bernina. Sometimes I want to get a newer machine because I covet the Stitch Regulator but the old machine does everything so well. (And I'm putting two kids through college right now so a new machne is definitely not a priority) The only bad thing is it's hard to fit a bigger quilt in the throat area when you are free- motion quilting a full size quilt.
If you can tuck away the money for a Bernina, I think it's definitely worth it.

Paula Lemos said... #

My sewing machine is a Brother ES-2000. It was a gift from my husband and he bought it online. My problem with it is there are no assistance services for this machine in my country which means I'll be in trouble if it breaks down. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

Njeri said... #

I own a Juki industrial machine, It can sew anything, leather, vinyl, anything, I hate how loud it is when it sews.

njerijacquline@yahoo.com

Marilize said... #

I found my sewing machine at a charity sale for under $12! It's an Elna Air Electronic from the 70's and is in great working condition. I lvoe this solid old girl - even if she snaps the cheap sewing threads. I guess she just prefers quality over quantity :)

Thank you for the great prize and the opportunity to win it.

Marilize
marilize (dot) paulsen (at) gmail (dot) com

Leo said... #

My sewing machine is rather oldish, not many features and no computing - but (think that but in capitals) I can take it apart, clean it and put it back together without having to be afraid to destroy it

DEAN FAMILY said... #

I have a Bernina 440QE and I absolutely love it. I love all the it can do, especially the fact that it comes with the Bernina stitch regulator which has made being a new free motion quilter so much easier. Thanks for such a fun giveaway and good luck.

rhianneholmes(at)hotmail.com

Sarah_L_N said... #

I have a singer inspiration. I like it because it's fairly easy to thread and no complicated ways of choosing stitches. I do find it hard to get the tension right so it doesn't have loops of thread on the reverse side, but that could just be me!

elflyn said... #

I have a Brother that I got for my birthday a few years ago. I am a new sewer so I haven't had any problems with it at all.

redzshadow said... #

I have a bernina. I love everything about it but the cost! I was sewing on a cheap sewing machine for years. I was at the point where I had to "help" the fabric run through the machine. After a long debate and research I decided that I should just spend some money and get me a machine that will last a long time. It has been the best sewing decision I have made so far.

Debbie said... #

Here is my blog about my old machine.

http://debaeremaeker.blogspot.com/2012/03/rip-sewing-machine.html

I got a new Janome but havent had much chance to play with it. I do like the automatic thread cutter and the stitch lock.

thanks for the giveaway!

Judy H said... #

I recently replaced my sewing machine which had been my mother's. She bought it before I was born (I'll be 55 this year). It was a Singer and it served me well over the years...sewing everything from tops to 3 complete Elizabethan Noblewoman's costumes. I replaced with another Singer. Love it!

The Thompsons said... #

I have a Brother and I love hw easy it is to use, but it's not very heavy duty and some of the parts are pretty cheap.

fern said... #

I love my sewing machine, but wish it did more embroidery...I've got a singer curvy II and it's great. I like the feature that I can press that causes the needle to stay in the fabric when I'm done with a line of sewing...if that makes sense? ;-) I really couldn't live without my serger anymore though. :-)

Liz M said... #

I have a Singer I got for cheap on Overstock.com. I would love a nicer machine but don't know what to buy. I'll be reading all your comments to get some good advice - awesome question!!

Thanks for the giveaway,
liz at mommysaidsew dot com

Cliodana said... #

oooo a jelly... can't resist to that! My sewing machine is a singer, and perfect one! have it since 15 years, but need to find a embroidery machine now!

Cindy said... #

What a great giveaway! I bought my Janome 6600P 3 years ago and absolutely love it! My husband talked me into going with the better model and I'm so glad I did. I love everything about it! I've only been quilting a short time and am loving that too!! I have so much to learn and am having fun learning it on this machine.

Stephanie said... #

Oh Houston girl---I am from Spring but now live in new Jersey uuugg Miss mISS mISS Tx and my friends! I have Janome heart truth machine and love it but my dream is the 6600P(Janome) which I am saving for! Love Janomes!

