How I Sew - Meet My Machines

Stacey from The Tilted Quilt is having a Meet My Machine Blog Hop and Linky Party! It's a chance to share what we craft on and to check out other people's machines and sewing spaces.



So, here goes my entry into the linky...

I have three machines in my sewing room that are in regular use...

My Brother Duetta

My main sewing & embroidery machine is my Brother Duetta, also known as an Innovis 4500D.  I love this baby, and have had it for almost five years.  It can do all of the embroidery functions I desire, and it has served me well.  Although this machine is usually set up for embroidery, I do use it for mending or patch work - not only can it sew forwards and backwards, but it can sew horizontally and diagonally too.  So handy to have that feature when needed.

My Singer 160
It isn't like I needed another sewing machine, when I saw this black Singer 160 at the store last year.   But, I fell in LOVE with it.  I love the retro styling of this machine - it reminds me of my mother's old machine.  This model was sold in 2012 as a limited edition to commemorate Singer's 160th Anniversary.   The retro styling with functions of a modern machine make it a fun machine to sew on.  I have this machine set up and ready for piecing work.

My HQ Sweet 16 Sit-down Long Arm

My Sweetie HQ Sweet 16 is the newest addition to my sewing room.  I use this machine to Free Motion Quilt.  I'm still working on improving my FMQ skills, and this machine makes it oh-so-enjoyable to use!!   I LOVE having the 16" neck space to work with.

This one isn't in my sewing room, but I must show it to you too...
My 1916 Singer "Red Eye" 66-1 Treadle

I have an ornate 1916 Singer Model 66-1 "Red Eye" Treadle.  I found this machine on ebay last summer from an estate sale.  It came in its original cabinet with 7 locking drawers.  Even came with the key!  It clearly hadn't been used for decades, and I went about restoring it myself.  She is so beautiful now, and she sews wonderfully smooth.  When I sit at this machine, I can't help but wonder about who has sat in front of it before me, over the last 97 years.  Besides practice stitching to learn how to treadle (which is fun to do by the way), I have yet to sew anything of purpose on it.  I was hoping that a winter storm would knock our power out, so I would have to use this one for my sewing.  But this winter is just about over, and we didn't get  any big snows this year.

This Singer is in our foyer and waits patiently for me to really use her.  Perhaps I can start with a small project next to try on her.  She is very pretty to look at though, isn't she?   ☺


I keep another machine in my sewing room, although it is not normally out on the tables.  It is a Brother XR-7700 that I use it as my "guest" machine - for when my friend Kathleen come overs to quilt on Mondays, for instance.  It is a good machine that I have had for several years.  I originally bought it for my daughters to use, but I find it handy to take with me to sewing retreats or quilt nights too.

This machine has a little photo cover over the stitch diagrams.
The photo I put in is of my DD2 holding up a blanket she sewed.
Thank you for letting me share my machines with you!!  They are a joy to use.  I love to create in my sewing room.  I have a couple of posts here with some pictures of my current sewing space, and my sewing room before my Sweet 16 moved in.

My sewing room.


Happy Stitching!!
Labels:
loading..

19 comments

  1. Stacey NapierMarch 18, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    Wow - so many machines and so much variety! I love your 1916 Singer - it is a work of art! You should check in with my post on Thursday - {hint} there might be a giveaway that you, as an embroiderer, will appreciate!! Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BethanyMarch 19, 2013 at 2:53 AM

    Your Singer is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sewing MomMarch 19, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    You have a lovely space! I love how you have organized it...and I really like your treadle machine...beautiful! Thanks for linking up to share.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stella NemethMarch 19, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    I love your sewing space. So many machines. I only have one, and am unlikely to get a second one. I don't keep the one I have busy enough.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Connie Kresin CampbellMarch 19, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    What wonderful machines and your sewing space is beautiful. Love your 66! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

    ReplyDelete
  6. Missy ShayMarch 19, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    You really should use your redeye. I have one that has been converted to a hand crank and I do all of my piecing on it, I think you will find it very relaxing and enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SylviaMarch 21, 2013 at 11:02 PM

      Thanks Missy. I do have a little project that I've been saving for my treadle. Maybe I'll make it next.

      Delete
  7. KarenMarch 19, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    I love your Singer machines, especially the antique one. The table top and drawers look in great condition. I have 2 antique ones, one on it's original rotating table top & treadle and one on a makeshift plinth that someone made - we got it on ebay very cheap! I'll have to go and have a look at the blog hop. Thanks for sharing :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cynthia Brunz DesignsMarch 19, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Great machines. I have 3 berninas and my long-arm is an APQS. I love them all!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comMarch 19, 2013 at 11:39 PM

    When I was in 7th grade Home Ec we learned to sew on treadle machines. I'm definitely giving away my age, aren't I? I love your vintage machines.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cranberry MorningMarch 20, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Wonderful sewing machines! I'm partial to the old Singer. I have one too, and it actually can sew through leather. It's quite a tough old bird. It would be nice to find someone who can service treadle machines; there are two in our garage that belonged to the ancestors.

    Following via Feedly. Hope you'll follow back. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. BunnyMarch 20, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    Love all your machine it is fun to have nice machines to play with.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MuvMarch 20, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Hello Sylvia,

    Your treadle is beautiful - we don't get red-eyes here. You have done a wonderful job cleaning it up.

    Get treadling! All you need is a seam guide (put felt under it to protect your decals) and sew a strip quilt top. You might enjoy my blog - all vintage - lots of tips.

    Your new machines are very impressive, but I'd be scared of them. None of my machines plug in.

    This is a great blog hop!

    Love from England,
    Muv

    ReplyDelete
  13. heart of charnwoodMarch 20, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    fabulous set of machines, and I too love the old Singer, beautifully decorated, and of course you should give it a little try, don't wait for the power to be out! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  14. ✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄March 20, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Thanks for linking up with us! The hop has been a lot of fun, and we're learning a tonne about all of these machines :)
    Your red eye is GORGEOUS!! in such good condition!
    Good luck in my giveaway!
    xo
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  15. Esther AliuMarch 20, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    Oh I have loved meeting your sewing machines and your sewing room looks so neat and practical, I am currently downsizing and aiming for just that!

    ReplyDelete
  16. kathyinozarksMarch 22, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    fabulous choices for sewing on. I always wanted a treadle sewing machine, and last year I had an opportunity to pick up one that did need a little work. but I have just run out of room now-lol I have taken over the house already-lol I needed to move my small floor loom into the living room, and I have my queen size hand quilting frame in the bedroom-and my sewing craft room is filled to capacity too-oh well I can admire yours-hugs

    ReplyDelete
  17. KayMarch 25, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    I love your sewing space. Your collection of sewing machines is very impressive, particularly the Singer 66. It's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Revamp Spunky RenaMarch 25, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    I love sewing, crafting & stuff. I need sewing space like yours. I'm so jelly. I'm your newest follower from blog hop. Followed via GFC & Bloglovin

    Feel free to visit, follow and leave me comments @ www.revampspunkyrena.com

    xoxo
    Rena Lynn

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much stopping by and adding your thoughts. I read and appreciate each comment. ♡♡♡

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)