Hi there! This is a meme via Sew, Mama, Sew who is trying to compile a bunch of sewing machine reviews for a reference of sorts. I think it is a fantastic idea since shopping for a new machine is so difficult!

What brand and model do you have?

Brother CS-8060

How long have you had it?

Six years-ish?

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

I think full price it was $280 (but I only paid $180! Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I do love a good deal)

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

My machine has made everything from curtains and bags to costumes and quilts, but I predominantly make clothing.

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

My machine gets lots of love! I use it weekly at least, but usually more often. My kids use it occasionally as well, so it is definitely a sturdy workhorse.

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

I love my machine. It never breaks down (knock on wood) and I hardly ever have to troubleshoot it. It does have issues with certain lightweight fabrics, but it is great for everyday use.

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

I love the thread cassette on my machine. I’m not sure they make these anymore, but they had a line of machines that have special threading mechanisms that make threading it SUPER simple. You put the thread in the cassette and it does the threading for you. It has a lot of decorative stitches that I hardly ever use, but are nice to have when I need them.

I also love the drop-in bobbin! It also has a feature that allows you to decide where the needle will stop when you take your foot off the pedal (completely down or completely up). I LOVE this. If I’m doing applique, then I want the needle to end up in the fabric when I stop, but normally I like it to stop all the way up. I hardly ever have to touch the balance wheel.

Additionally, my machine has a separate bobbin threading mechanism that uses a separate spool of thread. It is totally fabulous because I hate stopping a project to pull out my thread and fill up a new bobbin.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Instead of numbered settings for stitch length and width it just has sliders and that really bugs. I like to know exactly what settings I’ve used in the past. Plus, these sliders (as seen above in that photo) have a little button and light next to them that turns that feature on or off and the light indicates whether it is in use or not. The button makes a cute beep and my 3 yr old loves pressing the button especially when I’m sewing. Bad news.

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!

My awesome husband bought me this machine as well as my serger! He totally supports my sewing “need” and I love him that much more for it.

Also, I love that this machine is pink. However, when I was buying it (on the internet) all I knew was that there were two options: blue and pink. I of course went for pink not knowing that it was a European model, whereas the blue was the US model. So my face plate under the presser foot has cm measurements. . .lol. The US measurements are there, but you have to look hard. I’m used to it now, but it is a bit hilarious. I think if I could do it over I’d still get the pink one:)

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

I personally ADORE my machine, but I’m afraid that when the specialized thread cassette goes south there won’t be anyone who knows how to fix it. Therefore, I would definitely suggest a Brother (I’ve owned another Brother model as well) but maybe not this particular model.

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

Durability and reliability! I also need the machine to run quietly (relatively) and smoothly so I don’t wake up the little ones when I sew. And absolutely NO embroidery crap on my machines. I do not want a mini PC embedded in my precious sewing machine.

Do you have a dream machine?

Someday I will own a Bernina and my life will be fulfilled.