MSRP $170 (prices vary by dealer) singerco.com
Reviewer: Brenda Groelz
If you're reading this magazine, you probably already know how to thread a sewing machine, sew a 1/4" seam and piece together patchwork. Chances are, you learned from your mom, a 4-H leader or a home economics teacher. Unfortunately, those opportunities are not always available for young sewers today.
Quiltmaker has developed a new program called LRN2QLT (pronounced "Learn to Quilt"). We designed three simple patterns (including the QM Star Pillow shown above) that can be used to teach these skills, and we offered a class at our office to 12 new quilters in their twenties.
Singer provided Inspiration 4206 machines for the class. These simple-to-use machines sewed reliably and were sized and priced perfectly for someone who is testing the new waters of quilting. They're intended to be entry-level machines. (The last two digits of the model number refer to the number of stitches built into the machine. Our machine had six stitches, but there are models all the way up to 4228.)
Before designing this new line of machines, Singer conducted a worldwide survey. They discovered that some skills veteran sewers take for granted are harder for new sewers. For instance, how do you thread a machine? Singer's answer: print the threading path in plain view. New sewers don't know they should put the thread into the takeup lever, so this machine takes care of it for you. A full instruction manual is available online as a free download at singerco.com.
We'll tell you more about our LRN2QLT day in the July/August '08 issue. In the meantime, if you're looking for an affordable machine for a young quilter, the Singer Inspiration is a good choice.
By the Numbers
3 One-step buttonhole attachment
3 Needle settings (left, center, right) for perfect seams
6 Built-in stitch patterns including blind hemstitch, 3-step zigzag and overedge stitch
25 Year limited warranty gives you peace of mind
Favorites
NoError Threading™ means new sewers can't get it wrong.
SureFit Bobbin™ system. One side of the bobbin is wider than the other, so there's only one way to put the bobbin in–the right way.
'Gotta' love that big reverse button. You can't miss it.
Nice bright LED lights mean you can see when you're sewing, even if it's in a dorm room with minimal lighting.
Young eyes don't need it, but I sure appreciate the automatic needle threader.
Designed and made by Brenda Groelz.
Fabric: Marcus Fabrics.
This Test Drive article also appears in QUILTMAKER January/February '08 (No. 119). If you cannot find this issue at your local quilt shop, order back issues at VillageQuiltShoppe.com.
MSRP $170 (prices vary by dealer)
