Singing a New Song

When I first decided I wanted to sew I went to Target and got the cheapest machine they had. I figured since I really had no clue what I was doing and what to look for I would get something basic. Since my mom had a Singer that's what I went with, the Singer Prelude.


It retails for 89.99 and features:
• 30-stitch function sewing machine
• 7 built-in stitches, 3 needle positions, built-in storage a free-arm design, front bobbin-load, large screwdriver and a 4-step buttonholer
• Needles, bobbins, large/small spool-caps and 3 feet: zipper, buttonhole/sewing and general purpose
• 13-3/4Hx9Wx17L"Standalone

Sounded real good to me. I bought Singer thread figuring it's a Singer machine so it's all good. Um...no...I think the machine stayed threaded for about 10 minutes if I was lucky. The thread kept breaking. We figured that maybe it was threaded wrong so we tried another brand and all was well. Put the Singer brand back and I was at a stand still. So I got new thread and problem was solved.

While I was sewing at my friend Omega's house we discovered that I am a speed demon. I have a serious lead foot when it come to the foot pedal and it was throwing me way off. Between trying to control the foot peddle, the fabric and backstitching I was seriously overwhelmed. Omega kindly suggested that I get a more computerized machine, or at least get one that had speed adjustment.

I went to Overstock and got a Brother XR 7700 Computerized Sewing Machine w/Free Bonus Feet (Refurb) Cost with shipping was $142.94.


It features:

• 60 pre-programmed stitches which perform 100 stitch functions
• One-step, auto-size buttonholes (seven different styles)
• Free bonus feet: Walking Foot, Quilting Guide and Quilting Foot
• LCD screen with computerized stitch selection
• Sewing machine functions include utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting
• Super-wide (7mm) zigzag and decorative stitches
• Automatic needle threading
• Built-in thread cutter
• Variable needle position
• Fast, automatic bobbin winding
• One-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin
• Quilting features included
• One-touch start/stop/reverse operations
• Operates with or without foot control
• Drop feed for free-motion quilting
• Free arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface
• Accessories for zipper insertion, darning, twin-needle stitching and button sewing
• Built-in accessory storage
• Electronic speed adjustment allows you to choose the most comfortable sewing speed for your project
• Quick-change presser feet
• Stitch width and length control
• Adjustable thread tension control
• Safety power and light switch
• Lightweight (10 pounds) with built-in handle for portability
• Instruction booklet in English and Spanish
• Foot Pedal Included
• 25 Year Limited Warranty Included

I am in love with this machine!! Not only is it a good looking machine but it sews like a dream. It's really smooth. The stitching is really nice.

Most importantly it has speed adjustment so no matter how fast I want to go I can't which has helped my darting a lot.

The Singer Prelude it a good machine also. It's a cute little machine that will get the job done but didn't work for me at all. Now it's sitting in my storage room. I want to sell it but for some reason I have this attachment to it even though I've only used it twice.