Reviews By H. Erickson-Sander : Date September 2, 2011
Okay, here's the thing. I've spent the last several years happily sewing along with my Huskystar E20 by Husqvarna. It's a basic machine, but it got the job done. Really, I was happy, but I had no idea what I was missing out on. When I was recently upgraded to this Singer Quantum Stylist machine, I was at first skeptical of the computerized side of it and slightly concerned it would be too much machine for me: a beginner seamstress.
When the machine arrived I couldn't wait to try it out, I opened it immediately and carefully read through the manual (which is surprisingly simple for a machine with so many features). I wound the bobbin and threaded the machine while reading the instructions on how to do so very carefully - it's just a tad different than your basic machine where the spool sits on top. Once I got all set up with some brown thread and a white dish towel to practice on, I slowly pushed down on the pedal and - WOW.
"It sews like magic!!!" I exclaimed, and my husband laughed. And then I went crazy trying out all the features that were new to me, since I formerly only owned a very basic machine. I was shocked at how smoothly and quietly this Singer machine runs. The computerization of it is simple and easy to get the hang of.
Since receiving the machine a few weeks ago now I've completed more sewing projects than I've ever done in my life. This machine is wonderful and makes me feel more like a professional than a beginner (which I am!) I've always used sewing machines, I grew up doing projects on my mom's now-vintage Singer, but I've never really gotten into it. Now with this machine, I'm always excited for that next new project. I love sewing!!! WITH my SINGER, that is.
I understand that there are many machines on the market with the same or at least similar features, this isn't the only machine that can wow a beginner who's just moving up from the most basic machine. BUT, if you are someone looking to invest in a nicer machine with more features, I can definitely recommend THIS one! And if you're someone like I *used* to be, who doesn't think you NEED a fancy machine and that your basic one is just fine - think again. I'm sold!
My favorite part is that even through all the projects I've completed already, I haven't had this machine jam at all. Not. Even. Once. This is new to me.
Reviews By J. C. McDermott : Date April 16, 2012
First of all, I wanted to point out that this machine comes with the value added accessory package as well as the hard case and extension table. You will see that advertised on other websites, but the Amazon description does not state it. So it was a very pleasant surprise to open the box and see those accessories included.
As for the machine, you really could not get a better deal for your money. I'll admit, I've been pretty leery of Singer in the past few years and have several sewing machines. I'm actually replacing a computerized Kenmore with this one and know that I made an excellent choice. The features on this machine are outstanding. The fact it has an automatic thread cutter was enough to get me to buy this. The stitch quality is excellent and the monograms come out perfect. Selecting your stitches is as easy and adjusts the stitch length and width along with tension, automatically. But you do have the choice to set those yourself as well and that is not hard to do. Another feature that is not mentioned is the fact the machine has dual lighting on the bed. So not only is the area where the presser foot lit, but also the bed of the machine. It lights up the whole area very well. You normally find this only on high end machines.
For $329, you just can't go wrong.
Reviews By Book Fan : Date July 26, 2011
PROS -- Automatic thread tension, thread cutting, stitch lock-down. Has lots of stitch patterns including decorative and alphabets, many accessories and presser feet included, foot-pedal not required (good for disabled), no lubrication needed.
CONS -- No automatic bobbin winding or threading. Numerous letters and decorative stitches may be bloatware, depending on your sewing needs; confusing stitch terminology in the manual. There is no memory to save sequences of character/decorative stitches which you define.
[ETA: comments from a Singer repair tech about WHAT NOT TO DO added, see the very end of this review.
Reviews By Serene : Date August 3, 2007
Electric Quilt 6 upgrade only works if you have the previous version installed. If you do not, you need to purchase the full version not the upgrade.
EQ6 makes if fast and easy to create blocks and add them to your library. I particularly like the help videos they have included. They have expanded the paper-pieced library to include some cute & fun items such as vegies, beach scenes and more animals. With the expanded fabric library its easier now more than ever to make your quilts look just right.