Mummy Kim said... #

I am using my mother in-law's machine… I wish I had my own! It is a basic kenmore model (from what I can tell). It is the only machine I have ever used so I can't give much feedback lol

mcintosh dot kimberley at gmail dot com

Gigi said... #

I love my Janome 2212 sewing machine! I know, I know, it's as basic as basic gets, but it does work well and it fit my budget. This is my first ever machine so I can't compare it to anything else, of course, but I've made so many clothes for my kids, and I think we'll be together for a long long time. Good luck with your search!

Elizabeth said... #

I have a Kenmore machine that was a Christmas gift about 10 years ago. I have never had a single problem with it. It is very basic, but I have been able to "accessorize" over the years with different feet and add ons as I got more sewing experience. But sometimes, simple is good!

Georgia said... #

I like that it used to be my grandma's and I got it for free! I don't like that I broke a needle and now it's not working right. I realize that's not very helpful, I've never had another machine and mine is really old and I don't know much about them! :)
peachstateme (at) hotmail (dot) com

Emily C said... #

My sewing machine is loved because it originally belonged to my mother. It is probably circa 1970's and only has 4 types of stitches. Which is the downside. I would love a few more kinds of stitches.

Charlene S said... #

I have two BabyLock machines. They stitch so sweetly. I can switch from one to the other with ease. Only thing I don't like about my machines is their size. They are two big to carry around.

Anonymous said... #

I have a Bernina and absolutely LOVE everything about it. I've had it for about 13 years and it still runs like a champ :)

Donna said... #

Ten years ago I bought a Viking Lily machine and I still really like it. I only use a few of its many stitches but the potential is there to elevate my skills to a new level! Test drive as many machines as you can, it helps!

Anonymous said... #

I have a Bernina 440QE. My husband surprised me with it for my birthday 5 years ago. Its been a dream to sew with! Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said... #

I have an older Sears Kenmore. This is my second Kenmore, but they really are just basic machines with a few fancy stitches. I am dieing to get a new machine, something with a longer throat so that I can learn to machine quilt and do more different stitches. Leaning towards Bernina. I'd also like some advice on what others like.

thegoose said... #

Which one? I have way too many (I have a bad habit of collecting things), though none of them new. My primary machine is an old Bernina Record. I love it, but wish it had a needle down option. But it has a nice stitch and is a workhorse. I also have a couple of Featherweights (anyone? anyone?) that are great for travel. If I had to buy a new machine I would choose a Juki TL-2010Q.

Michelle Olsen Sasak said... #

Last Friday night, my cheapie Brother machine died on me (6 quilts, 5 table runners, 8 placemats, 4 pot holders & more in 6 months was more than that machine was designed for) so we took it to a shop to try to get it repaired. It was a lost cause, but I'm fine with that since my husband bought me a beautiful used Juki F400. I'm still getting to know it, but having a table, knee lift, & thread cutter button is wonderful!

Liz, Quilt Adventurer said... #

i have a Janome sewist. it's a basic machine, with no frills or computer, and it does the trick. sometimes i would like embrodiery stitches - i'm doing a quilt with applique right now, and i would like to use my machine to do some blanket stitches, which means i would also like it to move which side the blanket stitch comes out (to the right or to the left). Sometimes i also think i would like one with a bigger neck for ease of machine quilting, but i don't make enough quilts to justify the expense of a machine like that!!! thanks for the entry!

QuiltSue said... #

I have 3 machines. Big Brother, which is my wonderful straight stitch machine, Baby Brother, which goes with me to workshops and Big Bertha which is my LA machine. I love them all.

Lydia Yocum said... #

I have a wonderful Pfaff creative 7550 that was given to me by a very talented and accomplished quilting Aunt, and I LOVE it! it is SO user-friendly, thought I have only used the most basic stitches, being a bit afraid to get into the fancy stuff yet - but I will get there!

MSilver said... #

I have a Brother LS2125 that I got for $80 when I was in grad school from Overstock.com. It's been a great first machine and a real work horse. As I gain more skills and continue to branch out with my projects I'm looking for a machine that has a few more bells and whistles, like embroidery settings and quilting options.

