Brother XL2610 Sewing Machine

April 28, 2010
By Erin
Brother XL2610 Sewing MachineWhat’s not to like about the Brother XL2610 sewing machine? Besides being designed well for beginners, it’s cute and pink. Enough said. Well, really, there’s more to it than that.

Interestingly, this machine has some mixed reviews. Those new to sewing love this machine. Experienced seamstresses – not so much.

Seems the more experienced you are, the more you like or need the ability to fine-tune the precision of your work and this machine has mostly pre-set settings so there’s not a lot of fine-tuning that’s possible.
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Singer 7442 Sewing Machine

April 27, 2010
By Erin
Singer 7442 Sewing Machine

Singer 7442 Sewing Machine

The Singer 7442 sewing machine has one of the nicest selections of decorative stitches available on machines for beginners.

Our review shows this is a great machine for those who want to do embroidery and quilting as well as basic mending and clothes construction. It handles thick fabrics like denim easily and comes with a nice set of accessories.

It’s also built to plow through many layers with a DC motor and Singer’s Optimum Power Control.
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Brother XL-3750 Sewing Machine Review

April 24, 2010
By Erin
Brother XL3750 Sewing MachineThe Brother XL-3750 Sewing Machine comes with a great assortment of extras that make this a value buy.

First, it is appropriate for quilting if you get the bonus accessory pack (watch for that indication wherever you buy the machine).

Second, it has 35 built in stitches and 73 “stitch functions”.

A stitch function is a variation on a built-in stitch. When comparing stitch counts, look first at built-in stitches and then at how each machine allows variations of those stitches either through reverse patterns, stitch width modifications or stitch length modifications.
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Beginner Letter to New Sewing Machine

April 24, 2010
By Erin

Dear New Sewing Machine,

I am new to sewing but I have high hopes that you and I will have a long and happy future together. I am not overly picky or demanding but I think it would be best if I clarified my expectations up front.

You and I don’t need to take long walks on the beach. You don’t need to buy me flowers. I’ll take good care of you, make sure you’re fed appropriately, and will keep little fingers from breaking off your needles or jamming their toys in your…accessories.

In exchange, I need you to understand the following: Read the rest of this entry

Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine Review

April 23, 2010
By Erin
Brother CS6000iThe Brother CS6000i is hands down the best deal for under $200 and has high marks from beginners and experienced seamstresses alike. The combination of low price and loads of features makes it one of the best value buys on the market.

Users describe it as incredibly easy to learn with automation and throw in accessories that make it a bargain that’s almost too good to believe!

In comparison to other machines in this price range, it can’t be beat. If you want flexible sewing options and a low price, this model had better be on your list!
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Automatic Needle Threader

April 22, 2010
By Erin

An automatic needle threader might sound like a great sewing machine feature if you’re a beginner. It’s certainly handy, but not necessary. The benefit really comes into play in that final step of getting the top thread through the eye of the needle. There are still many other threading steps that have to be done manually.

This video gives a great overview of how to load the bobbin (which controls the bottom thread) and also how an automatic needle threader works.

Watch the “Automatic Needle Threader” Video Below:

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How to Use Your New Sewing Machine

April 21, 2010
By Erin

Here’s a helpful guide on how to use your new sewing machine. It’s geared towards beginners and while all machines are different, the video demonstrates that many functions are the same.

Seeing how a sewing machine operates can help make sense of the different parts descriptions you will come across while shopping.

Watch the “How to Use Your Sewing Machine” Video Below:

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Brother XL2600i Sewing Machine Review

April 16, 2010
By Erin
Brother XL 2600i Freearm Sewing MachineWhen it comes to getting your money’s worth, our review of the Brother XL-2600i Sewing Machine shows it includes loads of features you don’t find on other beginner sewing machines in this price range. It’s incredibly affordable and has excellent reviews from other users.

Because of the large number of stitches and accessories that are included, it can grow with beginners from their earliest projects to more complicated fabrics and projects for years to come all for under $100.
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Singer Sewing Company is Still US Based

April 15, 2010
By Erin
Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine

Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine

A lot of people think otherwise, but Singer Sewing Company is still a US based operation. They have changed hands but are not, as some people have promoted online, owned by a Chinese or Japanese company.

Now, if they were, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing – those countries have quite the reputation for quality. The Singer brand, though, has suffered in the recent past and some have pinned it on the misunderstanding of Singer’s management structure and location.

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Singer Tradition 2250 Portable Sewing Machine Review

April 15, 2010
By Erin
Singer Tradition 2250 Portable Sewing Machine

The Singer Tradition 2250 Portable Sewing Machine with 10 stitch patterns looks like a great sewing machine for beginners but my review says otherwise. With basic functionality, the Singer label and a price under $100 you’d expect it to be quite a deal. However, it doesn’t get a whole lot of love.

Mostly, it’s an issue with the bobbin. Whether it is user error or design error, the last thing you want to do is saddle a new seamstress with a machine this picky.
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