EQ6 is an essential quilters tool. My one peeve with it is that they do not offer downloadable expansions from their website, and creating layouts is still a little awkward.
Reviews By Cecelia : Date September 20, 2009
I had a hard time with this program at first because it didn't have the Adobe software interface I'm familiar with (Illustrator, etc.). It has its own rules for rotating, copying, etc.
2 days go I embarked on creating a Storm at Sea quilt from a picture that I liked. In the process, I really learned how EQ works. My conclusion: It's a great quilt design playpen. It moved me to write this review.
Within the program there are tutorial videos and there are more on the EQ website, and on youtube. I'm a visual learner. Once I see it, I get it. Then if I need more details the manual makes sense to me.
The quick design changes I was able to make would have taken ages in Illustrator. The program goes much deeper than I initially thought.
Today I imported pictures of appliques I liked, then traced over them (the bezier tools are more intuitive than Illustrator) and created my own applique blocks. Then saved them to an applique block library I created.
So if you're intimidated, well, so was I, but once you dig in, it's really fun and opens up a world of possibilities. I would have given it 4 stars, because the interface is slightly clunky compared to design software. But what it does, it does so very well. Ya just gotta make friends with it.
Reviews By mom of three boys : Date July 29, 2008
I'm having so much fun with this program. It's tutorial and book make it very easy to learn. As a matter of fact, my 6 year old has been designing quilts with it. It's a program that will grow with me as the complexity of my projects increase.
Reviews By Larry Diehl : Date December 13, 2012
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Reviews By J. Bass : Date July 25, 2010
Up until I got these handy gadgets, I had generally avoided making pom-poms. Now that I have these, I'm back in love with pom-poms.
Using cardboard as my base was tricky, because the cardboard sometimes bent if it wasn't stiff enough or it would snag the yarn as I tried to remove the yarn from the cardboard.
I've also used the Lion Brand donut-shaped pom-pom makers, which work well, but looping the yarn through the center of the makers can be tedious, because you can't do it in one fluid wrapping motion as you can using a cardboard "maker".
So along comes the Clover pom-pom makers using the best of both worlds....1) fluid wrapping of yarn and 2) ease of removing the pom-pom. Not only that, it has a way of indicating when you have wrapped enough yarn...you simply fill up the C-shaped "arms". No more wimpy-looking pom-poms.
Reviews By C. M. Petee : Date February 13, 2011
I hated making pom-poms but now I just whip out this handy tool and I have a pom-pom in minutes. This size maker makes perfect sized pom-poms for baby hats. Haven't used the smallest sized that comes in the package but I'm sure it works fine. Keep your instructions. Although it's easy to use, if you haven't used it in a while you'll spend a lot of time flipping it open and over and trying to figure out how it works. Being a notions/gadget collector for sewing and knitting(like some women and thier shoes) I've yet to find a Clover product that hasn't met my quality and usefulness standards.
Reviews By Denice J. Johnson : Date April 6, 2012
What an awesome invention. Makes pompom's so much easier to make and more perfect in appearance. I would suggest anyone who likes the look of pompom's to get this.
Reviews By Robbin's Nest : Date February 7, 2012
I nearly didn't purchase this cover because of the review that said that it was just a piece of cloth that lays over the board. When I received mine, I initially thought that Richard was right. But upon a quick examination I found two draw strings that enable you to tighten this cover to any size, and snug it up nicely. I'm very happy with the purchase. As a sewer, I appreciate the grid markings on it, and the fact that it is not the typical silver reflective ironing surface that is the worst thing for tailoring and garment shaping. The duck cloth will absorb the extra steam, rather than send it back up into the garment, keeping it wet. Overall, I'm happy with the product.
Reviews By cam : Date June 15, 2012
The was perfect, I have an old house with a built in ironing board, this cover was long enough. I had a hard time finding one.
Reviews By Joni Strother : Date February 20, 2011
Without the size of the ironing board this cover fits, I cannot buy this. The description needs to be much better.
