My Sewing Machine

Sew Mamma Sew are having a month of Sewing Machine Information and Giveaways, this is my Sewing Machine Review...

What brand and model do you have?
I have a Bernina Record 730, i think it was made in1963.

How long have you had it?
I have had the machine for around one year.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Not exactly sure but I saw one on Ebay for $30 in Towoomba.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew all kind of things, handbags, purses cloths, banner vinyl, cushions, my husbands pants..

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew nearly every day, it copes with alot - i sew through think banner vinyl as well and it goes through it loike butter!

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my sewing machine - i recently was given 2 other machines that were alot newer, but they didn't feel as comfortable, didn't have the same amount of fancy stitches and feet, were as powerful and were very tempramental.

It has only ONE plastic part, got to love that! I can pull her apart and clean and oil it myself without needing a degree in mechanics. It is hardy and can sew through denim and vinyl like a dream but sews perfectly on thin delicate fabric.

Some times i call her Bernie, the Bernina. :-)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love all the different feet it came with, i did a post about it here, it also came in a big hard case. The best feature is the wide plate i can put on and take off for different projects. I think the ability to pull it all apart and clean it is a good feature too.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Come to think of it - NO! If i feed her properly she works perfectly! It is only if i dont load the bobbin properly or dont look after her that she has a little spit and tanglers her bobbin threads and stuff.

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 given my sewing machine when my Gran got ill and went into a returement home. She I love how my sewing machine has a history, it is 46 years old! I used to love going over to my Grandmothers and watching her sew on this machine, hopefully one day my Grandchildren will be able to come and watch me sew on her as well. (by there she should be in a measeum though!)My mother has the same machine but a little bit younger i think, she was given it by my Gran for a wedding present.
I don't get to see my Gran much anymore because i live in a different state but i think about her everytime i use it...

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Hell yes !!- for a beginner sewer it is awesome because it is easy to understand, and setup. It is extremely hardy. You can get them very cheap, i have seen a few going on Ebay with all the feet and the case for under $50.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I think easy to understand knobs, very hardy, stops as soon as you take your foot off the pedal (i used one at the Stitches and Craft show that stitched about 2-3 more stitches after you took your foot off and i found this very hard to get use to!) When i do by my next machine (when i win the lottery, coz i am going PROFESSIONAL AND EXPENSIVE with my next one) i will be getting one like in the below question.

Do you have a dream machine?
Though i love my machine i do dream of a brand new machine, like a Husqvarna Designer SE, because i would love to be able to come up with designs on my computer and be able to transfer that to my machine. I am a Graphic Designer, so being able to create my own patterns and pictures and have my sewing machine sew them for me would be AWESOME! The USB port idea to update your machine is also so cool.

Go over to Sew Mamma Sew for a whole month of Sewing Machine Giveaways, they will be posting everyones reviews too at the end of the month, thanks Sew Mamma Sew!!