New Experiences: Sewing Machine Shopping

This weekend that thing called Christmas happened. Gifts were exchanged, love was shared, all-around good times were had. I had asked for a sewing machine for Christmas & a few weeks ago my beloved husband told me "You will be crushed Christmas morning if you don't get a sewing machine, so I'm telling you now....don't be crushed, but you aren't getting a sewing machine." I thought he must me kidding because I had so clearly stated that I wanted a sewing machine, all he had to go was go pick one up! Simple as that! And yet, Christmas came & went & no sewing machine was under our tree. 


This reminded me of my favorite saying, "Everything happens for a reason". I love any opportunity to research, so yesterday I started my research of what may or may not be my new sewing machine. Bill agreed to buy me whatever sewing machine I wanted (within reason) for my birthday, Feb 22 if I did my research & chose wisely. I didn't get a sewing machine for Christmas, but I am getting a chance to choose the perfect sewing machine for me??! Everything happens for a reason! 


This morning Bill & I ventured into our first sewing machine store together. The moment we walked in a friendly associate greeted us & when I told her my sewing needs & experience she guided us into the Bernina section of the store. The Berninas had large price tags (literally, huge tags hanging off the machine heads). When Bill saw the price he reminded me I hadn't told our associate what our price range was... she chuckled when I told her & said "You won't get into a Bernina for that. Follow me over here." She lead us to the Brother Innov-is 80 & ran us through all the specs. I have no experience with modern-day sewing machines. I learned to sew on a 35 year old machine & refused to learn how to operate the computerized Bernina my mother has, so the modern-day sewing machine has me completely baffled. Bill sat & listened as intently as I did to the sales pitch; we both absorbed the information presented to us. I asked her to compare the 80 with the 40 (a lower-end model) & we learned the differences in price & function. 


When we left, I felt enabled with knowledge and yet overwhelmed....I had just received quite the reality check about the financial investment my "fun idea" had become....BEFORE TAX! So, Bill & I did what we (I can proudly admit) do best: talked it out. We developed a plan of how we will proceed in this process: 

• I will bring "Old Bern" (my Bernina from Mom's) to the condo & set it up
• I will choose a pattern, buy the necessary items & assemble a product start to finish 
• We will keep track of how often I make time to sew, how long it takes me to finish the project & how much I enjoy completing the project

From here, we will decide if keeping "Old Bern" around is the best choice for me or if investing in a new machine is appropriate. I am the queen of getting over-excited about something then under-delivering in my follow-through. 

I am excited & overwhelmed, but most of all I feel truly blessed to have this decision to make. If this is the hardest choice I need to make in the next few weeks before my birthday, I  have another reason to thank Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to make this choice. Thank for for my interests, abilities & passions. Most of all, thank you for the support of my husband every step of the way. God Bless. Happy Sewing.