A New (Old) Sewing Machine!

I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote anything on this blog! It just seemed like it took too long to properly compose and format an entry that it was taking precious time away from activities such as sewing.

But here I am pining away for *other* people to write about their new sewing machines and projects that I figure *I* should write about my own projects instead! So here's my latest entry: a new (old) sewing and embroidery machine to add to my stable of fine sewing products - a Brother Pacesetter ULT 2001.



This baby is about 10 years old now, but had been used sparingly by its previous owner. Turns out she, like myself, is an avid Pfaff user! (Noting that my Pfaff has some features that are not duplicated or improved upon by this "new" Brother, it will likely remain as my sewing workhorse).

This ULT 2001 is really a fabulous machine - it is one of these 4-figure sewing machines that I just never envisioned shelling out the money for. But I could afford a 3-figure used machine! It is essentially a special-use computer. It does both sewing and embroidery. And having had an older Brother PE 700, I can tell you that the ULT is much faster and less noisy than the PE 700 when it comes to embroidery. It also has a myriad of sewing functions and the ability to create your own stitch patterns.

I haven't used this machine much yet (I just picked it up 4 days ago) and am looking forward to seeing how it shines vs. the Pfaff. I can already tell that there are a few things that I don't like - its regular zig-zag foot does not come with 1/4" and 1/8" seam allowances marked on it like the Pfaff's does. It also doesn't have thread plate markings in inches! (I have a replacement plate already on order that *does* have both inches and centimeters). It does have things like constant-speed sewing (fast, medium, and slow) which I may or may not like. And it has an adjustable pressure presser foot which is a feature I've been looking for.

Why did I buy this machine? It's not clear. As I've mentioned, it was a good deal for what I was getting. Did I have a need for it? No, but as I listened to my gut for a few days before even approaching the seller, I felt that it was important for some reason to-be-determined. I am completely comfortable with this purchase (which is important to me, these days).

So we'll see how it goes! I am happy to have added this machine to my stable of sewing machines!