Sewing Machine Giveaway

Sew, Mama, Sew is having a giveaway on their blog with lots of great prizes, including a terrific sewing machine. They are asking readers to answer several questions and post answers on their blog. So here are my answers.

What brand and model do you have?

- Elna, Quilter's Dream

How long have you had it?

- Around 9 years.

How much does the machine cost (approximately)?

- back then $800-$900

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

- I like to sew quilts, tote bags and small gift items.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

- Sometimes I sew a lot and at other times the machine can sit unused for weeks.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

- I like my machine, but not enough to give it a name.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

- The needle down feature is wonderful and I'd be lost without my 1/4 inch sewing foot. It is also very handy to be able to set the speed that the machine sews at - I use turtle speed a lot.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

- Having nice features that I have no idea how to use can be frustrating.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped in on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper? Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.)? We want to hear it!

- This is the first computerized sewing machine that I have owned. I bought it for myself with some money that I inherited from my Mom. One thing that happened when the machine was quite new was pretty bad. I was sewing at the dining room table and the cord was strung across to a wall plug. I went a few feet away to the living room and didn't notice my grandson riding his little trike right into the cord. Instead of stopping he just pulled the cord and the whole machine off the table.

- I heard a thunderous crash and whirled around just in time to see lots of little pieces and buttons flying everywhere. After a good cry, I took the machine to be repaired. I think it came back almost as good as new.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

- I would recommend this machine for its nice features and variety of fancy stitches. Also it is easily portable for taking to classes, etc.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

- I guess you need to decide what type of sewing you will be doing (regular, embroidery, heirloom, etc.) and what machine features are best suited for this.

Do you have a dream machine?

- I don't have a particular brand or dream machine in mind, but sometimes I think it would be fun to have an embroidery machine.