Since they first arrived in homes in the early 19th century, domestic sewing machines have changed the way we work, live and create. To mark Sewing Machine Day 2018, we asked Camelot staff & friends to tell us about their own machines. Read on to see what they shared with us!

Tammy Joho

Here’s a photo of me with my machine. It’s a Janome 8900QCP, and I LOVE it! I got it a few years ago at VQF, after quite a bit of research and test driving multiple machines. Basically, I had a budget and when I knew what I wanted, I gave the dealer my budget, and asked if they could make that work. Initially I thought I was sold on a Bernina, but in the end I realized it didn’t really do enough of what I needed or wanted. And I’m so happy with the Janome. It’s been great for quilting and making bags. Three thumbs up!

@soca_sewing

Suzanne Paquette

My first machine was this Kenmore I got when I was 14. Still use it today to quilt. My favourite machine for speed & power: Juki industrial straight stitch.

Atelier Six Designs  |  @the_milliner

Marina Segalovitch

Ever since I was a child, my passion for sewing was evident. I would spend countless hours alongside my grandma, in front of her antique singer sewing machine, creating outfits for my dolls and teddy bears. Many years have passed, and my grandma’s singer sewing machine evolved into my hand guided Gammill Vision 2.0. What a journey!

Marion Pynn

In 2013 my parents gave me my first sewing machine: a second-hand Kenmore they found on Kijiji. I don’t know how old this machine is (I suspect she’s older than I am), but over the years she’s been a go-to resource for creativity, therapy, income, and most of my clothes. I depend on this machine for a lot.

@marionpynn

Colleen Paul

I love my machine! In 2005 I purchased this Longarm machine over the telephone having never even tried one. It was an easy decision, the machine quilting process was my favourite aspect of quilting. The movement, design and thread colour resemble my previous passion in figure skating.

Cinzia Allocca

My machine is a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. What I like about it: it sews quickly, I can lower or lift the presser foot, hands-free, and it has a built-in walking foot.

@cinzia_allocca

 

 
So those are some of our stories. What about you? How did your sewing machines come to you, and how have they changed your lives?