My New Machine & New Sewing Area

Saturday, February 15, 2014



I have never been a sewing machine snob.  I have sewn for many years on several Brother sewing machines.  From the Project Runway model I purchased at Wal-Mart to my slightly upgraded Brother from Costco, I have always found that I could sew anything I wanted.  I can’t even begin to count the number of pillows and curtains I’ve made, and I’ve sewn on all types of fabrics with my faithful little Brother machine. I’ve made a lined wool pea coat, knit maxi skirts and dresses, raincoats with laminated fabric, all sorts of apparel items with silks to cottons and all other fabric types in between. 
People often asked me what type of sewing machine I had, and I would proudly boast that all I had (and needed) was my $150 Brother machine.  

This past Christmas, however, my sewing machine perspective changed.  My incredibly generous and wonderful mother told me that she would give me money for Christmas to purchase a sewing machine, so I purchased a Viking Opal 670!!  I have been sewing on this machine for the last 2 months, and it truly has changed my sewing.  When I begin a new project, I simply have to touch the computer screen and select my fabric type and the tension, needle size, stitch width, and length best for that fabric type all appear on the screen. These recommendations from my Opal 670 always seem to be perfect even if I am sewing with a knit or silk.  The needle moves to the left or right in 29 different positions!  My other machine had 2 different needle positions.  And, putting in a zipper has never been easier.  I can also fill a bobbin while my machine is still threaded, and nothing is better than the alarm that sounds when my bobbin is getting low and is about to run out.  I can’t tell you the number of times I thought I was seaming together the sides of a skirt just to find out I had “sewed” the entire thing with an empty bobbin.  I even decided to tackle sewing a button up shirt, something I have always avoided because I hate sewing buttons, but my Viking Opal 670 machine sews on the buttons with ease.  I sewed nine buttons on my shirt in less than 30 minutes. 




I was so proud to get this machine that I even changed my sewing area to prepare for my new machine like I was getting a new baby. I bought a new sewing table for baby Opal 670, and I reorganized all of my sewing notions neatly in the table drawer.  Then, when I started sewing on it, I was so re-energized about sewing that I bought a new glass front storage cabinet to neatly place all of my fabric stash in so I could see all the fabric and be inspired to start new projects. 






I can’t believe that I spent so much time sewing with my other machine.  Why didn't I ask for a new Viking machine sooner?  Well, like many other sewers, I had very good reasons.  My Brother was sewing just fine, thank you very much, and this high school science teacher didn't have enough extra cash to splurge on a sewing machine.  And, honestly, I didn't think I was a good enough sewer to need that type of machine.  I had been sewing faithfully for over five years and even helped to start Five Eighth Seams, but I still felt that only the really good sewers needed a higher end machine. Now, I realize that was silly.  The sewers who have these amazing sewing machines didn't get them because they were better sewers; they are better sewers because they have these amazing sewing machines!




I put my Brother machine in the back of a closet last weekend to store.  I felt a little guilty since he’s helped me make so many things, and we've really had some good times together.  I slowly shut the closet door and thought of how great he'd been to me.  Then, I dashed downstairs to my sewing room and gleefully turned on Opal 670 to begin a new stage in my sewing journey.


22 comments:

  1. Laura, your sewing room is gorgeous! I love it. You are a fortunate gal!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I went from a brother I used for alMost 20 years since college, and an old singer while growing up to the opal 670... and I love how much easier everything is and more fun! I sew more everyday now. ��

    ReplyDelete
  3. Laura, your sewing machine as well as your sewing area is really awesome, I truly liked the environment in which you work. Visit here for more attractive reviews about sewing machines www.bestsewingmachinereviewspot.com !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mechanically inclined userss can easily learn to do annual service by studying sewing machine repair manuals or taking a sewing machine repair course. More advanced repairs may require more advanced training and experience.
    http://sawspecialists.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much for the advice – hope to get a sewing machine now.
    Latest sewing machines

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such an extraordinary blog and every one of the compositions. Can't resist considering the creator.
    http://quilterschoices.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. great article. want to buy android app installs and reviews?
    buy android installs

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sewing Machines [http://sewcare.com] provides detailed information on Sewing Machines, Industrial Sewing Machines, Embroidery Sewing Machines, Antique Sewing Machines and more. Sewing Machines is affiliated with Portable Steam Cleaners.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This small sewing machine could fit in a man's hand and sold for $10, giving birth to the portable sewing machine.free motion sewing machine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sewing machines no doubt have helped contribute to the new sewing phenomenon. Sewing machines are more than just a way of stitching up your new garments. Theses new machines are manufactured in a great range of prices so it makes it more affordable than ever before for people to make the investment in a sewing machine.

    CL King

    ReplyDelete
  11. HAHa i loved the last picture. I purchased my first Sewing Machines few hours back and my expression was exactly same as yours. Congratulations on purchase of this sewing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This was my reaction when I first go my Brother CS6000i sewing machine. Its the best sewing machine for the money.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such an extraordinary blog and every one of the compositions. Can't resist considering the creator.

    Thank for sharing!
    https://sewfor.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you so much for the advice – hope to get a sewing machine now.

    ReplyDelete
  15. One of those blogs that has left a deep impact on the hearts of the audience.
    Just Sewing Things

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. read more

    ReplyDelete
  17. Each model has different uses. The products stitched on Merrow sewing machines last longer, wear better, and have better seams. Best Sewing Machines

    ReplyDelete
  18. What is the weight limit on Swagtron T580 Review item?

    Best Hoverboards Swagboard Vibe Bluethooth Hoverboard, T580 in 2020

    $199.99

    As the Best Hoverboards slogan goes: “Adventures begin with your feet”. This is very fitting for the Swagtron T580 self balancing Best hoverboards, a mid-tier and mid-sized model in the Swagtron family.
    https://99cnet.com/best-hoverboards/


    Today we’ll be taking a closer look at the ever so popular (also known as the Swagboard Vibe T580).

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice sharing, my first sewing machine was also bought in Christmas 2004

    ReplyDelete
  20. nice sharing. I bought my first sewing machine last year.

    ReplyDelete

 
Design by Studio Mommy (© Copyright 2015)