What a Difference a Machine Makes

There's nothing better than a new toy, especially one that's hobby-related!   This little beauty came into my life six months ago and I'm having so much fun!

It's the Husqvarna Viking H Class 100Q.

 (Note:  I was not compensated in any way for this post - 

the opinions expressed are my own and reflect personal experience.)

A little background ...

For years I tolerated a super inexpensive (translation: cheaply made) sewing machine that I am fully convinced did not like me.  From the day we brought it home and took it out of the box, it went on strike.  

Everything was a struggle with it - so much so that once I finally got it threaded and the bobbin loaded, I cringed at the thought of having to change thread colors or having the original thread run out!  We won't even get into the stitch inconsistency issues.

I couldn't avoid feeling like a complete sewing failure because when it comes to sewing, I hail from a long line of seamstresses.  My paternal grandmother made beautiful and detailed clothing - all without store bought or digitally downloaded patterns.  She actually used newspaper pages to cut out her own patterns!

As you can guess, I rarely used my challenging machine.  It was far less stressful to keep it in its box hidden in the closet.  I had exceeded the warranty period years ago and was too disgusted with it to pay for attempted repairs.  To be kind, I won't share with you the "pet" name I had given my first machine!

It was nice to know that my source of frustration was out of sight, but each time I glanced at handmade items - beautiful pillow covers, cute aprons or coordinated dinner napkins and table runners, I felt that longing to try again. 

Then one day while browsing in Joann's Fabrics, while resigned to a future of using my trusty fabric glue, their collection of shiny, sleek machines caught my eye and the rest is history.

I was able to test out the machines and the knowledgeable and helpful staff answered all my questions and helped me narrow down the model that best suited my individual (and super basic) needs.

Once selected, I fully expected to happily walk out of the store with my new purchase and tackle unboxing and setting it up at home.  Was beyond surprised when the salesperson unboxed my machine there on the spot, piece by piece and walked me through assembling the attachments, using the built-in needle threader, and winding and loading the bobbin.  

Once I had it all set up and sewed on test fabric, she had me unthread the machine and repeat the steps to ensure I understood the process (maybe she doesn't do that with everyone - my look of fear probably prompted her to do so!). 

The service provided by the salesperson was excellent!

From day one this machine has functioned problem-free.  No struggles to load the bobbin, no tension issues - a trouble-free and enjoyable experience.  

Husqvarna Viking H Class 100Q Sewing Machine

I won't list all of this machine's features but click HERE to find full details.  If you're looking for a basic machine that offers 20 built-in stitches, I highly recommend it. 

To date, I have made six envelope style pillow covers and am working on a vintage-inspired apron (using a store bought pattern!) - something I wouldn't have attempted with my old machine.  Will share more on them later but here's a glimpse at a couple of the pillow covers.

These were made using a Waverly floral print:

And this lovely neutral striped upholstery fabric was a remnant from Joann's:

I am so grateful that I was able to purchase a new and cooperative machine and continue my sewing journey.

Can you relate to frustrations with certain machines?  Were you able to overcome them or did you discover that finding another machine was the solution for you?  Please share!

Thank you to Kathryn at The Dedicated House for kindly featuring this post!

Your comments are greatly appreciated and I look forward to your thoughts and ideas!  I try to respond to comments via email as soon as I can. If your email address isn't available, I will comment here. Thanks so much for visiting! 

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