What brand and model do you have? I have a Husqvarna Viking Sew Easy 350 Computer

How long have you had it? Since August 1998 (11 years)

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? It was purchased for $630.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I have used my machine to sew clothing, curtains, chair cushions, gifts, purses, dolls clothing, etc. as well as for quilting. It has probably been used them most for sewing children’s clothing and costumes.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? My sewing comes and goes in surges. My machine gets used the most before holidays and less in the summer when I spend time gardening. I would say that I nearly always have a project in the works though.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I have been very happy with this machine. I haven’t named her though.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love the buttonhole feature. I also love all the presser feet that I can use with it. I have the 6 standard feet that came with the machine and I have added the free motion, walking, hemming and pintuck feet to my collection. It is very easy to thread and I like the drop in bobbin. It has a few nice embroidery stitches that are fun options though I use them very infrequently.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I now wish that it had a longer arm for quilting but that certainly isn’t the machine’s fault. I didn’t quilt when we bought it. I would say that the machine’s greatest fault is temperamental tension. It seems that tension is the only problem that I ever have with it though and I can eventually adjust it correctly.

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 sewing machine was the first big purchase that my husband and I made together after getting married. We had only been married a month before we bought it! I convinced him that I needed it to sew curtains for the two whole windows in our apartment and that it would save us money in the long run. I don’t think he has ever regretted the purchase. I knew he was a keeper!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I don’t think that this model is sold any more since the machine is 11 years old. I would recommend the brand to others though because my machine has been a real work horse. I hate to be parted with it so it has seen very little by way of service and yet it keeps chugging along. It is also very intuitive. I have rarely had to turn to the manual in order to figure out how to do something.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I think it is important to buy a machine that you can bring to your local non chain store for servicing and assistance. You also need to really think about how you sew and what your actual needs are.

Do you have a dream machine? At this point, my dream machine would simply be newer with a few bells and whistles that my machine does not have. I would love one with an automatic back stitch and thread cutter. I would also like a longer arm for quilting. Someday I think I might like embroidery capabilities.