What brand and model do you have?
I have a Brother XL-3030 (fairly basic electronic sewing machine) and a Brother 1034D overlock serger.
How long have you had it?
I’ve owned the XL-3030 for eleven years, and the 1034D for about a month.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I’m pretty sure the XL-3030 cost around $100, and I just paid $200 for the 1034D.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Primarily clothes, but also the occasional curtain and toys for my kids.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
My machines get less wear and tear than I would like them to, because I find it hard to sew with two toddlers (particularly with my 18mo son, who thinks he should operate the sewing machine). However, the XL-3030 did survive sewing my wedding dress, which I found very impressive for a budget sewing machine. It also does fine sewing jackets.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I’m absolutely in love with my serger, I wanted one for a long time and this one is living up to my expectations beautifully. I’m very fond of the XL-3030, it’s served me well for many years.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Brother sewing machines have reminders etched onto the machine of how to thread them – very helpful for forgetful souls like myself. The XL-3030 has never broken down or had any other mechanical problems, and I definitely appreciate that!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not so far. I taught myself to sew on my mother’s beat-up Singer sewing machine, which had major tension issues, so in comparison my two machines are fantastic. In my mother’s Singer’s defense, it had survived roughly 20 years of Home Economics students before arriving in our home, where it went on to receive more abuse at my own hands (picture a not-especially-cautious/careful twelve-year-old playing with a sewing machine unsupervised).
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
My strategy for buying sewing machines so far has been to buy them at Costco, when they are on sale. I doubt it’s the way to buy a fancy specialized machine, but it’s worked well in terms of meeting my fairly basic needs.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend the 1034D. I’d probably look for a different model than the XL-3030 for a basic machine – mainly because I don’t think they make the XL-3030 any more but also because I don’t like the way the spools of thread sit on the machine. Both machines have been a good value for the price, though, and I would recommend Brother as a budget sewing machine brand.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
At this point in my life, I’m looking for decent quality at a good price. I also wanted machines that were easy to store, since I currently do all my sewing on the dining room table and am therefore constantly setting up/taking down machines. I would love to own a higher-end machine some day - and my own sewing/craft room!
Do you have a dream machine?
Not yet, since I’m years (possibly decades) away from being in the market for one. I think it would be fun to own a fancy embroidery machine, and I would love to own an old-fashioned treadle sewing machine – they look beautiful, they are earth-friendly (no electricity), and they seem to last forever.
Thank you Sew, Mama, Sew! for this fun sewing machine meme!
