A Husqvarna Viking machine joins my sewing family
Meet Ingrid
There’s a new girl in town. She’s sexy, sophisticated, and Swedish. I named her Ingrid.
Ingrid is a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 835. She was “born” somewhere around 2010 and my husband’s aunt Wanita purchased the machine shortly thereafter. Aunt Nita was a lively, exuberant personality, always ready for fun and adventure. I didn’t know her sewing habits , but she was impressed by the machine and took a few sewing classes. Maybe she wanted to quilt. Sadly, Aunt Nita passed away before she could use the machine much and it was given to my mother-in-law. In Norma’s spare bedroom it sat on top of her treadle sewing machine cabinet. Occasionally she would use the Husqvarna to hem slacks.
This Christmas, Norma gifted the machine to me. Ingrid joins me in my sewing studio with my other machines, Kendra (my 1970s vintage Sears Kenmore) and Joy (my mother’s machine, a 1990s Kenmore)
Learning Curve
It was love at first sight, but I’ll have to admit, Ingrid and I are taking some time to get to know each other. Finding the fifty-four page instruction manual online was a big help. After reading, I discovered the accessory tray snaps seamlessly into the back of the sewing surface. So Swedish. Now I have all the bobbins, presser feet, needles, tools, and instructions I’ll need…. I think.
When i first sat down to sew, I searched for the lever at the back of the machine to lower the presser foot. This is the way all my other machines work, but not Ingrid. To lower her presser foot (I discovered on page 18 of the manual) you press a button. It’s going to take me a while to get used to that.
My first attempts resulted in a mass of tangled thread on the underside of my fabric and a broken needle. Refering back to the manual, I discovered I had not threaded the machine properly and hadn’t snaped the presser foot on all the way. With corrections made, I practiced on a few simple things : face masks and book covers. As I gain more confidence, I want to try sewing with knit fabrics. There is a special needle and programed stitch setting for that.
I’m growing fond of Ingrid. She’s definitely an upgrade and I think Aunt Nita would be happy her beautiful machine is being used and appreciated.
Kendra is sulking in the closet right now, but she will always be my favorite. http://seamslikeastory.com/and-sew-on/ That old Kenmore and I have had lots and lots of sewing experiences together. I’ll be sure to keep her in good shape and take her out for a spin now and then!
Threads of Thought
Sewing is a great companion activity to my writing. Both challenge me creatively, but through different mediums. Through writing, I use words to paint pictures for my readers. When I sew, I can expiement with colors, textures, and construction challenges. Often when I’m stuck in my writing, I take a sewing break!
What types of creative endeavors do you enjoy?
To read more of my stories check out my book: Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life