Today, I pick up my new machine. I feel like a new mother getting the nursery ready.
This has been my sewing machine set up for the last 20 years. This is an "official" sewing machine table with a cutout that the sewing machine fits in. You can see I had to drill a hole for the knee lift lever.
The height of this table is just perfect and I like that it has an attached, swing away platform for my serger ... BUT once I decided to buy a Bernina 710, I realized I could no longer use this table. The 71o is much larger than any of my machines. It's about 8 or 9 inches longer. It does not fit in the cutout at all. Not even close.
I have to admit, I almost chose a different model, so I wouldn't have to deal with the table problem. But one of the main features I like about the 710 is it's size. I'm tired of sewing giant costume and curtains on a small machine.
The height of this table is just perfect and I like that it has an attached, swing away platform for my serger ... BUT once I decided to buy a Bernina 710, I realized I could no longer use this table. The 71o is much larger than any of my machines. It's about 8 or 9 inches longer. It does not fit in the cutout at all. Not even close.
I have to admit, I almost chose a different model, so I wouldn't have to deal with the table problem. But one of the main features I like about the 710 is it's size. I'm tired of sewing giant costume and curtains on a small machine.
So, step one ... clear away the old table ... and ...
CLEAN!!!
And what did I get? Well, not an official sewing table this time. I really don't want or need one of those elaborate sewing machine holding table/cabinets. And that kind of furniture is expensive. I've already spent quite a lot of money just on the machine. Also, since this machine will have a front loading bobbin case (like every other machine I have), it will be much easier to change the bobbin.
With my old table, to change the bobbin, I had to take off the extension table and reach my hand down into the cutout and wrangle the bobbin out at a somewhat awkward angle, frequently dropping it on the floor! ... grrrrrrrrrrr
And what did I get? Well, not an official sewing table this time. I really don't want or need one of those elaborate sewing machine holding table/cabinets. And that kind of furniture is expensive. I've already spent quite a lot of money just on the machine. Also, since this machine will have a front loading bobbin case (like every other machine I have), it will be much easier to change the bobbin.
With my old table, to change the bobbin, I had to take off the extension table and reach my hand down into the cutout and wrangle the bobbin out at a somewhat awkward angle, frequently dropping it on the floor! ... grrrrrrrrrrr
IKEA to the rescue. I am a member of PatternReview.com. If you don't know about them, everyday members review patterns, sewing machines and every and anything else having to do with sewing. For a small yearly membership fee you have access to all these reviews, a good deal. There were several postings with lots of comments about the wonderfulness of IKEA tables for sewing machines.
Their table systems are modular, meaning you choose table tops and legs separately. And the thing that really sold me, was they have one model of legs that are adjustable. I want a table that is lower than a standard table, to make the surface of the sewing machine normal table height. If you put a sewing machine on a standard height table, the machine itself is too high, which can be uncomfortable to sit at for long periods. And since I can't sew without a knee lift for my presser foot, a standard height table make the knee lift too high as well.
Their table systems are modular, meaning you choose table tops and legs separately. And the thing that really sold me, was they have one model of legs that are adjustable. I want a table that is lower than a standard table, to make the surface of the sewing machine normal table height. If you put a sewing machine on a standard height table, the machine itself is too high, which can be uncomfortable to sit at for long periods. And since I can't sew without a knee lift for my presser foot, a standard height table make the knee lift too high as well.
I had a little of assembly work ... phew!
But, I am really happy with the results.
But, I am really happy with the results.
This will be a much more versatile set up. I imagine there will be times that I will want to use one of my older mechanical machines and it will be easy to swap out machines.
I'm thinking I might get one of those BIG specialty extension tables, too. But, I want to work with my new machine a while and see if I need one.
I'm thinking I might get one of those BIG specialty extension tables, too. But, I want to work with my new machine a while and see if I need one.
I'm keeping the small rolling cabinet from my old table that holds my serger. So, I have the best of both.
New machine today with a lesson ... I'm sure I'm going to need it. NEVER owned a computerized machine before.
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
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