Karen P. said... #

I have a bernina 320 that I love. If I'd knon back when I bought it I'd be trying to quilt I'd have bought the QE. That is an investment!

Connie Kresin Campbell said... #

My sewing machine is a 1591 Singer, a vintage and a work horse. I just love it, thanks for a great giveaway!

Kate D said... #

I am also looking for a sewing machine. At my sewing class I use Janomes and they are brill and very easy to use. Thanks
katemck(at)hotmail(dot)com

Rachel said... #

I have a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire. I love it, but really I think any machine can do the job. You just have to spend time with which ever one you've got and learn all the quirks.

Kylie Carlson said... #

I have a Basic Brother sewing machine that I bought at a Walmart for $80 about 7 years ago. It's served me well through dorm life and my first apartment but I'm looking to get a "real" machine in the near future and am overwhelmed with my choices too. Thank you for a lovely giveaway. kcarlson1152[at]hotmail.com

Bree said... #

I have a newish Singer that I got a wedding gift from a few friends. I would go with something a little sturdier if I had to buy again.

Bree
bdoody11 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... #

I have a Singer Quilting machine. It is a basic machine and I like that it was inexpensive but eventually I would love a fancy machine!

Anonymous said... #

I have a basic kenmore but it does everything I need it to! jawalker at gmail dot com
Great giveaway

Lauren said... #

I love my Kenmore 19050 - made by Janome. Hasn't let me down yet!

Jessica said... #

I'm shy around my sewing machine still... a little scared that it'll sew me by mistake. I love that it was given to me by a lovely lady who's sister bequethed all her belongs to those 'who would make use of them' so I'm honoured to have it and must try to get it out more often!

Aggiequilter said... #

I have a Janome 6600 which I LOVE, it's a total machine, sews wonderfully and has the larger harp for MQ, the built in Dual Feed is great! Highly recommend !! Thanks for the great giveaway !

PS I found you on the One Stop Giveaway Shop !!

Caroline said... #

After much deliberation I settled on the brother sewing machine. I love that it came with 10 different sewing feet and has 60+ stitches. Being new to sewing (watched my grandmother for years on an old singer that only stitched one way), I was excited to play with all the settings, I'm still learning and the machine is a couple years old now. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity :)

Finding Fifth said... #

Ha...good luck sorting through over 700 recommendations for a new sewing machine. I have a basic Janome 2101dc and although basic, it is a faithful machine.

Millie said... #

I have a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118...a very basic machine, but it never lets me down! I love it!

Charlotte E said... #

I recently bought myself a sewing machine for my 30th birthday. My first since a childs one I had when I was a lot younger. I'm sure it does more than I use it for but I love that it came with a 1/4" and walking foot. So useful for quilting. I know I can also drop the dog feed for freemotion quilting but I'm not game enough yet. I also love that it does an overlock stitch for when I'm making clothes and does bottonholes in one step.

Hippie Housewife said... #

I have a gorgeous teal sewing machine from the sixties, IIRC. I love it!!

Frog Momma said... #

i love my Janome DC2012...it does everything i need to do from seams, buttonholes, and FMQ!

Stephanie - Swoodson Vintage said... #

I have aa 1960s Kenmore - that I love! It came from my Grandma. Good luck :) scg00387 at yahoo dot com

EmpressC said... #

My mom has a janome and these days I've been eying an older Bernina machine 830. Thanks for the contest!

Anonymous said... #

I have a Brother that I love. I like that it has lots of stitches and can embroider a bit.
cuteowls98@rocketmail.com

Liz said... #

I love my sewing machine (Viking #1+) because it's so durable and I can do so much with it! But I don't like how old it is, because even though it has embroidery capabilities, it's really finicky and when it breaks the parts to fix it aren't available.

Seventh Sphere said... #

I have a Janome DC4030 - it's a good machine, very reliable. The only things I don't like is that it's not powerful enough to go over several layers of fabric/interfacing/wadding. So I'm on the look-out for a more powerful machine.
Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)

Binks said... #

I don't know if I can help. I have a pretty basic Huskystar model. It's my only baby, so I can't talk badly about it. However, with just the more basic of functions, I wish I can more option. I will say that is runs smoothly as long as I keep it in shape.

