Sewing Machine Meme

This is Sewing Machine Month on Sewmamasew's site.

This is my Sewing Machine Meme.

What brand and model do you have?

I have a Viking 150E, Singer 301A & Euro Pro that are my main machines, but I also have older singers and a cheap serger I use all the time.

How long have you had it?

I've had the Viking since 1992, Singer since 1958 & Euro Pro since 2000. These were all new purchases.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

I think the Viking was about $400.00, the Euro Pro about $150.00 and I have no idea what the Singer cost.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

Yep! I sew all of those things.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I am retired & disabled, pretty much a shut in most of the time. Sewing is my life now. I sew everyday. My machines only get to rest if I am reading pattern instructions or cutting out fabric!

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I LOVE my machines. They make me smile when I look at them. We have been wonderful friends for many years. No real names. The Viking is my "good" machine, the Singer "the work horse".

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

My Viking has the best button hole maker. It also does the nicest satin stitch. The Singer just keeps sewing through anything I offer it. The Euro Pro has a walking foot that came with it. This was a cheap up grade for the extra's not offered on my Viking. It has served the purpose well.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Nope, I really love my machines!

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I was introduced to sewing in 7th/8th grade. After spending the first year learning the machine, the 8th grade girls set out to make their graduation dresses. I spent many days after school working on my dress. My graduation gift was the Singer 301A slant needle.

That's me sitting at the machine by the teacher

8th grade graduation dress

Here is my wonderful 301, still doing a fine job today! I do have a 221, the machine quilters brag about if they have one, but the 301 is a much better machine because it is gear driven.

The first major project on my Singer was my prom dress

The 301 sewed everything in my life for the next 34 years, without ever needing repairs!

In 1992 when my grandchildren began to arrive in the world I wanted to advance to zig zag and a better way to do smocking and button holes. The Consumer report rated the Viking as #1 so that's the one I bought. I was in heaven!

In 2000 I had an accident. That ended my years of working and allowed me more time to sew. I couldn't afford to upgrade my Viking but I really needed a walking foot so I bought the Euro Pro. It was cheap and came with lots of feet, including the walking foot.

There really isn't just one story to tell. I can connect items in photos to my sewing experiences all through my life. My children grew up in flannel gowns, my grand children in sweat suits. Every wedding photo or party dress carries it's own sewing memory.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

I sit behind the latest Viking Model every few years. The "test drive" isn't any different for me then if I were sitting behind the wheel of a Corvette, it's the same thrill! If I could buy a new machine, it would be the Viking with all the whistles! My Viking has a story. It was the new model 600. Sewers demanded the 150 return so off came the 600 tag and it was replaced with the 150E tag, a better E-lectric pedal. I think it must be another gem of machines, just like the 301 was. How lucky can a girl get! I own both!

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Do you have a dream machine?

A new machine needs to meet YOUR needs and YOUR budget. I no longer have "New machine dreams", but I am looking for a refurbished Viking up grade with lots more fancy stitches and embroidery.