Craftzine.com blog: Sewing Machines Archives

Archive: Sewing Machines

July 18, 2008

Singer Futura Computerized Embroidery Machine - CRAFT Video Podcast

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

While at Maker Faire in May, I got a chance to get a terrific demo from Vivian Lavinskas of Singer Sewing Company on their Singer Futura line of computerized embroidery machines. Having one myself and being a techie, I can vouch for how amazingly cool these machines are. They connect easily to a PC and allow you to embroider from pre-set designs or in the CE-250 and CE-350 models, you can also use your own images for embroidery!

Futura Ce250

As mentioned in the podcast, each month a new embroidery motif is available for free download from the projects section of the Singer web site. You can also check out the many great sewing and embroidery projects as well.

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Craftembroidery Vintagetablecloths
My first project with the Singer Futura CE-250 embroidery machine was to test out the CRAFT logo above. The software was really simple to use and imports lots of file formats, then coverts it over to embroidery stitches that the sewing machine reads. Then I used that design template to embroider the logo onto vintage tablecloths which were used at our booth at the recent ICE Atlanta craft fair.

June 13, 2008

HOW TO - Make a Hand-y Pincushion

Why use a little tomato when you can poke your pins in this disembodied hand? Digital Misfit teaches you how to make this hand-y pincushion on Cut Out + Keep.

May 12, 2008

Zigzaggers - Vintage Sewing Machine Reviews

Singertreadle
Krista has started a cool new blog called Zigzaggers which is a site featuring reviews of older and vintage sewing machines by you, the crafter. Pictured above is a vintage Singer.

Krista writes:

I want this site to become an easy research stop for anybody shopping for for old sewing machines on eBay or Craigslist, or at garage sales or thrift stores. If you want to review your old sewing machine, email me!

March 29, 2008

ThreadHeads - Freehand Machine Embroidery with Girl Popcorn

This week's ThreadHeads takes us to visit Julie Dunbar of Girl Popcorn with an exclusive tutorial on how she creates her awesome embroidery (which is a great way to make an old tee, purse or bag look like refreshed and new).

March 21, 2008

New Toy in the CRAFT Lab

Singer Craftlab
Our fearless interns in the CRAFT/MAKE Lab, Lindsey, Matthew, Meara, Kris, and Ed, happily reported today that they'd received a new machine from Singer to replace the last one, which they'd overworked. Yay! Thanks, Singer! Ed Troxell documented the festivities in his Flickr set.

February 20, 2008

The Sewing Machine by Betty Hutton

Many thanks to Julie Jackson for tipping us off to this great Betty Hutton performance from the 1947 musical The Perils of Pauline. Hutton plays an exhausted garment sweatshop worker, and this is her sarcastic ode to her sewing machine. Link.

January 4, 2008

ThreadHeads - Sewing Machine 101 (Video)

Watch this great ThreadHeads video that great for beginning sewers, a sewing machine 101. You learn what each of the parts are, how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, and more.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 4, 2008 07:00 PM
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A Dress A Day's Guide to Choosing Sewing Machines

Juki
Erin of A Dress A Day has an extensive write up on how to choose a sewing machine. I really like all her tips on how to test out machines and time limits for research. Pictured above is her recent purchase, a Juki. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 4, 2008 09:00 AM
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December 21, 2007

Bernina Sewing Machines - CRAFT Video Podcast

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe

If you are like me, you've probably been dreaming or drooling over a Bernina sewing machine for a while now. With Bernina at the Maker Faire in Austin, I wanted to find out more about these fantastic sewing machines and why they are considered to be the gold standard. I got a chance to get a little demo from a Bernina sewer, Erin Bosik, who shows us the ins-and-outs and key features of Berninas, perfect for sewers of any level!

Head on over to the Bernina web site to find out more about their sewing machines and find out which model is right for you. - Link.

You can subscribe in iTunes and get this podcast downloaded automatically! - Subscribe Link

And here it is! After 3 years of deciding, I finally decided on which Bernina to get. I bought the Bernina Activa 230 Patchwork Edition. It's perfect for the kinds of projects I really want to do more of -- sewing clothes and lots of quilting. It does sew like butter which just makes you want to sew even more. I bought it at an authorized Bernina dealer in San Francisco. If you are nearby, you should definitely go there. California Sewing & Vacuum (5025 Geary St. 415-751-4880). Ask for Celie, she's got amazing sewing tips and you get a free one-on-one lesson on how to use your specific machine once you purchase it. Happy sewing!

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Dec 21, 2007 11:24 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Sewing Machines | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email Entry

December 3, 2007

Sewing Tutorials at Burda Style

Burda Style has started a series of sewing tutorials for beginners. This week the tutorial is for threading a machine and a previous tutorial explained pattern layout. Link.

