Beginning of a beautiful friendship?

I never thought I’d say this. I bought a new sewing machine several weeks ago. I have no decent excuse for such a drastic action. My 44-year-old Touch and Sew Singer works just fine, although the zigzag part is a bit notional at times. But, hey, who wouldn’t be after all those years in service to the great goddess of cloth?

I hate to say this, but I did not spend a lot of time agonizing over what brand of machine to buy. I didn’t consult any consumer organization to determine what machine was rated best for X sum of money. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants on shopping expeditions, relying more on instinct than hard fact to guide my choices.

I did, however, ask a group of ladies who sew what they recommend. Bernina, Viking-Husqvarna and Pfaff machines topped the list of their suggestions.

I surfed the Web looking at some of those machines, but I don’t shop online. I didn’t want to buy something I hadn’t seen and touched.

I also knew I didn’t want to invest $1,000 or more in a sewing machine. In fact, I didn’t want to spend more than $200. Nor did I want a sewing machine so electronically superior to my 20th century brain (with many 19th century synapses) that it would take me the rest of my life to learn how to talk to it. I’m way past the time when I can deal graciously with the high levels of frustration steep learning curves produce.

With those rather wispy parameters in mind, I went to several area stores and departments in quest of said new machine. I looked at Brother, White and Viking-Husqvarna brands without being tempted. Why, I can’t really say. Maybe it was the fact that I had used a Singer for so long, I couldn’t imagine using any other brand.

I made several more rounds to the local stores before I settled on the Singer Advance 7422 machine at a cost of $167 plus tax. It features 80 stitch functions, 30 stitch patterns, one-step buttonhole making and a free-arm feature for sewing in tight spots such as shirt and pants cuffs. And, it is considerably lighter than my 1966 Singer.

I spent an afternoon reading the user’s manual and driving the new machine. The first thing I noticed is that it’s not as solidly made as the old one. Something about the quality of the stitching isn’t quite as pleasing as what the old one makes, either, but overall I am pleased with the new machine’s personality. It’s quiet like my old machine, the bobbin is easy to wind, and threading it is not as difficult as the diagrams in the user’s manual make it out to be.

I’m intrigued by the buttonhole foot, which holds the button in its clutches while the stitching is done. However, it took me more than an hour to figure out where an essential part of the buttonhole gizmo was housed. The diagram in the user’s manual was a bit vague and the instructions less than clear. This struggle brought into the spotlight the fact that the Singer company does not include a phone number where one may call to ask dumb questions about the ins and outs of making buttonholes. The lack of an 800 number for technical support, it seems to me, is a definite drawback, one the manufacturer ought to remedy. However, one can go to www.singerco.com and find technical support.

The stitch patterns on my new sewing machine are accessed at the touch of a button and have such names as crescent, honeycomb, pyramid, ladder, star, vine, serpentine and Greek key, plus a repertoire of zigzag, overlock, stretch and blanket stitches. It also sews on buttons. My old machine does all those things, too, but not at the touch of a finger, and not without fiddling with stitch length and width.

I don’t know how serious a relationship I’ll develop with the new sewing machine. It isn’t love at first sight – more like intense interest that could lead to something more passionate. I’m sure that in a few months we will forge an enduring bond of creativity.

Snippets

Those seeking a creative outlet need look no further than the SAD 22 Adult Ed Program. These classes are offered at Reeds Brook School:

. One-stroke decorative painting, 6-8:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 26.

. Primitive rug hooking, 6-8:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, April 25.

To obtain information about the classes, call 862-6422 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, or 10:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

Call for crafters: Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavors, producers of more than 40 arts and crafts festivals throughout Florida, are seeking topnotch artists and crafters to exhibit in the 2007-2008 festivals. Download an application at www.artfestival.com where you also will find more information, or call (954) 472-3755.

A free needlework workshop will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Cityside Yarn Co., 1460 Outer Hammond St. It will feature information on reading and interpreting patterns, finishing techniques, how to knit i-cord, knitting in the round, knitting socks on two needles, knitting on circular needles, knitting with beads, a rug hooking demonstration and more throughout the day. To participate in a fashion show and pot luck lunch, bring a garment and dish to share. For more information, call 990-1455.

Call Ardeana Hamlin at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.