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Sewing machines meet the 21st Century

2/13/2014

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I have to confess ... my wonderful, reliable 20 year old Bernina has been showing it's age.  A few years ago I had to have major, major repairs done to it.  And now, I just want something better.
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THIS IS WHAT I'M GETTING!!!!

It will be my very first computerized machine, which is something I've been avoiding.  I've always felt I wanted a reliable uncomplicated machine.  But, HEY, this machine does all sorts of cool things, like cut the threads off with the touch of a button, inside the machine! And then start the next seam without the threads coming out of the needle or getting tangled.  It also adjusts for a wide variety of fabrics, by a menu on the touch screen.  And there are a bunch of useful and decorative stitches.  Now, I never use those fancy stitches, but this machine will write words!  That is something I might do.

It is an extra large machine, too.  The harp area is big, which will make sewing bulky things easier ... sigh ... but I have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive.

And the funny thing is, two days after I ordered this machine my 20 year old Bernina just stopped, mid seam. (I think it knew it was going to be set aside) So, I am now sewing on my 1970's Bernina.  It is the famous 830 that is so hard to find, because everyone wants one.  A very good back up machine!

I would love to hear from people about fancy sewing features on other sewing machines that they love. 

Please leave comments.


Now I'm getting into technology. I'm a relatively new iPhone owner, so I decided to see if there were any sewing machine apps.  And there are.
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Here are a couple screen shots from an iPhone app called "DIY Household Sewing Machine" it walks you through maintenance for drop-in and bobbin case machines. I own this.  It cost $0.99.  Not bad. 
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These are screen shots from an Android App called "Sewing Machine Master." It is an all encompassing how-to. Don't own it. It's free and there are reviews.  It gets 4.1 out of 5 stars.
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These are from an Android App called "Sewing Guide." It sells for $1.37.  Again, not owning an Android Phone, I don't own it, but there are reviews if you go to the website by clicking on the highlighted words.
There actually are quite a few Android Apps. I found an article that reviews ten of them. Click this to go reviews of ten great Android sewing machine apps.

AND, there are even sewing machine games.  I've tried two of them, "Sew'em'up" and "Sewing Machine Race." Both of these require youthful coordination and reflexes and time to spend learning them.  Here are a couple screen shots for the "Sewing Machine Race", the most popular sewing game. It is basically a game where you have to chase this lady bug without running over buttons, bobbins and pins by tilting your phone back and forth ... HARD!
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Unfortunately, my screen usually looks like this ...
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And for the most interesting App I've run across, watch this.
And if you are thinking this app is too good to be true ... I'll just tell you it was released on 4-1-13. ;-)
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And this is the current view out my studio window. Everything is closed today.  Guess, I'll spend some time sewing!
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    From Andrea 

    I am a commercial pattern maker who is now "sewing over 50"!
    I love to sew and hope to encourage others to come back to sewing.
    The water is fine!!

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