August 27, 2007

Maker Faire Austin Sponsor: Bernina Sewing Machines

Bernina
We are so happy to announce that Bernina sewing machines will be a sponsor at Maker Faire Austin, October 20-21 at the Travis County Fairgrounds! So for those of you looking for a new sewing, quilting, or embroidery machine, come by to the fair to check out Bernina. I'm excited to test one out myself! We've had quite a few Bernina recommendations by crafters which you can check out in our sewing machine archives here and here. Visit the Bernina web site for more information. Link.

August 1, 2007

Brother CS-6000: Good Beginner Sewing Machine

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Malissa Long writes in to let us know that the Janome Hello Kitty sewing machine, although super cute, just isn't a good machine. Malissa recommends the Brother CS-6000 which we also talked about in our sewing machine round up last December.
Malissa writes:

The machine you recommended with out a review is a piece of crap. I've had 2 sewing students who owned them and a third person I met who had one and not one of them worked properly. If your looking to recommend a machine to a beginner sewer check out the Brother CS-6000, there are several different model # that are the same. It has speed control, comes with a DVD, and has lots of cool stitches. It's very easy to use and very light weight( 5lbs). I'm an expert sewer, but use one as my carry around machine I've put it through the trenches the past 1 1/2 years and it's held it's ground. When I first got it, I used it at least 30 hours a week for at least 4 months, that's a lot for a machine I paid $215 with tax for.

Get a great deal on the Brother CS-6000 on overstock.com for only $139.99 - Link.

Sergers 101

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BeSewStylish has a great in depth article online all about sergers and their many stitches. I've been dying for one for a long time and might just have to take the plunge now! Link.

July 27, 2007

Janome Hello Kitty Sewing Machine

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Who can resist the power of Hello Kitty? Now you can get a Hello Kitty Janome sewing machine for only $59.99 at Target. It's the perfect little beginner machine, complete with cherries and all! Link.

May 29, 2007

New Singer Embroidery and Sewing Machines

At the Maker Faire, Ralph Morehouse from Singer was on hand to demo the latest in Singer sewing and embroidery machines. Ralph was stationed in the CRAFT Corner and also provided sewing machines for Giana Gonzalez to use for her Hacking Couture, the Italian Hack workshop, that ran all weekend. Giana and I opened the boxes together on Friday afternoon to set everything up and we were amazed there were a two embroidery sewing machines in the mix. "This must be what guys feel like when they see a Ferrari," exclaimed Giana. I agreed, likening it to a surprise Christmas in May.

On Sunday when I had more time to walk around the expo hall, Ralph gave me a special demo showing me the latest that Singer is bringing us with embroidery and sewing machines. And lets just say I was more excited than when I was opening the actual boxes!

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Singer Quantum Futura (CE-200)
Suggested Retail Price about $800

The Singer Quantum Futura is like an affordable first class plane ticket to heaven. I am pretty computer savvy so when Ralph showed me the process of the machine embroidering the image from the laptop, I believe I had my jaw open. He explained to me that this machine could be likened to a "sewing machine printer". Whatever design in most any kind of format that I wanted to create on the computer from illustration, design, to photos, could be embroidered by this sewing machine.

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A special computer software program processes the image or illustration and creates thread layers (for photos, details are simplified). Once a color is all done, the machine will stop for the next color that's set to be embroidered. Pictured above, the Quantum Futura machine processes all the brown first, then starts in on embroidering the yellow to make up the final wheat stalks. Currently, these sewing machines connect only to PC laptops but for those of you tech savvy enough, you can see if the new Intel Macs running Windows will be sufficient enough.

Ce100
But wait, if $800 is still a bit too steep for you, you can get the embroidery basics with the Singer Futura (CE-100)which retails for about $500 and still lets you connect a laptop to the machine!

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Singer Quantum XL-6000
Suggested Retail about $3,000

The top of the line right now is the Singer Quantum XL-6000 which has more power with a color touch screen display, multiple thread spools, multiple languages, improved embroidery lettering, and a continuous hoop which allows for creating borders for garments and home decor projects. Pictured above is Ralph testing a "G" design for Giana's Italian "Gucci" hack explorations.

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Here's a close up of the "G" embroidery and you can see the fine detail this machine can go to.

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A sample from the Gucci hack showing a modfied Gucci print embroidered by the Quantum XL-6000.

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Ok I'm sure by now after reading all this, you'll all be running out to get these machines. I'm happy that Singer is coming out with these great sewing and embroidery machines that can fit into any crafter's budget. Thanks Ralph for the great demos!

See all the photos from Ralph Morehouse's Singer demos as well as some shots of the Hacking Couture workshop here - Link.

Find out more about these and other Singer sewing and embroidery machines, including some video demos and more photos on the Singer web site here. - Link.

