What brand and model do you have? I have a Singer Confidence Quilter Machine.
How long have you had it? About 8 months.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? I got it for $299.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I mainly do quilting on it right now - I’ve made a few bags and placemats, but hoping to learn to make more things
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I am a relatively new quilter having taught myself because I got a bug that I wanted to learn. I sew a few hours each week probably…..would like to do more, and hope to in the future.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I do like my machine, but I must admit, now that I’ve sewn for a little while, I do want a little bit nicer machine…..I like the ease of use and that it is very portable. It doesn’t have too many bells or whistles to make me confused and quite honestly, with the projects I do right now, I don’t need those anyway. She has no name…I’ll save the naming for when I get a really really nice machine if I keep up with the craft.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? I like automatic threader, the different stiches, and that it is pretty quiet.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I can’t stand the inconsistency with the thread tension. I also don’t like that I can’t find a ribbon foot for it or an open foot to start doing some free motion quilting.
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 have several friends who quilt and finally one day I decided I wanted to learn, so I got online and started buying all sorts of patterns and fabric. My mom offered to buy me a sewing machine or a Nintendo Wii, so i opted for the sewing machine as I figured it would be something I could always use, even if I decided not to keep up with sewing.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I think for a beginner, this is a great machine for the price you pay. It is nice because I bought mine at Joann’s Fabric Store where you get free classes on how to use it. I think the fact that it isn’t too complicated to use makes it great for a beginner or for someone who wants to quilt but doesn’t have $1000 to spend on a machine.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Within your price range. Has features that you need - I mean, do you really need a machine that can plow through 10 layers of denim if all you are ever going to sew is 2 layers of cotton and thin batting? (When I bought my machine, the gal tried to convince me to pay an extra $1000 to get this machine that sewed through 10 layers of denim without a hitch. I didnt’ need that and I didn’t want to spend that much if I wasn’t going to enjoy quilting)
Do you have a dream machine? Not really - I just want one that is a little more heavy duty & higher quality. Someday maybe…