New Sewing Machine

 My Husqvarna Designer SE died after moving. It started a slow death prior to moving and I mentioned this in my previous post.

It was a sewing and embroidery machine. I don't embroider as much as I did once so decided I did not need a combo machine. I have a Singer stand-alone embroidery machine; should I decide to embroider something; it is simple but provides a nice embroidered item.

Lots of photos follow of my new sewing machine that fits my current budget. I purchased a Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. The Singer sewing machine was my first that my Grandmother bought for me back in the early '70s.

A local dealer sells Brothers and I was not interested. I looked at Baby Lock as well as Husqvarna websites and both websites were not showing much in the way of machines that appealed to me or fit my budget. Actually, Baby Lock seemed to have no sewing machines on the website. I also thought about Janome as well as Singer. Husqvarna's Jade was another machine considered but it wasn't appealing style-wise and had limited feet.

The one that fit my budget was the Singer model. I was enticed by the fact that the deal being offered included an extension table and you can remove the regular sewing bed and attach this one

and numerous sewing feet that come with the machine and are stored inside the sewing bed attached case

Also as part of the package, I  received several specialty feet and the special foot holder to be used with these. 

I can sew using the foot control or start/stop button. It also has a thread cutter that cuts upper and bobbin thread. I normally don't use the start/stop preferring foot control. I tested this while learning how to use this machine and I found I liked it. I really like the thread cutter and needle up-down button.

There are a number of buttons to select utility stitches and buttonholes, plus other buttons to lengthen or shorten stitch length and width. You use upper buttons to select these and you have to push the adjustment button on the bottom row. With the Designer SE, all of that was performed with a touch screen.  The challenge with the button is learning what to touch first and the included manual is well designed and easy to follow on steps needed. I like the touch screen better but had to trade-off that for price. The screen is not in color but find it easy to see.

The stitch quality is good and I have tried straight, zigzag and a few decorative stitches.

All in all, I am satisfied with the machine and preparing to sew my first project soon. The next post soon will be a blog on the sewing room. I find I want to trade out some tables for something else and considering buying shelving with 4 or 5 shelves. What I have now works okay but really need more room! Still need a few more set up steps to be complete.

Later!!