May 2, 2007

Vintage Morse "Margaret" Sewing Machine

CRAFT reader Wayne emailed me and sent in pictures of this vintage Morse "Margaret" sewing machine.

Wayne writes:

We just received this machine from my wife's client who is no longer able to care for herself. I have never heard of the morse sewing machine company before and was wondering if this machine has any value. We would never sell it but wondered if its worth insuring for the future. I plan to clean it up a bit and maybe find the case.

Any CRAFT readers care to help Wayne with his question? Please post it in the comments. Thanks!

April 17, 2007

Sewing Machines: How a Bobbin Works

Candace at Crafty Daisies posted up this animated graphic that shows how a bobbin catches thread in sewing machines. It is very mesmerizing to watch! Also, don't miss our special sewing machine feature in CRAFT: 03, "Anatomy of a Sewing Machine". Link.

April 4, 2007

Martha + SVP (Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking) - photos

The CRAFT/MAKE team was at the Martha Stewart announcement / gathering today, she's endorsing SVP's sewing machines (Singer, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking). I dig Martha, she's really sharp. Photos here. The machines they showed off we (mostly) computer controlled, and with laptops. One had a stylus and touch screen, and embroidered automatically without user assistance (I'm not sure what format it uses, but looks like you can do just about anything). It was interesting to hear Martha talk about the Singer sewing machine she still has from 1901 (it's still in working condition) and how she won bet dressed student (she made all her own clothes). That's about it, Martha putting her name on some of the best machines out there and using her influence to get more folks sewing is really a -good thing- . Here's a bit of the press blurb.

"My mother taught me the basics of sewing at a young age and I have had Singer sewing machines in my home since I was a girl. I used them to make many of my clothes in high school and college and I even sewed my wedding dress," stated Martha Stewart. "Sewing is a wonderfully useful skill. It enables anyone to create beautiful and functional projects or even enhance something as basic as a paper gift bag. I'm delighted that sewing is enjoying a national renaissance since I know very well the pride and pleasure that can be derived from this rewarding pursuit." From the fashion savvy to the crafts enthusiast, sewing is back in vogue. According to the Home Sewing Association, there are approximately 35 million sewing hobbyists in the U.S., up from about 30 million in 2000. The resurgence of sewing is providing individuals of all ages and backgrounds with exciting opportunities to create and personalize quilting, crafting, fashion sewing and home décor projects and to embellish readymade items.

More:

Photos from the event Link.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Announces Endorsement Of SVP Worldwide Products: SINGER(R), HUSQVARNA VIKING(R) And PFAFF(R) Sewing Machines - Link.

Related:

SVP Worldwide - Link.
Singer - Link.
Pfaff - Link.
Husqvarna Viking - Link.

Oh, they also have some patterns here.

December 14, 2006

Sarah Neuburger's Sewing Machine

Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object shares with us her sewing machine, the Bernina Activa 130.

Sarah says, "A Bernina Activa 130 that was purchase used from a local quilting guild last year. It was a gift but it was pretty pricey at around $400 I think. I had been sewing on my mother's first Singer (don't recall the model, about 40 years old) which was an awesome metal machine but when a pin broke some gears a few belts (don't ask, I didn't realize a pin was in there) fixing it became cost prohibitive. While I was afraid of a computerized machine I have fallen in love with this one. I used to have trouble adjusting the tension on various fabric weights and this one is no trouble and I seldom have to adjust it. The fancy options I use most: the knee lift for raising the presser foot, the needle up/down by use of the foot pedal--which I really love. Otherwise, it's just a good solid machine with few thread breaks and tension problems (unlike the Singer through anything but cotton) and its heavy enough that it doesn't bounce over my table. I was trying to decide between a comparable Janome and honestly got this one since my mother + sister both have Berninas and the presser feet/attachments which are all compatible between our models so that meant the perks of having access to more cool stuff like a pleater foot! " Link.

December 7, 2006

Kristen Rask's Schmancy Sewing Machine

I couldn't resist the play on the word "schmancy" to describe Kristen Rask's of Schmancy new sewing machine.

Kristen says, "This is my new sewing machine. It is a "Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 31 Stitches, Built-in 1-Step Buttonhole." Why did I buy it? Well I wanted another sewing machine so I could have one at home and then one at Schmancy. My friend got this sewing machine for Christmas from her mom who is a quilter and seems to sew a lot and know a lot about sewing machines. As Pamela and I were looking for similar things in a sewing machine (for making stuffed creatures, working with heavier materials, etc.), I trusted her mom's purchase and got this one for myself. (Well actually my mom got it for me for Christmas too...i am a copy cat.)" (Read more on her site.) Link.

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Singer Futura Computerized Embroidery Machine - CRAFT Video Podcast Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes While at Maker Faire in May, I got a chance to get a terrific demo from Vivian Lavinskas of Singer Sewing Company on their Singer Futura... More...