Brother CS7205 Computerized Sewing Machine with Wide Table, 150 Built-in Sewing Stitches, 1 Font, Wide Table, 11 Sewing Feet

I already have the Brother SE 1900 sewing/embroidery machine, and while it is pretty portable for what it is, I wanted something less expensive and a little smaller to take with me while I work on theatre costumes, etc. Plus, I've been having issues with the bobbin on my other machine - an easy fix, I'm sure, it's probably just overdue for a cleaning - but I needed a machine to have on hand as a backup. Additionally, once I get a sewing room set up, I'd love to have two machines so I don't have to switch back and forth from embroidery to sewing. I am spoiled by my Brother SE 1900, however, and knew I would just be frustrated by an entry level machine. My husband and I did a bit of research and bother landed on this machine. I love it. It's set up differently than the SE 1900 and a few of the features are a little more basic, but it has almost everything I love about the sewing parts of the more expensive machine. It has the adjustable speed switch and seems to see just as fast as my fancier machine. I haven't tried it on a very thick fabric yet, but it sewed through a big stack of seam allowances just fine. The needle threader is different and a little more finicky but I think I might just need to get used to it. It's still a lot nicer than doing it by hand. Threading the machine is a fairly simple process, as is using the high speed bobbin winder. The drop in bobbin case is easy to work out. The bobbin winder doubles as a base to insert a second spool to use a twin needle, which is included along with a nice variety of other accessories to get you going. This model has both the regular sized table for a compact footprint and easy portability as well as the long table to support larger projects, which is a nice touch. This is a little more expensive than a basic level machine, but it would make a perfect machine for beginners and they would not outgrow it for a long time. But it's definitely perfect for more experienced sewers who want a convenient and compact machine without sacrificing their sewing experience. I am so glad I paid a bit more for this machine. I have a few more things to work out, but I think I'm going to be happy with it for quite a while.