BELLS AND WHISTLES -sewing machines

[Betty J.]

It seems we ( me included) are either buying or own sewing machines that have a lot of bells and whistles on them. As I was playing with my machine setting and all those lovely stitches I thought to myself it is a shame we do not use more of the decorative stitches in quilting.

Do you ever quilt/ sew with the decorative stitches and if so how are you using them. What kind of blocks/ quilts? Where do you think the stitches fit in with your quilting themes?

If you do not use the fancy stitches why did you buy the machine with the decorative stitches? What do you sew besides quilts?


Just curious about what and how other quilters think...

[Diane J.]

Do you ever quilt/ sew with the decorative stitches and if so how are you using them. What kind of blocks/ quilts? Where do you think the stitches fit in with your quilting themes?

If you do not use the fancy stitches why did you buy the machine with the decorative stitches? What do you sew besides quilts?


Just curious about what and how other quilters think...[/quote]

I've used the fancy stitches on doll clothes made for my great nieces -- I also put them around some of my applique work inside the work as well as outside.

A work associate of mine uses the fancy stitches to sew down her bindings (she uses the back to front of quilt method) and I have to say they look fabulously gorgeous!

Wouldn't it be lovely if we could just download the stitches we wanted into a machine?! Hey Bernina -- there's an idea for you!

Diane in brrrrrrrrrr cold Illinois

[Diane J.]

I agree with you. I want a machine that I could just upgrade the features on and upload patterns on by adding software... similar to a computer. Then I could have all the bells and whistle that struck my fancy without venturing out of my house.

[Diane J.]

I adore decorative stitches! I mostly love them for clothing, crafts and home decor, but I have used the super wide directional stitching as the quilting in narrow borders on a quilt, I have occasionally inserted a plain block sewn with decorative stitches into a quilt, I've done many bindings with decorative stitching as well.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

[Betty J.]

I too love the decorative stitches--I don't use them as much as I want to. I was just looking at the new Bernina video on Sashiko stitching (it can easily apply to other machines, I think). She had put this on a vest and a small purse. It looked fabulous. I want to make myself a bunch of decorative artistic vests that I can wear to work. I'm so bored with my current wardrobe and this seems a way I can liven it up with the time I have in a way that still works for business. Cheers, Betty Jo

[Betty J.]

I haven't done this yet, but am considering using the decorative stitches--in lieu of the hand embroidery--on a contemporary crazy quilt. I have a 1970's Singer Futura, so I won't be downloading stitches. I'm limited to the stitches that came either built-in or on drop-in cams.

When I first got the machine, which was a gift, I used the decorative stitches on dresses that I made for my young nieces.

[Betty J.]

I love my decorative stitches. I've used them several times in my quilts and with applique also. Sandi in FL

[Betty J.]

I have always used the decorative stitches on my machines for surface embellishment and machine embroidery. What I like about my new one is the 9mm facility which gives me so much more variety. Maggi

[Susan D.]

I have been interested in trying Betty Cotton's Cotton Theory method. It's a "quilt as you go" method, with the quilts made in panels. Decorative stitching is used as you connect the panels. I saw their demo at a quilt show not too long ago (unfortunately, I had blown my budget by the time I got to their booth!). But it' s on my list of things to try.

I used decorative stitching on a simple Christmas rail fence, and was pleased with the results. I did learn two things: It takes a lot longer to quilt a row with fancy stitches than a simple straight stitch, and you use a lot more thread. In this case, it was worth it on both counts.

Happy quilting!
susan

[Gloria H.]

I did a wall hanging using Louisa Smith's patterns. I didn't take the time to put my strata together so that the colors transitioned more smoothly. I used the decorative stitching on the strata seams using varigated thread. It helped ease the transitions. Definitely uses more thread and time.

[Gloria H.]

I use my decorative stitches alot. In my profile pictures I have a orange/blue/black crazy curves quilt before I sewed my blocks together I added a decorative stitch to the out line each curved piece, I believe I made that quilt back in 2006. I use my decorative stitches on the trim of my HM pajammas. I also use decorative stitches on every (WCCM) I make. I use my embroidery mostly for the out line designs for quilting on some of my quilts but not often. I have made quilts with embroidered flowers with a decorative stich around each block I just finished a quilt called wake up and smell the roses with out line roses for a quilting design. I have just learnt about photo shadow embroidery that I think is pretty neat. I really enjoy
having the automatic button,decorative stitches,embroidery. I have afew great sewing machines antique singers that sew like new but now that I'm spoiled with having all the bells and whistles I don't want to go back. That automatic is great!

[Geneva C.]

When I got my new fancy Bernina I was amazed and frightened by all the stitches. Then I thought, "hey, I can do this!" So in order to practice all the new stuff I made a pledge to myself to make small 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" "trading cards" for each birthday card I sent out to friends and family for an entire year. It was an easy way to embellish, use fun threads, embroider names, use beads and of course the new stitches. It got me familiar w/my sewing machine and now I use the fancy stuff a lot more. (And my the birthday people liked the unique little quilt I made them.)

geneva in Northern CA.

[Geneva C.]

A lot of the decorative stitches are great for quilting -- use a walking foot with them. Great for stitch-in-the-ditch with attitude (plus it doesn't matter if you wander off-line a bit).

I've also used the stitches for embellishment of applique patches, especially (but not only) the machine blanket stitches, and for general prettification of quilts.

Make yourself some fabric sandwiches and just try out every stitch you have -- then you'll see what you like.

[Judy M.]

Have any of you tried the circular embroidery attachment for the Bernina? I absolutely LOVE it! Judy in Torrance

[Cheryl K.]

Bells and whistles covers more than just stitches. I love my decorative stitches. Combining them with basic stitches & decorative threads to highlights them even more.

When I first started sewing, I knew I would like auto buttonholes but I didnt' realize how much I would functions like:

Pattern begin
Pattern end (love ending a stitch at the end of the pattern)
Auto tension(and easily adjusting it, if needed)
Color screen
Knee lift
Combination memory to combine patterns
Long stitch or basting functions
Embroidery!
Multi-directional stitches...the list could go on! The new TOLs have even more features.

A non-sewing friend (guy) asked me if anyone really NEEDS a sewing machine like that and if I wanted to embroider for hire so my machine could "pay for itself". :roll:

I told him NO ONE NEEDS a high end machine. I know the difference between needs and wants and I didn't start out with a high end machine. But after 20+ years sewing, it's a luxury that I am not ashamed to enjoy. Stitches are fun. Features that make sewing better, faster, prettier are a real delight.

I then asked him if he fished for hire to make up for the cost of his boat, insurance, marina fees and gas....and if his boat has "paid for itself." He did chuckle....but he changed the topic. :lol: