Staff Picks: Best for Quilters & Crafters

In honor of National Sewing Month, we're celebrating by sharing our team's favorite tools and machines that have made sewing not only accessible but also incredibly enjoyable. Whether you're a novice just getting started or an experienced sewist looking to expand your toolkit, we've curated a list of top recommendations from our staff to inspire your next creative endeavor.

Who are you and what do you do at Singer? 

• Soni Grint and I am the Director of Education for North America.  What that means to me is I get to do the fun stuff - sew!  Part of my job is to help our retail partners learn about new products.  I also get to do videos and classes to share techniques on our websites. Plus a lot more.

What type of sewist are you (how long have you been sewing)? 

• I never say that I am an expert sewist because I am always learning.  I have sewn a lot for a long time.  That gives me experience that I think translates into knowledge.

What projects are you working on right now? 

• I have been making banners for the different seasons.  Placemats and napkins for special dinner parties.  I am also starting to make place cards to go with the placemats.

What Singer machine is great for your style of sewing/crafting?

• The SINGER® C5980Q Patchwork™ Plus Sewing & Quilting Machine is a fine machine for any sewist.  What makes it great for the crafter is all the decorative stitches.  I love to put flowers and hearts on bags, placemats, rugs - anything.  And as I am learning more about quilting, the feet that come with the Patchwork Plus are amazing!!!  The 1/4" piecing foot, walking foot and the decorative sewing foot for applique are all perfect for quilting. 

What feature of this machine makes your sewing easier? 

• It may sound simple but the speed control and needle down features are what I cannot live without.  I tend to be a "zoomer" or sew with the foot control to the floor.  The speed control stops me from sewing too quickly.  And the needle down feature acts like a third hand.  I can program the machine to stop with the needle in the fabric.  Then I don't have to worry about raising my presser foot and adjusting my project.

Words of Wisdom for Others 

• Everyone was a beginner once! Just because you see someone make a technique or project look easy - they have probably done it before. Don't be afraid to try.  It might not be quite right the first time, but you will progress and learn something from any mistake.  When I make a mistake, I know what to NOT do next time.