I finally got an updated sewing machine after all these years!
 

After using a plastic Singer sewing machine and borrowing machines all of these years I finally got an updated sewing machine! I am so excited I can't stand it. I haven't been able to quilt for a couple of years except for a few small projects. I have been living vicariously through all of you quilters on the board. It is a machine that I got at an LQS. It was traded in for a higher level machine and I think I got a good deal on it. It is an Elna Quilter's Dream 7200. It comes with six hours of training classes and I am going to need every minute as I have never used a machine like this before. Maybe, after a few months of practice I will be able to post some pics of some real quilts. No one in my family understands how excited I am or why. I had to post because I know some of you will understand.

I do understand! Good for you and enjoy!

Especially an Elna. I have all kinds of Singers and other vintage sewing machines (I can't turn down a bargain at a yard sale, plus all my sisters are enablers). But I have been an Elna person since about 1960, love the quiet running efficient machines that every model is--my sisters also have Elnas and love them. My most recent purchase was an embroidery model that I think also can be used as a quilter, but since I have a LA, this one will be used exclusively for embroidery, if I can ever find the time to go and take the classes. Congratulations, enjoy it to the fullest.

Enjoy! I am happy for you!

Good for you!!! Enjoy!!!!!

I think Elnas are really good machines and will last a long time for you. Congratulations.

Congrats! Modern Elnas are great machines, they are made by Brother or Janome, depending on the model.

Cari

congrats on your new machine!!!

Congrats on the new machine. As a second machine I have an Elna 3007, it's an electronic sewing machine and is a real workhorse. I had it at my girlfriends house because we used to get together on weekends and sew but I just brought it home because my great nephew wants to learn how to sew.

Congratulations! It is fun to have a new machine and to learn all the little things it can do. Then comes the time when you ask yourself, How ever did I live without all these bells and whistles? Elna's are great machines, Enjoy!

I'm so happy for you! I had to Google the Elna 7200 to see what it looks like and all of its features. You will be in heaven sewing with it and it sounds like you deserve it! Congrats!!

How wonderful that you finally have a modern machine for sewing and quilting! Enjoy it and I'm sure the two of you will become best friends and have many happy years together!

Congrats on your new toy. Enjoy learning all the things you can do. We will be looking forward to seeing pictures of the things you make. Enjoy.

Really happy for you! I'm looking forward to pics of your creations!

I am wonderfully excited for you! Yay!!!

Oooo how lovely. Happy happy sewing

I love to read when folks get new machines. It's such a happy time. I hope you enjoy your machine and get a lot out of your class.

You're right about there being excitement for you on this end! I got a new machine (Janome 8900) after using my Viking for 36 years so know the new machine after a long time feeling. Enjoy and you'll have the time of your life. So happy for you.

Congrats, a new machine is so much fun and when you get a good deal (as you did) it is wonderful.

You got a real treasure there. Its just like the Janome 6500 but with a few enhancements. Both are work-horses with ALL the perks!! I especially like the metal exterior and the interface on the Elna is much easier. I had wanted one desperately but all were sold and gone so I wound up with the Elna 7300..i like it too but would've preferred the 7200!

Oh wow, that is very exciting!!! Congratulations, and have fun with your new toy. Can't wait to see pics.

Congratulations! Once you learn the ins and outs of your new baby you will be kicking yourself for waiting so long to get yourself a nice machine! Your post brought back memories of when I finally upgraded from my circa 1977 JC Penney machine (no idea who manufactured it) to my Bernina (I think I got it around 2000 or 2001). I was amazed at how much nicer my sewing experience was and my skills increased. I wondered why I waited so long.

My "back-up" machine is an Elna 7200. I've had it for several years and I still love it. It's much less finicky than my Bernina 820 and I often use it when I'm using thread the Bernina doesn't like. It has a good sized harp for quilting bed-size quilts and the alphabet letters are much prettier than the Bernina's. I use it to make all my labels. I recently purchased a light-weight Janome to take to classes and all the attachments are interchangeable with the Elna.

Congrats on your new machine! Have fun!

Check to ask how long are they going to warranty this DSM. When was it last serviced. Good Luck

The owners DH is the service specialist and he went over it recently. They gave me a one year warranty. They are really good people.

Yes, I am happy for you and I also understand the need to post here. We are all very, very happy for you. A good machine "makes all the difference in the world" as to your enjoyment and capabilities. If nothing else, it makes you excited to get in front of it and try different things!

When I got my first "higher end" machine in 2010, I joined this board and then discovered all the quilters blogs, etc. Wow. It's been a wild ride since then.

Santa came early to a very good person. Congratulations and remember to eat and sleep.

How cool is that! We do indeed understand. Happy stitching and playing with all the bits and pieces.

Well, Bless Your Heart! I am so happy for you, I can feel your joy and anticipation. My first really good machine was an Elna I bought in 1964, first free-arm I had ever seen. I still have that great machine and on occasion, if I have a tough sewing job to do, like four layers of upholstery fabric and one of latch hook canvas, out comes the trusty Elna to do the job. PS, I had to get a bank loan to buy that machine.

Happy for you. You will love it I'm sure and will be producing before you know it.

Sew excited for you. I have an Elna I purchased in the mid 90's and have been sew very happy. It has only been in the shop once for repairs, as my SIL took apart the bobbin case and could not get it back together. That was not the machines fault.
DH used it 2 days ago to repair a zipper, and its still wonderful.

Congratulations and enjoy! Loved 'hearing' your excitement! :thumbup:

I have an Elna 2006 that I purchased at a garage sale this summer and really like it. I use it to go on quilting retreats, etc as my Janome 6600 Professional is quite heavy and is computerized so don't like to be moving it around. I love my Janome for all its bells and whistles but also love the Elna for its simplicity and how nice it sews and purrs. Enjoy yours.

Very happy for you and hope you have many, many years of pleasure.

I am so happy for you. Exciting for sure and I know you will enjoy every stitch!

Oh, what fun! Enjoy your well-deserved new-to-you machine!

HAPPY for you, every woman needs a newer machine at some time or the other. Have fun learning to use yours. Happy quilting

Great for you to get a good sewing machine. Good Luck in all your sewing.

You are going to love that machine, I have a Excellence 740 Elna, it is a wonderful machine. This is my favorite machine to sew on. It is quiet and sews over anything any thickness I have put it through. Enjoy your new machine and I am proud for you,Happy sewing, Joy