Out with the Singer, in with the Janome

I didn't realise I was so attached to my sewing machine until we fell out. I hadn't given it a name or anything, like some people do, although it had served me well from my beginner's steps in sewing three and a half years ago. It was a basic machine, picked up for £80 before I had even started sewing, but thought I might like to try.

Singer Inspiration 4205

Then it stop co-operating with me. I finally cracked the magic stitch length and width combination to allow me to sew jersey. I was overjoyed! I made a Renfrew! All was good. Until, that it is, I tried my next jersey sewing project and it just would.not.sew.the.jersey. Try as I might, it wouldn't cooperate with me. And then I knew we were through.

I was so disappointed and felt let down - much like when someone you know says or does something that makes you see them in a different light, and not a good one. After my loyal support of my machine, championing of basic sewing machines and getting it fixed at a cost of £50 instead of just buying a new one, it had really let me down. Is that silly? I certainly didn't expect to feel so strongly about it.

Although I debated getting an overlocker to help with jersey and continuing to use my machine for everything else, I realised that I didn't want to sew with my machine any more and that it was time to move on to a better machine. Not necessarily anything super-fancy but just something that was of better quality with more options.

I settled on this:

 

The Janome 525S. I was able to try it out at a sewing machine shop in Stirling (Pemberton's) but had pretty much decided that it was the one I wanted - a good brand (not that Singer isn't), range of options for stitches and other adjustments (adjustable presser foot etc) but not computerised.

So how's it been? I love it. It's a joy to sew with - easy to use and not too loud. Even elements like the bobbin cover and bobbin winder click into place satisfying and properly, whereas they were always a bit loose on my old machine. It has an automatic needle threader! This was a concept I found baffling until I tried it and it's really quite smart.

 Dot enjoying the sewing machine box

Anything I don't like about it? Sometimes the accessories drawer is a bit sticky to get in and out, and I had assumed the hard cover would click into place over the machine instead of just sitting over it, but maybe that's just how hard covers work.

I'm very happy I decided to go for a new machine and there is plenty of life in the old Singer yet, so I'm hoping to sell it on to someone. And the overlocker? I'd still like to get one, so if you're reading Overlocker Fairy, I'll have a Brother 1043D. Cheers.

K x

p.s I have actually been using it to make stuff, but not posted about it yet! Watch this space....