Some Sorta Special MeMe

So I was out and about in blogger land a couple of days ago checkin out my favs and I found this sewing machine meme over at Lauren's blog Bananas For Breakfast. I'm just now finding the time to post it.
It comes from Sew, Mama, Sew!, ( its Sewing Machine Month over there). I love memes and I just bought a new sewing machine so I'd love to tell you all about it! If you are in the market for a new or used machine and want to check out the reviews on it, Sew, Mama, Sew! would be the best place for that right now!

What brand and model do you have?

Babylock Esante (BLN) sewing/embroidery machine

This is what she looks like...gorgeous eh?

How long have you had it?

Bought it in March so about 3 months

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

Brand new, $2500 retail

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

Anything and everything I can get my hands on. Clothing for my children and online boutique, pillows, blankets, minky quilts, aprons, dress up clothes for the girls, bibs.....

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I sew every day. Here and there when I can get a minute away from the kids. Naptime, their bedtime at night till sometimes 2am. I think I hang out with it more than I do my hubby ;)

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I don’t have a name per say but I do call it a "she". She's my baby. She whispers in my ear to sooth me when I get stabbed by a pin, compliments me when I complete an embroidery project, doesn’t hold a grudge when I curse at her and most of all is a great professor of sewing. What more could I ask?

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I never thought I would love the automatic needle threading feature and the quick set drop in bobbin with sensor (it tells you when the thread is low). I cant tell you how much time these 2 features have saved me! I sometimes use several different colored threads and have to change both frequently.

I also love the embroidery feature. One reason I purchased this particular machine, it accommodates the large hoop (6x10) to embroider just about any size you want.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

I cant figure out how to tighten the bobbin casing to keep the elastic thread tight in the bobbin for shirring. (did that make sense to anyone or just me?) I've had to resort to using my old Kenmore for that. I'd love some tips on now how to do this!

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I started shopping for a new serger and embroidery machine in Jan and finally found what I wanted down at my local babylock dealer. My plan was to buy a machine that would last me awhile and I wouldnt have/want to upgrade a year from now. Come March, I was going get the Imagine (serger) and Ellure (a couple notches down from the Esante). They were both within my $2700 budget. Thank you Uncle Sam for holding onto my cash!

About a week into March my father calls me out of the blue which is totally normal for him. He tends to fall off the map for months at a time. Oddly enough we still have a great relationship. He asks how my business is going, I tell him about my soon to be investment, we talk about this and that, end of conversation. Or so I thought. 2 days later he calls me...

dad: go pick it up

me: pick what up

dad: your serger, its ready at the shop. Call Matt ....

.........dial tone........

yeah he's like that.

Long story short...he bought me the Imagine serger I wanted (wtf pops!) so I had more moola to put towards a better embroidery machine. Yes I choked at the counter when I bought it, it was hard to part with that amount of money just for a lil ol machine.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

If you can afford it buy it! Its got all the bells and whistles you will ever need and then some. Great for general sewing, quilting and advanced embroidery. I am very happy with my decision.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Longevity...will it last longer than two years and what kind of warranty does it have.

Do you have a dream machine?

This is my dream machine. I started out with a $50 Kenmore with no bells or whistles. Unless they come up with something that does all the work of cutting patterns for me, I’m good.