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I am not a "real" quilter. Most of you already know that, but some of you are a little confused so I thought I'd put that out there. My quilting days can be traced back to just a few short years ago when my handy-dandy Singer sewing machine died. I had a sewing machine not for crafting purposes but for utilitarian purposes. I had a sewing machine to hem pants and I am not kidding when I say that that was it's one and only use. When it died I bought a Bernina. Whatever you do, if you need a sewing machine, do not take a quilter with you to buy a replacement, you'll come home with a machine that has more featues than your car... and more decorative stitches than you will ever need... I am so not kidding.
Anyway, I felt that to justify my expense (oh, did I mention it cost as much as a car payment, or two? Oh yeah, a "real" sewing machine's price starts at triple digits and only goes up from there. It's insane! ), I should learn how to do something more than hems and whala! A quilter was born; ok so maybe not a "real" quilter, but a quilter non the less.
I always think of "real" quilters as people who make large quilts with fancy techniques, or miniature quilts with a gazillion tiny little stitches. Yeah, that's never gonna happen. I will never make either one of those qualifying quilts.
Here's something I have learned, real quilter's have sewing machines that have first and last names. I am so not kidding. Their machines have names like "Bernina 'something or another'. If you ask someone what kind of sewing machine they have and it doesn't have a last name, they are not "real" quilters. Oh stop it, if you are a real quilter you KNOW this is true. Stop pretending you have no idea what I'm talking about, you so do know the make and model of your machine. You probably know mine's!
Quilters and their machines are like men and their cars. It's crazy! OMG! They pimp them up too... I started pimping mine recently so I might be turning into a more dedicated quilter myself. See the fancy little lamp I have on mine? Oh and I have a vice pincushion on it too... I'm thinking I might bedazzle it soon. What do you think, TOO much? =/
I'm so bad. I will never be a real quilter. I accept that. I can live with it, but I thought I'd put it out there so other folks can see that you don't have to be a REAL quilter to have quilting fun. Quilting is a great crafting activity. Give it a try...you'll love it!
13 comments:
That is indeed a fancy-schmancy lamp. I am impressed.
You are right, never take a quilter with you to shop for a machine....
Now I will say that I am a quilter and enjoy your blog and all of the quilty crafty things you do.
I have to agree with you, don't take someone who is a quilter, when I got my first machine, I was talking with someone who does quilt,sew on a regular basis. I am a person who never had a chance to learn how to sew let along on a sewing machine. My brother passed away about 3 yrs ago. That is when I bought my first sewing machine. I also am not a real quilter, but now I know how to quilt. I don't do it for prize money, I will never be a real quilter, yes the ones who do real quilting, their quilts are very beautiful. I wanted to give to the community, help others out. Have I done that yet, NOPE!!! life is in my way, and school, etc,etc,etc. But when that day comes, boy, am I going to go crazy on all the projects that I have started and that I want to start. I have to agree with you also, the machines do cost as much as a car :). I have a Viking Emerald-it is a very low end of the line of Viking sewing machines, nothing fancy at all. Then I bought a Baby-Lock, I have never used the Baby-Lock since I opened up the box :), see what did I say before, life is in my way. But someday, boy watch out because I am going to go crazy :) Ok, enough of that, enjoy your new toy.
Sue from WI
Ohhhh YOU are a REAL quilter and you have the machine to prove it!! haha
P
My sentiments exactly and I have one of those over priced machines too. Now you know why I am broke, lol. I think I was in my lyme fog, I would never do something like that normally, but I do love the machine, she sews like a dream and can do so much it is mind boggling, now if I can figure out how to use it. I got mine from fabric place, and then they closed, so no lessons and I couldn't go back and complain.
Debbie
I make my living quilting but here is my big secret. I am currently sewing on a Brother sewing machine that I bought at Wal-Mart. (I know)My other machine got sick and I was working on projects for a book deadline. Had to have a machine, couldn't wait for repairs. In a moment of desperation I ran to Wal-Mart and bought this machine for around $200.00. Guess what? I love it! Still haven't got around to fixing my pricey machine with all the gadgets. Go figure?
You and me are so alike. We even have the same Bernina! I will never get a huge quilt done with lots of piecing, but I will complete smaller projects with embroidery and simple piecing and with that I will be happy with!!
Hugs!
Pam
I think you're a quilter. And an artist. And an amazing creative person! So there!
Oh! I so like this post. How true it is. I have a Bernina 440 there I've said it with the little light too but I don't have the pincushion. Do you give it an oil and clean too, change the needle and have the service booked. I've never actually thought about it. Thanks for putting this smile on my face.
Glad you set the record straight Missy! LOL! I'm not a quilter but a painter as you know! I have a WHITE SEWING MACHINE .........I bought it while still in HS with $$$$ my grandmother left me...that machine has served me well these past 37 years!!!!!!!!!I used to sew all my own clothes , sewed alot of the kids clothes especially Julies's and have done alot of craft sewing with it...its still kicking!
Hugs,
Lynn
Brenda...I am not a REAL quilter either....:))) My only machine is a 1948 Featherweight.
I am a quilter and sewer and I've always been happy with my machine - Kenmore. That's it's name, and it's white too! It does 18 stitches and does me quite well. My only picky thing about having a GOOD sewing machine is whether the bobbin case is a vertical or horizontal one. I LOATH horizontal - but it's all what personal preferences one has. Bigger, pricer or fancier doen't necessarily mean better or more easy to use!
Where did you get the little light on top of your Bernina? I have a Bernina also but could use a light!
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