Jessie said... #

My grandparents found my sewing machine in a thrift store - it is a Necchi that is quite old. Personally though I am such a fan of old machines - they are simple and sturdy, all-around workhorses that are made to last!

Meghan said... #

I have a Brother that my mom bought when she was in college. It is definitely on its last legs, and I'm looking for a new one too!

Cherilyn said... #

Great Giveaway! I love my Viking sewing machine. It has been great for general sewing and machine quilting! Thanks for the chance!

SisterlyLove said... #

Love this!!

MY sewing machine is a vintage 1960's green Singer. It's so great! It works excellently and is made like a tank. the ONLY problems are: It's very heavy and it doesn't do button holes. Other than that, it's a dream!
Marguerite
emalineswardrobe.blogspot.com

sandyb said... #

I have a Pfaff 1229 that is about 28 years old, so my is I guess they call vintage. I like it very much - it works great, still. A lot of sewing has been done through the years and (shhh don't let it hear me say it) has NEVER been in the shop. I really hold my breath. I love the new machines but mine does so much. Well anyway, I can't be much help and I don't know too much about Pfaff but I do know mine was the top of the line then. What I don't like is that I can't find new presser feet for it now and a new light bulb cost me with shipping 15.00, yikes!!!!!

Thank you

sandyb720 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said... #

I have a basic Singer. It definitely gets the job done well, but I tend to fight with the bobbin a little more then I'd like.

Catherine said... #

I have a Husqvarna Viking 116 and really like it. I wish it had a few more stitches but it's such a strong machine that I can handle the basic ones. :)
Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said... #

love this giveaway, thanks!! and i love my sewing machine b/c it was a great gift given to me with lots of thought...but it is oh so old...and noisy and not at all fancy :(

Anonymous said... #

I bought my no brand sewing machine because I wanted to sew some curtains for my home it was one of the best buys. It does what it is supposed to do although I am hoping to get a better one in the future.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Ann (oceanian[at]lycos[dot]com)

Jeannie said... #

I love my Bernina!! It is an older model 1630, and I have had it for 16 years. Needle up needle down feature is great, as well as the knee lift. jeanniejenkins@hotmail.com

Anonymous said... #

I have a Kenmore, about 25 years old. Works great for all my projects.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Cid
cidtwoatcoxdotnet

Marcia R said... #

I have a Janome 8050, which I just bought for myself at Christmas. I like that It runs very quietly and my favorite feature is the ability to have the needle stop in an up or down position. It gets stuck on thick fabric spots, which is a problem for me. I'm learning ways to get around it though, and I'm sure i'll keep it until I can afford a super fancy machine.

sewpsyched said... #

I love my Janome 5700. It is a workhorse and I can do embroidery on it too! Thanks for the chance to win.

Ducks and Rabbits said... #

I have a vintage Bernina sewing machine and I love most things about it - especially that it's a total workhorse and isn't bothered by lots of hard work! However, it's extremely heavy and noisy!

Sewgirl said... #

You know, I finally got tired of shoving a king size quilt under my tiny sewing machine,so I saved and bought a Bernina 830. It is soooo luxurious! So much space under the harp, and I finally have an embroidery machine...I didn't know I needed one until I got it...Nothing to dislike about this one..it's a keeper!

Michelle Price said... #

Such a fun giveaway! I love my sewing machine. It's a mid level Janome but I was previously sewing with my grandmas old machine so it's the best machine ever to me!

Karrie said... #

I have a basic singer sewing machine with like 20 different stitches. I like it because it's simple and gets the job done. The fancy machines look nice and it's normal to want bigger brighter things, but I'm hapy with mine. THanks for the chance to win :)

Danielle said... #

Well, my sewing machine is actually my mom's and I don't know anything about it other than its a Singer sewing machine. She's had it a long time though and it still works wonderfully. Thanks for the giveaway!

