Tag: sewing

Sewing machine tariffs – revisited

July 26, 2025

I finally caught up on all the email that arrived while I was in Oregon last week. Apparently, Bernina has announced significant price hikes on all Bernina and bernette machines effective August 1st. They’re joining Janome, Brother and Baby Lock in hiking prices due to tariffs. My local Janome/Brother dealer raised prices 10-25% across the board a couple of months ago. Stopped in today after guild meeting (7/25) and was told the price on the Janome 9480 with ASR (very competitive), but was also informed prices would be going up again on 8/1. I questioned this as I know there’s inventory in the back that’s been there since last fall. The clerk responded it was a “business decision” that applied to all inventory, regardless of when received.

If you’re seriously in the market for a new TOL machine from a dealer, you may want to consider finalizing your purchase in the next week. The good news? Prices on more modest machines available through mass merchandisers such as Wal-Mart appear to be holding steady for now.

What’s a fair price to pay for a sewing machine? Only you can decide. Check eBay, Check FB Marketplace. Check patternreview.com. My personal rule of thumb? The sweet spot for a new machine is about 65% of the suggested retail price (less if you can get it). For a machine that’s used – no more than 50% of the MSRP for a current model. Classroom machines from consumer shows should have every option available and carry the full manufacturer’s warranty that a new machine would have.

Am I ready to move on the purchase of a Janome 9480? Absolutely, but not at $1000 more than what the same damn machine (still sitting in the backroom at my local dealer) was selling for last fall.

No thanks, I’ll pass. I can wait. Maybe I’ll get to the point where I don’t need a stitch regulator for FMQ on a domestic machine.

Finding inspiration

July 9, 2025

Last month, my quilt guild presented a program on quilts from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s. This particular 1930’s quilt spoke to me. Not sure if it’s because of the the green background fabric or the prairie point edging, but I now have an idea on how to possibly enlarge the Vintage Windmill quilt to fit a queen size bed.

Speaking of Vintage Windmill, this quilt required more planning and prep work than most throw size quilts I’ve made. However, constructing the half-hexie units has been much easier due to said planning and prep work. I’m about 2/3 of the way done. The half hexies will be arranged in columns and sewn together to make the top. Once the top’s complete, I’ll decide about adding extra borders to increase the quilt’s overall size. Quilting will be simple: a large double loopy meander is the quilting design I keep coming back to, especially if adding borders.

I’ve been combing through my machine quilting design books to look for new no – mark FMQ designs to add to my everyday repertoire. I’ve got several versions of the loopy meander down (plain, double loops, hearts, stars and flowers). Recently, I tried one of the more angular boxy meanders that had previously given me fits. Teen size flannel blankets made for a special collaboration with the local school district provided the perfect opportunity to practice. Bonus: the Military Gold Glide thread used on my niece’s quilt also blended well with the first one. Now, to do a similar, but larger scale, boxy meander on the other flannel blanket!

Where do you find inspiration for your creative pursuits?

Changing shopping habits

July 1, 2025

I’ve always made it a point to shop local businesses whenever possible. However, the brick & mortar retail landscape in my area has really changed in the past 5 years – particularly when it comes to quilt & fabric shops. Where westside Atlanta had 8+ quilt shops prior to 2020, there were only two still in business when I retired in May 2022. Today, one shop has a completely new owner and the other is in the process of onboarding the next generation to run its long-time shop. In April, Stitched opened along the route to my monthly guild meetings and bee group gatherings. I really like the new shop’s vibe – plus Sadie is welcome. Needless to say, I shop here first for fabric and dog treats! 🙂

Some of the shop closures have meant I no longer have a local source of supply for certain notions I prefer to use. Even with three Janome dealers in the greater Atlanta area, I usually resort to buying parts and accessories from online dealers due to availability, convenience and price. Actually, I now apply the same parameters to shopping as I do therapy dog visits. If I can’t get there in under 30 minutes, I’m not going unless it’s a special occasion.

Instead, I’ll simply shop at regional quilt shops online before I head over to Amazon. One of the millennial age instructors in a class I took explained we can still support small & local businesses even when we shop online. She has a valid point. I recently bought fabric online from Stash Fabrics (needed to fix a boo-boo) and picked it up while running errands in that part of town. I needed Superior Threads Titanium Topstitch 90/14 needles and a cone of So Fine 50 wt thread in Straw color. Amazon was the only retailer that had both items available, plus it offered the best pricing overall and 2 day delivery. (It helps we’re Prime members.) I look at it this way: I’m saving time and money while still supporting the local delivery service provider who will deliver the package to my home tomorrow.

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