I attended the
Sewing For Pleasure show at Birmingham NEC on the 24th March and it was brilliant. There were so many amazing stands I didn't know where to look first! I had gone with the intention of looking for a new sewing machine and it didn't disappoint. All of the big sewing machine suppliers were there along with a number of stands selling amazing fabric and unique ribbons from
Crafty Ribbons, there will be project coming soon using them all! Look how great the ribbons are:
Back to my main purpose for visiting the show, to source a new machine. I had done quite a bit of research on the internet and my gut feel was to stick with Janome. I have had a Janome 2200XT machine and have loved it, they come with a multitude of feet which would cost quite a bit with other suppliers, the instructions are clear and easy and they have a good support network in local dealers. I was helped by Maureen who was brilliant, both in her machine expertise but also in her ability to keep my wriggling 2 year old entertained during the demo. She somehow managed to juggle my 2 yr old on her knee whilst showing me all the great features the computerised machines have. She did all this whilst sewing Bella a little piece of fabric with hearts and her name on (which she loves and tells everyone is a kite - I think because of the threads)!
In the end after a whole weekend of deliberation I decided to push the boat out, think of the long term and ordered the Janome MC4900QC. This machine looks great and has all of the features that I need plus a whole load more! If you haven't seen the machine and are interested you can read more at the
Janome website.
So all in all a successful show visit if not a very expensive one!!!
