I'm sure several of you are familiar with roaming the isles of your favorite craft stores even though you have seen everything they have to offer. You think, well, maybe they will have something new this week! Often times, that's not the case (at least for me) but every once in a while you peek around just the right corner! Well, a few weeks ago, that was what happened to me. There were 5 little boxes on the very top shelf of a back end cap (talk about treasure hunting). I got on my tippy toes and pulled down this cute looking mini sewing machine. It's called Sew Crafty Mini and is made by Provo Craft. The first thing I always look for is the price, $9.99. I had a 40% coupon to burn, so into my cart it went. I know that it might not be as easily available to some of you so can also find this at Scrapbook Supercenter, Ritz Camera, and Scrapbooks.com.When I opened the box and pulled the machine out, the first thing I did was notice the piece of material that was under the needle along with a warning label reminding you to remove items carefully:
The next thing I did was put in 4 AA batteries. I sewed a little on the piece of material before pulling it out and it seemed to work really well. However, they were thin pieces.The directions were detailed and also included several ways to form knots. There was also a 'Quick Start Guide' with step by step pictures included as well as a troubleshooting section. In my opinion they didn't lack in guiding me through the process.
Now, it was my turn to try it out. Since it was already threaded, the process started quickly. I placed my project under the needle, lowered the presser foot, and pushed in the power button (there is no petal since it is a 'mini'). You can press the button in slightly so all you have to do is let your finger off to stop, or you can press it completely in so you have both hands to guide what you're working on. Both options are the same speed, the latter just lets you sew with a 'hands free' option.
Here are my samples using this machine. In both cases I was sewing through 2 sheets of heavyweight paper and didn't have a problem at all.
Included in the box also were 2 extra bobbins (one with white thread and one with black), an extra needle, a threader, and bobbin thread rod. If you'd like more of a selection, Provo Craft also makes a 25 pack of threaded bobbins in various colors, including extra needles in the pack. Although I have not tested it, the separate pack of bobbins look just like ones that go into a regular sewing machine. Therefore, if you have bobbins threaded already for your regular machine, those should work on this as well.
Pros
- Less than $10
- Small and lightweight
- Option of cord or batteries
- Only does straight stitch
- Doesn't work great with material
- Can only stitch 2 inches into paper
- No light
In the end, I can't say that I am 'impressed' with this product, but I don't regret buying it either. It's nice to have handy if I am just wanting a straight stitch and changing the bobbin is quick and easy. If something goes horribly wrong with this machine I can throw it in the trash without cringing. After all, I spend more at a trip to McDonald's than I did on this.
What do you think? Do you have this machine? Please share your experience!
