Meet The Brothers

In honor of Sew, Mama, Sew!'s Sewing Machine Month, I've brought out The Brothers for an interview. So here are the questions, I'll answer to the best of my ability!

What brand and model do you have? I started with the bottom and am still working my way up! As you can see, I am a Loyal Brother user, simply because it was what I started on and I understand their temperament. My first machine (not shown, but still in use) LS-2125, next upgraded to the CE-4000. My serger is the 1034D, and this is my second embroidery machine PE-700. I had the Disney SE-270D, but a circuit card died and it was not cost efficient to replace it so I upgraded instead.
How long have you had it? I got my first machine in 2005, then I got my first embroidery machine a year later. I got all new machines last year.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? My CE-4000 was a refurbished machine from an Ebay dealer and was $95. My serger was a gift from my parents and was $250, and my most expensive is the embroidery machine which was $700.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Well...if I could direct your attention to the left of the screen, you will see my slide shows...I have tried pretty much EVERYTHING! :)
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I am a terrible procrastinator...so my machine gets a work out a couple of times a week. We are talking ALL DAY marathons to get things done! On weeks that I try to plan out, no less than 3 days a week.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? You know, my machines work pretty well, and when I get stuck on something I automatically think "Operator Error!". I do LOVE my serger, it is a time saver. I had difficulties with my machine when I was sewing with the elastic thread, I am convinced that it has something to do with the drop-in bobbin and I am going to try it again on my old machine to see if there is a difference. My embroidery machine...definitely LOVE/HATE!! We have needle issues, we have thread issues, we have tension issues. But sometimes I think that it all comes down to a design issue. I download a lot of "untested" designs which I really love AND they are free, but I think that has a little to do with certain problems that occur...you know everyday really is a learning process. This is why I am still in the "low-end" machines. I don't want to break a really nice expensive one, I am already scared to mess with my embroidery machine because of the cost!
What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love the threaders! I HATE to thread the machines manually. I don't know why because it is not that bad, I guess I am spoiled! I have to thread the serger all of the time, so I guess NOT having to thread my other machines is a bonus! But I do love that the serger cuts the fabric as it sews!!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? On my CE-4000, there is a button you have to push to backstitch, whereas on my other machine it was a lever and foot pedal action. I am not crazy about the button, it only does ONE backstitch at a time and is inconvenient to have to slow my roll to push that button a couple of times.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! My machines take a CONSTANT beating from my kids. They love to come in my sewing room and push buttons, pull threads, throw pedals... That might have been what happened to my first embroidery machine. I had to "fish" out a pair of tweezers from my NEW embroidery machine, TWO days after I got it! I'm not sure how they even got in it!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Most definitely! If you are a beginner sewer and don't have alot of money, I think Brother makes solid machines. Their instructions are clear and the manuals are okay. You can go to their website and download manuals for free. I also have an AWESOME dealer and even though I didn't get my sewing machines from him, he is always very helpful. I think he knows one day when I am ready to make that BIG purchase, I will come to him...well I sorta already did with my embroidery machine! Anyway, I am happy with what I have now, but I know that as my skills improve I will eventually upgrade to a more expensive machine...but I want to make sure I won't break it first!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Threading is a big deal for me, I would love an automatic backstitch, and maybe a bigger sewing area for quilting.
Do you have a dream machine? No, I try to stay ignorant about the greatness out there until I am ready to make a purchase! :)

WHEW! That took a lot out of me..hopefully I did ok, and if I didn't clarify myself please feel free to leave a comment, just try not to be too hard on me! :D Until later...