Somehow, we feel this goes against what sewing is often about: the ingenuity and ideas that make sewing your own curtains and home decor items worth it, because you'll save money.
Unless you're in it for the money. The rise of sites like etsy.com show that there is at least some money to be made by the average person--but is there enough reason to justify an $8k computerized sewing machine when there were some seemingly major issues in the reviews?
Wired magazine features a review of 4 different, high-end, computerized sewing machines:
• Bernina Artista 730E ($8,199); scored 8 out of 10
• Janome Memory Craft 11000 ($7,499); scored 7 out of 10
• Husqvarna Viking Designer SE ($7,500); scored 7 out of 10
• Baby Lock Ellegante ($7,999); scored 6 out of 10
Some of the great features (across all four machines) include: being able to "paint" with embroidery thread; never jamming needle threader; 12 extra programmable buttons for most-used functions; and, with a touch of one button, the needle is threaded for you.
Some of the not-so-great features (across all four machines) include: expensive ($2,000!) PC software for designing embroidery patterns; thread often shreds and snags; a clunky, rigid interface with horrible graphics; and on one, the pronounced motor vibration interferes with stitching at high speeds.
Do any of you drool over computerized sewing machines like these, or have experience with them? Any of you a budding home decorator who sews their client's decor pieces?
Photo from the Wired magazine review of computerized sewing machines.
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Comments (4)
When they make a sewing machine that can guarantee a straight line, I'm there. I love the idea of sewing, but I am apparently genetically incapable of sewing (or drawing, or cutting or, let's be honest, walking) in a straight line. Tragic.
No. I have a 35 year old Kenmore, and this machine has done slipcovers, pillows, draperies, children clothes, halloween costums, play costums, bridesmaid skirts, etc. It still works perfectly. Of course it does not do embroidery, but since embroidery generally leaves me cold ( except on tablecloths), I think I will keep my old sewing machine.
I asked my parents buy me a computerized sewing machine for my graduation present years ago. They did, and years later, I love it. I think the greatest things about it are:
~it's portable; no big tables that take up lots of room. It can be tucked in a closet and has it's own case so it doesn't look clunky even when it's sitting out in the open.
~It's got lots of automatic features. My mom taught me to sew, but I'm often breaking needles on her machine because of thread jams or the wrong needle on the wrong fabric. This computerized version has safety sensors. For example, it senses when I've got the foot up or down and won't let me go until it is down.
Yes, the embroidery things are fun and cute, but I use it for different reasons, many not listed here. I'm a big fan.
I use a 1957 Singer Featherweight. It goes forward and backward, has a zipper foot, a buttonholer, and that's it. After sewing on it for all my adult life, I finally tended to some of its creeping creakiness by getting a copy of its original owner's manual and then carefully oiling and greasing all its parts. I love that it's sturdy, straightforward, and is the tool I've turned to to make make pillows, quilts, comforter covers, curtains, clothes, etc.