March of the Tool: Janome HT2008

I’ve had 3 sewing machines so far in my life. I started out on a used Singer that my dear Nannie got for me at her senior center’s swap shop back in 1993. I didn’t know anything about sewing or using a sewing machine. It was a mid-1970’s model — not the most reliable gadget — but it taught me the basics. That first Christmas with my machine, I toiled away making dozens of handmade gifts. I picked up velvet scraps at the fabric store and made little apple-shaped red velvet pincushions. I made my mother an oversized Christmas tree skirt with cherub dotted fabric and gold rope-piping trim (yes, that was in style back then). I was constantly figuring and scheming, making up my own patterns since I didn’t know how to read a real pattern. Our extra bedroom became a sewing room/study. It was a sweet time. I had no idea what I was doing but I loved every minute of it.

Two years later when we moved to Dallas, I decided it was time to upgrade and take some basic sewing classes. So I picked up a wonderfully sturdy used Bernina 930. Fantastic machine, did everything I wanted it to. For some odd reason that machine broke needles on almost every project. It was also incredibly heavy; I really struggled toting it to and from the sewing shop for my weekly lesson. My first pregnancy in 1998 hurled me (yes, there was alot of hurling) into serious sewing and nesting mode. I made bumper pads, baby quilts, flannel receiving blankets, etc. After my daughter was born I slid into my simple-shapes-sewing mode. We moved to Virginia and I focused on sewing projects for our new home, curtains mostly, but a few valances and tablecloths. Once I had my son in 2001, my sewing slowed to a crawl. My days were spent growing my freelance design business, balancing volunteer work, homemaking and two little ones. I’d slipped into necessity-sewing-only mode. That’s basically where I’ve stayed since.

Until last year, that is. Inspired by my wonderful neighbor and soul-sister Bonnie (who by the way is an incredible seamstress) and my very talented friend Debbie (who makes lovely colonial period clothing at nouveauchic), I put my Bernina on ebay and bought myself a brand new machine! For those of you that know me, I’ve got quite a reputation for doing an annoying amount of homework before I buy anything. I looked at Bernina again, both new & used, but couldn’t justify the price. Then I discovered Janome. Quiet, modern, lightweight, easy to use and affordable. I was sold. My Janome Heart Truth sewing machine is wonderful. It has an exclusive Superior Feed System, 3 different 1-step buttonholes and 50 unique stitches. I love how easy it is to use. The LED display and settings are incredibly easy to navigate. Changing out feet is a snap, literally! It doesn’t have a ton of bells & whistles but plenty for me right now. I wanted a machine that I could gel with and stretch my skills, but also one that was simple enough for my daughter to learn on. Sewing is fun again, thanks to this fabulous tool from Janome :-)