Vogue 1220 is coming along quite nicely.  However, I am at a stopping point. The dress has 7 button/buttonholes and the quality of buttonhole on my sewing machine has diminished. It was cumbersome to make a nice buttonhole on  the last couple of projects and by the time I was finished, I wanted to pull my hair out.  So, I need to buy a new sewing machine NOW. Actually, I have been in need of a new sewing machine for quite awhile.

Currently, I have a Singer 6243 that was given to me as birthday gift 20+ years ago.  It has a total of 17 stitches and a 4 step buttonhole.  Believe it or not this machine was a top of the line back in the day.  Although this machine has served me well over the years, the time to retire it came some time ago.  A new machine has been on my list for some time, but there has always been something to take priority. Plus it has taken me time to figure out what I wanted.

I decided this year to purchase a Bernina Aurora 450.  I have been drooling over this machine for some time and decided this was the year.  However, I had an unexpected house repair which meant my Bernina would have to go on hold.  ARRRRGH!!  Home ownership you gotta love it.  I really can’t complain this is the first major repair in 10 years.

So as I was sewing my dress, I was thinking about the chore of trying to sew seven nice looking buttonholes. I realized I would be bald headed afterwards.  Then it happened….a light bulb moment. Why not buy a less expensive machine for the time being? DAH!!! 

I began looking for sewing machines that have a few of the features I wanted.  Such as automatic buttonhole, start/stop, automatic bobbin winder, keyhole buttonhole just to name a few. I came across Brother PC-420.  This machine is part of Brother Project Runway line.  However,it has what I’m looking for plus more. I can’t believe all the features for the price. I haven’t found anything else in comparison. Some of the features it has you would have to purchase the more expensive machines get. Such as thread cutter, start/stop, pedal less sewing, automatic threading and a ton of feet are included.  The walking feet is even included, this foot is usually optional.

However, I do have some reservations.  I’m not that familiar with Brother sewing machines. I know they have a 75 year history and of course they are the brand for Project Runway. Not that means anything.  I have read extensive reviews on this machine and they are very good.  I’ve found a dealer but they do not carry the Project Runway machines.  However, they do service the machine.  So this means I will have to order it online.  I don’t know, it something about ordering a sewing machine online.  I felt the same way when I purchased my first pair of shoes online. As a matter of fact, I felt the same way when I made my first fabric purchase online. I relied heavily on the reviews and got the nerve to make the purchase.  I wasn’t disappointed with either purchase. 

So, I’m going to review the online retailers. See who has the best price and return policy.  Think on it a couple of more days and make a decision.  I really don’t know why I’m making this a big deal, at this point just about any machine I purchase will be an upgrade.
LOL…..I will keep you posted.

Until next time……keep sewing!!