Sunday, February 17, 2013

Straight Sewing

Today I finally had a few hours to start getting to know my new machine. The Baby Lock Crescendo is probably not a great "beginner" machine mostly because it is a huge investment, however that is not to say a beginner couldn't operate it.

It is not necessarily an overly complex machine to work with, it is simply computerized. If you are not comfortable with a computerized system, you are not going to like this machine, but if you embrace the technology, I have found it fairly straightforward and intuitive to work with so far.

Today all of my sewing was on the "straight stitch foot."


Another option I have for straight sewing is the "dual feed foot" which is a somewhat clunky looking appendage:


I didn't attach it today, but you can probably see the belt system that helps with the feeding of fabric and would probably be particularly useful with thin or slick fabrics.

I got my first error today:


And I had a bobbin hiccup:


Both were user error and quickly corrected. I pretty easily started using the machine and got a lot of sewing done towards the Super Bowl Mystery Quilt.


That purple swirl focal fabric is ridiculously fragile. It tends to shred very easily so this may not be the most functional quilt when it is done. I do like how it looks however.


Nim had his second day of increased activity and is SO at peace.


8 comments:

  1. It's always a little intimidating starting out with a new computerized machine. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon enough. I love the crying frowny face when you have an error. Mine just beeps and shows a message. Nothing as cute as yours does.

    Glad to see Nim so content and yes if the weather is not conducive to Millie having a decent amount of time playing outside we do have to play with her indoors or she will drive you crazy.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mine doesn't beep yet. :) It almost makes these pleasant chiming noises. And there is video. This is a bizarre new world for me, having never really dealt with a computerized machine.

      Poor Millie. She is such a young, strong girl right now too! You would hate to have her chew another book. LOL

      Delete
  2. I need a machine like that! I can't sew to save my life... but if a computer did it for me... now we're talkin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AND...there are videos! I think it might be the machine to teach you. :)

      Delete
  3. I had to laugh at that error message from your sewing machine! A sewing machine isn't supposed to do that! lol

    That purple is so pretty. Reminds me of peacock feathers.

    Sweet, sweet Nim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tell you, these machines have really come a long way. I am knitting more right now, but it is a great machine to work one.

      It is gorgeous fabric! That is why it is so frustrating to me that it is so fragile.

      Delete
  4. If you have some Fray Check I strongly suggest you treat those cut edges on the back side of the quilt with it on that fragile focal fabric. You'll be glad you did!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have fray check...but that is a great idea. I have been afraid to make more blocks with it and considered changing the focal fabric because I don't want a quilt that isn't functional.

      Delete