Kathy said... #

What I like about my sewing machine is that it is pretty basic and someone who had an extra one gave it to me. It's a Brother (not sure the model) and I've had no problems.

winterwrens at gmail dot com

Unknown said... #

I got a husquevarna embroidery machine for my birthday one year. I love it. I took a 4 part class on how to use it, but when the embroidery class came around, I went into labor so I missed the class and have never embroidered with it. I use it to sew only. Awesome machine.

Anonymous said... #

I have a mid-1980s Singer Sewing Machine that was my grandmother's. It's a work horse and I wouldn't give it up for the world! I'd look for something that has good guts--a lot of people go for the bells and whistles but that doesn't mean anything if you have to get it repaired all the time!

tina_crossgrove(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said... #

what an amazing giveaway!:) unluckily i dont have a sewing machine yet so i'm unable to give you any advice>.<

andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

mamaowl said... #

Thank you for the chance! I would like to have Bernina some day. My friend loves it!

The Werner Family said... #

I have a Bernina sewing maching and I love that is was bought in 1972 and is older than me, and working just fine. It probably doesn't have some of the bells and whistles of modern machines, but it's basic and it works for a beginner like me.
Thanks for being so generous!
tessawerner(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)nz

Laura said... #

What a lovely prize, thank you!

I have a Singer Sew Curvy that I bought last year. It's a real workhorse machine that's also got plenty of added features. I like all the different stitches and that it's pretty intuitive to use. The only thing I don't like is its size. I live in a small flat and have to put it away when I'm not using it, which gets really old, really quickly!

Kristy said... #

I have a singer school model - I've had it since.. '96 or so? It's lasted me very well, with minimum maintenance, and will sew through essentially anything.

LJ said... #

Thank you for the chance to win!
lauraj.blog@gmail.com

SharKa said... #

I love my sewing machine as i is very simple to use for a novice like myself and it has a really good clear manual with excellent diagrams.
One dislike is that its a bit heavy

Anonymous said... #

loritfrench at comcast dot net
As I said before when I forgot to add my email address...
Janome 6600P, deep throat and cheap feet!

Jasmine1485 said... #

I have a Janome JR1012, which was nice and cheap but sturdy and has all the basic functions I need. If you want to do fancy embroidery or many decorative stitches it's not for you but it does everything I need. :)

kate1485 at hotmail.com

CMEH said... #

I have a Maytag machine that I got at sears a few years ago when I started sewing. I like that it is basic and I can usually figure out when something is wrong but I don't like that it does not sew thick layers and it does not sew letters.

Delorise said... #

thank you for the giveaway.

Laura said... #

I have a Singer I purchased about 15 years ago. I also have my mom's old Touch and Sew. I'm thinking about getting a Juki this summer.

BengalPup said... #

I have a Brother Innov-is. I love it! 3 years and nothing but normal maintenance upkeep! Sometimes when doing free-motion I go faster than the machine can handle and the tension ends up being off unless I slow down.

amanda.echler (at) hotmail (dot) com

Andi said... #

I have a mid-level Singer that I purchased a couple years ago. I love how simple it is and how easy it is to thread. Nothing to complain about really... I don't need a ton of bells and whistles. Artsyandi (at) gmail

cplatter said... #

I have a basic Kenmore machine - I love the blanket stitch option which I've used for appliques but I don't like that it's not really a quilting machine so it has a small "throat" and no extended platform. (cplatt8443 at yahoo dot com)

Kathy MacKie said... #

I recently bought a Bernina 830 LE and in love with it. There isn't anything I don't love about it, I feel so blessed to be able to quilt with this machine.

Erin Marie said... #

I have a Brother. I've loved both Brother's I've had.

I love the speed control and the different stitches.

I wish it cut the thread and I wish I hadn't broken the needle threader.

Nice to meet you. :-)

Sarita said... #

I learned to sew on my grandmother's 1930s Singer (she got it for her 13th birthday and it's still going strong), so I'm partial to the simple old machines. She found me a late-40s model which is waiting in her attic until I find a place to live - right now I'm using a 1970s plastic one which works all right (the plus side is it's much easier to carry around). Regardless of the "regular" machine you have, I'd actually recommend picking up a lightweight plastic one from a thrift store - it's surprising how many times I've actually needed to carry a machine around here and there. But the 'normal' machines are only good if you don't need to machine quilt anything.

Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)

sarita0818 at comcast dot net

deserae said... #

I have a Brother, I love that it was inexpensive, but does what I need

Maevy said... #

My sewing machine is a basic Singer and it is good enough for the use I make of it, because most times I prefer to hand sew small items. Thanks for having this great giveaway.

Andrea and Laura said... #

i have a baby lock decorators choice sewing machine. just about all of the time, i love it. i love that it has a needle threader, and that it's so easy to use, yet has a lot of functions. i love that i got an AMAZING deal on it, since it was my first machine! what i don't like is the bobbin case issues... if it's dusty, it stops working. so far, i've only had to make sure that it stays clean and haven't had too many issues. that's the only thing i don't like.
laura!
vanillah.coke@gmail.com

Gwen said... #

I love Kenmore sewing machines--- I guess because that is all I've ever used, and the brand I learned on. My newest one is an electronic model with a few decorative stitches, which I love! I was in town, and decided to just run in Sears to look at the sewing machines-- and they had this one on a BIG clearance! I got a great deal on it, and now I wish I had bought two -or even three! :-) Thanks so much for the giveaway-- love Sandy Gervais fabrics-- and the book looks like it would be really nice-- lots of nice projects! :-)

Rebecca said... #

A have an Elna long-arm beginner quilting machine - love the automatic thread cutter, bigger throat, extendable table, decorative stitches, and lots more. Don't like that it doesn't have a built-it walking foot, or better built-in alphabet.
ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com

alli b said... #

I love my new-ish Bernina sewing machine because it is a definite upgrade from my old Brother, but it was a gift so I couldn't really be choosey. The one thing I have always wanted in a sewing machine was to be able to see the bobbin or have a low thread warning for when I'm quilting. I find it so annoying to run out of bobbin thread just as I get to an important part and have to take the time to sort everything out and start again. Argh. Good luck with the shopping - it is super hard to figure out what to buy!
allisonbright{at}gmail{dot}com

Lori said... #

I just bought my first ever compurterized machine. Its a Brother. I really like how I can set the different stitche lengthes. I dont like how it goes one extra stitch when I stop. Oh well!
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Jane of All Trades said... #

I currently have 3 sewing machines, but sadly 2 of them need repaired. One is an older Singer from the 60's built in to a table that is from my MIL but the timing belt needs fixed. :( I also have an AWESOME metal black Singer (built into a table again) from the 30s or 40s that I got from a cousin. Alas, I recently discovered it also has a problem with the bobbin that needs repaired. Because I needed something immediate that worked easily, I researched and researched like crazy. I finally bought a simple Janome which I LOVE. It only cost about $150 but it's been so worth it to have a machine that just works!

dakewlone said... #

My sewing machine was an inexpensive all-purpose beginners model, so that's what I like about it. What I don't like is that it often jams. (Could also be that it was used when I got it, though!)

Margie said... #

Hi, Thank you for this giveaway opportunity. I have a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 835. It was all I could afford of the better machines that were sold in this area, and my old cheap machine had totally died. I wanted to be able to run into the shop for instruction whenever I need it. I love the deep throat and the extension table that I bought extra. I'm still getting used to it, but it's pretty user friendly, and I like the way that it senses the thickness of the material. It's easy to thread, and the bobbin can be wound while the machine is still threaded. Only thing so far that I miss is a stop/start button on the front of the machine. I got used to that on my old machine, but it's not that big a deal. Presser feet are super easy to switch out. I miss the old non computerized machines, but this should be great for machine quilting (haven't gotten that far yet!).

Ana e os Viraventos said... #

I can't tell you much because I never bought a sewing machine. The one I used belongs to my mother (who lend it to me for an undetermined period) and is older than me!

Stephanie - My Calico Heart said... #

I have a Brother machine, basic but it does the job.

lisawalsh@frontiernet.net said... #

I got a Janome 6600 last summer and I love it. My last machine was 33 years old!

