19 March 2007

My New Baby

Now I know how proud parents feel when they bring their little bundle of joy home for the first time!

Before I explain, let me first provide a little history:

I first started sewing when I was 17 years old. I used my mother's Singer sewing machine (from the mid 1950s) to sew two Prom dresses among countless other garments. This machine served me well, however its most exciting feature was that it could sew a straight stitch...forward and backward.

In my mid 20s I decided to upgrade. I had just entered grad school and money was tight, so the best I could afford was the very lowest end Kenmore for sale at the time. This machine was a revolution to me though - it could do a 4 step buttonhole and zigzag. I felt like I had hit the jackpot. I have been using this machine ever since.

Then yesterday, my husband & I were wandering through Sears. I, of course, had to check out the sewing machine section and I noticed that a machine that I had my eye on for a while was on sale. We talked to the saleslady and asked a bunch of questions. This machine had everything I wanted. It is the Kenmore Elite 19005:
  • 951 stitch functions and 30 built in embroidery designs
  • embroidery monogramming in two fonts and three sizes
  • professional-quality embroidery with 650 stitches per minute
  • on-screen embroidery editing
  • backlit full colour 4.7" LCD touch screen with keypad
  • electronic speed control lever
  • built-in needle threader
  • thread cutter
  • upper thread sensor
  • slit take-up lever threading
  • 5 mm stitch length
  • 7.5 mm stitch width
  • needle position adjustment
  • start/stop button, needle up/down button and reverse sew button
  • twin-needle capability
  • 1-step automatic buttonholer with 5 styles
  • feed dog drop with lever
  • high bar presser foot
  • snap-on fixing system
  • adjustable presser foot pressure
  • non-heat foot control
  • instructional DVD
After discussing it with my husband over coffee, he told me to go for it. As he put it "the machine you have now gets used constantly - you should have a new machine if you want it." Yes, I know - I am one lucky gal to have a man that understands my passion for sewing. So, we went back and I bought it.

Over the next little while, I plan on putting it through its paces, so I can get to know its personality and bond with it. I look forward to the relationship I will forge with this new addition to my family.

14 comments:

Vicki said...

Congratulations! How very exciting :)

Anonymous said...

I know just how you feel! Since my "Brother" moved in, I´m hooked to sewing. And reading your blog, your are sewing more than a lot. So this is just right for you. Have fun with it!! And be amazed at what more you can accomplish with this baby compared to your old darling...

Unknown said...

Yea! A new baby. Congratulations Shannon - break her in gently :) g

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!

Janimé said...

What a beautiful baby!!

It's so very good to have a partner who supports you like that.

DH was really easy to convince - once he figured out that I could now make some of our hiking and camping gear! :)

Summerset said...

Good for you! How exciting to get a new machine with all those functions!

Tany said...

I'm planning to upgrade soon too, I think I know exactly how you must be feeling right now!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you! For my wedding, my co-workers got me a gift certificate for a new sewing machine. I used it for a wonderful, fabulous Janome, that cost more than all the computers and peripherals we own put together. I'm pretty much back to using it to sew forward, backward and for the 4-step buttonhole, but still feel very lucky to own a sewing machine for a real sewer.

Maja said...

Congratulations on your new sewing machine!

angie.a said...

Oh you'll love it!! Yay! I had the previous version of your new baby...it was my first "big one" too :D After I started accumulating machines (it's a sickness, I know) I let it go to a new home. But dang, I still miss it. It does EVERYTHING the fancy, expensive machines do. And does it well. Congratulations!!

Debbie Cook said...

Oh, how fun! Congratulations and many happy hours of sewing!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new machine, Shannon. You'll love getting to know it. :)

Jodi

lsaspacey said...

The machine is no longer at that link. Please, please, let me know what the brand and model name is. Thanks!

Shannon said...

Isaspacey - I have added the name, model number and another link to the post. I sure hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions about the machine - I'd be happy to offer as much insight as I can.