Elna eXcellence 740 Sewing Machines Recalled

Posted on June 3, 2011 by admin

It has just come to our attention that on June 1, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Janome America, Inc. issued a recall on approximately 600 sewing machines distributed in the United States.

Elna Excellence 740 sewing machineThe official notice stipulates that this is a voluntary recall based upon one report of an Elna eXcellence 740 sewing machine catching fire.

According to the report, there is a strong likelihood that wires inside the electronic machine will short circuit, causing a significant fire hazard. The report does not indicate that there were any injuries or damage to property. Continue reading →

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Free Purse Sewing Pattern – Design Your Own Envelope Purse

Posted on May 29, 2011 by admin

If you want to make your own purse, you can purchase one of the many free sewing patterns available on the market or you can choose to make your own pattern for a simple envelope purse.

We find it to be the most functional type of purse out there because the flap can not only protect the contents of your bag from prying eyes, it is also a great way to make sure that if the purse should tip over, you won’t be crawling around on the floor trying to find lipstick, keys and any of the other things that may fall out.

How often to you stop to close zipper on top of your bag when you’re out shopping or running errands? When you are busy with other things, it’s much easier to simply throw that convenient envelope flap into place. Continue reading →

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Bernina 830 LE Sewing Machine – What A Joy To Test And Review This Amazing Machine

Posted on May 20, 2011 by admin

It’s pretty; it’s fast; it can do just about anything and everything you could ever want a sewing/embroidery/quilting machine to do; and it costs about $14,000.

New Bernina 830 LE Sewing Machine

I couldn’t believe I had an opportunity to actually sew on a top of the line BERNINA 830 LE. LE stands for Limited Edition, and that’s exactly what this machine is.

It’s so exclusive that they are only making 4,000 worldwide, each one with its own individual registration number. Continue reading →

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Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 Serger Reviewed

Posted on April 28, 2011 by admin

The Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 looks like an ordinary sewing machine, until you notice that it has five tension adjustment controls on the front.  Then you realize that it’s not a sewing machine, but a serger.

Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 serger sewing machine

The Coverlock 3.0 electronic serger is a reliable and dependable machine that sets the tone for home serging machines in the 21st century.

It comes equipped with the capability of sewing with two to five threads, making it possible for the home sewer to do practically everything it takes to make a complete ensemble on this machine from basting to a sturdy, secure coverstitch and hem.  Continue reading →

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The Bernina Bernette 334D Serger Is One Of The Best Gifts I Got Ever

Posted on April 14, 2011 by admin

After years and years of denying that I needed a serger, I received a Bernina  Bernette 334D serger as a gift.  As incredible as it seems, I have been sewing since I was a little girl and never once even attempted to learn how sergers actually work.

Bernina Bernette 334D Serger / Overlock sewing machine

Needless to say, there was a bit of a learning curve, but after a few moments of angst, I took the plunge.  Now I really don’t understand why it took me so long to get on board.

My Bernina Bernette is a perfect addition to my sewing room. I honestly don’t know how I managed to get along without it for so many years. Continue reading →

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Singer 221 Featherweight – Still Popular 50 Years After The Last Model Was Made

Posted on April 5, 2011 by admin

The Singer 221 Featherweight was the first popular portable sewing machine. The first Singer Featherweight model 221 was made in Elizabethport, NJ just in time for an unveiling at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

Singer 221 Featherweight sewing machine

It remained a favorite among home sewers and stayed in the number one position in sales at the Singer Sewing Machine Company for many years.  The last Singer 221 Featherweight sewing machine was made in 1961. Continue reading →

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Singer 66 Reviewed – The Grandmother Of All Sewing Machines

Posted on April 4, 2011 by admin

Just looking at the Singer 66 will take you on an instant stroll down memory lane.  Today, we visited the Pfaff Sewing Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and had an opportunity to sit down and sew on an authentic treadle sewing machine.

Singer 66 sewing machineThis is one of the very first sewing machines to be mass produced in the world.  This is probably what Elias Howe had in mind when he got the first patent on the sewing machine back in 1846.

The Singer 66 is sturdy, makes beautiful stitches and obviously built to stand the test of time.  The particular machine that I had the honor of reviewing was built around 1920. It reminded me of the days when I spent summers with my grandparents and made doll clothes on my grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. Continue reading →

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Bernina Bernette Deco 600 – Great Embroidery Machine For Novice Sewers

Posted on March 26, 2011 by admin

Bernina Bernette Deco 600 sewing machineIt’s not by any stretch new on the machine embroidery scene, but Bernina’s Bernette Deco 600 is still a good machine choice – especially if you are new to machine embroidery.

The Bernette Deco 600 is truly ‘machine embroidery for dummies.’

With its on-board LCD guide and its one touch functionality, it virtually does everything for you.  Just sit back and let it do its thing.

This machine is so smart, it even stops to tell you when the bobbin thread is about to run out and when to change thread colors. Continue reading →

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Remembering Triangle Fire

Posted on March 25, 2011 by admin

March 25, 1911 was a typical New York spring Saturday. Families were enjoying the pleasant early weather, and participating in typical springtime activities like strolling along the boulevards and picnicking in parks.

triangle fireOn the ninth floor of the Triangle building, however, more than 200 sewing machines operated by workers as young as 14 hummed incessantly in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.

On Saturdays, the factory was only open half day. The work day was nearing an end, but the machines were still running at full speed.

Nobody could decisively tell how the fire started, but speculators believe the culprit was a smoldering cigar butt in a trash can filled with fabric scraps.

Thick smoke and fire consumed the ninth and tenth floors almost immediately.  Continue reading →

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Home Sewing Is Making a Comeback

Posted on March 24, 2011 by admin

Welcome to the first post of the Sewing Blog!

Our goal is to help you stay in touch with all the latest news and happenings in the world of sewing machines and to keep you updated on our recent additions to the SewingMachinerReviewer.com website.

So let’s start with some positive news! Home sewing is making a comeback…

Television programs like Heidi Klum’s Project Runway and Isaac Mizrahi’s Fashion Show have peaked the interest of home sewers the world over.  That, combined with the surge in prices and the fluctuating economy have prompted people who have never touched a sewing machine to take up the art of making, mending and altering their own clothes. Continue reading →

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