In January 2010 I’m taking a beginning sewing class.  I guess they teach the Palmer/Pletsch method and we’re going to make an apron.  My sewing machine is a White-1717 that I bought in 1993.  It’s been largely dormant since the late 90’s, but it’s still in good working order. (I made a few dresses back then and actually wore them in public, but looking back on this I might have come across as slightly pathetic.)  Hmmm, so my machine is mechanical and not nearly as groovy as the Brother machines I saw last weekend.  Costco has a sweet deal on the Brother LB-6770.  It sews and embroiders.  I find myself thinking about the possibilities ALL the time.  I also think about the Innov-is 80 and the Innov-is 900.  The latter of those two also embroiders and it has a better connection for software updates.  But is the $200 price difference worth it?

So, I’m not looking to become a fashion designer by any means.  Mostly I want to learn some proper techniques so that I’m not overly dependent on the local tailor.  Maybe I’ll make a skirt or a slip that I can never find in the proper length at the stores.  I also would like to be able to make some crafts/items that I can give as gifts or to/for the holiday silent auction.  This is why I think the $400 Brother machine at Costco may be a better deal than the newer, $600 version at my local Sew & Vac.  Even as I type the next worrisome thought centers on if or when I’ll outgrow that machine too.  I wish this purchase decision wasn’t so hard.  Maybe I should get through the first 5 weeks of sewing class before committing to anything???