Calikisses said... #

My sewing machine is just a cheap $100 singer, but I like it because I don't need anything fancy being a beginner sewer. I would like one of those combo sewing/embroidery machines though, that would be fantastic!

Andrea said... #

I have the basic Singer model and it is great. Simple and reliable.

Chacoy said... #

I am a new seamstress and bought my sewing machine used so I know it's a Brother! LOL
chacoyaguayo(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for the opportunity;)

mammafairy said... #

I had a Singer, Serenade. It had a lovely air control foot pedal, but was getting unreliable after 25+ years of use. I now have a Bernina. She is gorgeous and unbelievably quiet! She just does everything I ask her without complaint, and I am in love with her!

sb said... #

I have a Janome DC 2010. I previously had a cheap Brother I got from a Walmart Black Friday sale. For a first machine, it worked well (only had straight stitch and zig-zag) but when my daughter pulled it off the sewing table, getting it fixed would have cost more than a new machine. I upgraded to an affordable Janome that the store owner recommended. Bonus: it has an overlock stitch and an automatic buttonholer! It's been a good machine for me and didn't break the bank.

Caroline said... #

I have two sewing machines : a "vintage" Singer 337 which my college roommate bought me for $5 at a yard sale over 15 years ago. I sewed on it for years and recently I've realized it has a lot of untapped potential - it came with a ton of attachments including a ruffler I just learned how to use. And a ginormous buttonholer that I am aching to learn! I also have a simple Kenmore purchased in 2004. It works fine. I like the three step zigzag and the four step buttonhole. I sew a lot but don't need fancy embroidery stitches. run2mommy at verizon dot net

Jenny said... #

I have a Brother SE-400. I like it because I can do some embroidery, and it is also a good quality sewing machine :) Great giveaway!

Stacy said... #

Mine's a Brother. No idea model number but it's just a basic one. I love it because it's mine :)

Crystal said... #

I have a Singer quilting model, and I really like it. I'm a newer sew-er, and it is very easy to use.

Tricia said... #

I have a Babylock Decorators Choice. I love it! My only complaint is that the bobbin case is plastic (I hit it with a needle while free motion quilting and broke it....). I love the automatic threader, cutter, stitch options and how quiet it is.

Denise said... #

I've loved all the Viking machines I've had. So easy to use and stitch wonderfully. I've been able to upgrade over the years and can easily transfer all my extra goodies from one machine to the next. Good luck picking out your new machine!

Jenny said... #

I have a Janome PRL (I think it's only avail in Canada). It's wonderful! I love that it comes with the even feed foot. I hate that the regular foot doesn't line up to 1/4".

Thanks for the chance to win. I'm also doing an SMS giveaway over here for a stroller bag:
http://handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/2012/05/sew-mama-sew-giveaway-day-may-21.html

Cindy said... #

I just recently bought a singer confidence quilter machine and I love it!! It was a good price (on amazon)and came with several quilting accessories. It works beautifully! Thanks for the chance to win!

ambjer said... #

i have a sewing machine that also does machine embroidery, and i like that about it (though i have only tried embroidering on knits so far because i don't have all the right stabilizers yet). what i would like in a future machine is a bigger space underneath and bigger on machine table or to actually get a table where i can set it down into (more room for larger things that i want to make eventually). and also would love one of those fancy ones that have the thread cutter built in!

ambjer (at) gmail.com

lorena said... #

I have an older Bernina 145 and I love that I bought it as a "used" classroom machine so I got a great deal on it. I've done all kinds of sewing on it from quilts to zip pouches to hemming jeans and it's a workhorse. There isn't anything about it that I can think I don't like. :) Thank you for your giveaway!

lorepuckett at verizon dot net

The Sewing Dork said... #

Hubby recently bought me a Babylock to replace my 20 year old Cadillac of a machine (an old Elna). I don't like the BAbylock at all! I think it's a poorly made machine packaged to look expensive. But what can I say since it was a gift? I hope your machine gives you better results.
cynsaw2(at)yahoo(dot)ca

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