Singer 3810

~~ The Company ~ 'Tailor-made' ~~

160 years of innovative, quality and reliability in sewing machines! In 1850, Under license from John A. Lerow. Orson C. Phelps of Boston was manufacturing sewing machines. The Lerow and Blodgett machine was not practical, having fundamental flaws.

Isaac Merritt Singer, after examining the machine, 11 days and forty dollars later, completed his invention of the world's first state of the art sewing machine; Singer conceived the idea of using a treadle like that of a spinning wheel; all other contemporary machines used a hand crank to generate power. Four years later, Singer becomes the world's largest sewing company.

In 2001 Singer celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Singer again launched the world's most advanced home sewing and embroidery machine: the QUANTUM XL-5000. The machine offers state of the art features such as a fully automated re-threading system, wind-in-place bobbin winding system, and the next generation of Professional Sew-Ware, making it the most powerful and user-friendly system on the market.

~~ The product under review ~ 'A stitch in time saves nine' ~~

The first time I was introduced to a sewing machine was as a child. My mum's sewing machine was called Jones; I thought that meant it belonged to the next door neighbours as their surname was also Jones! Not the sharpest knife in the draw!

When I got married I acquired a Singer machine which I loved. Through transport from home moving it got too damaged to be repaired. Over the last decade, I've borrowed sewing machines to get by. Then I was offered a second hand Singer machine. I was thrilled as my initial experience of this brand is quality & reliability.

Clearly viewed on the seated eye level strip notes the 10 varied Built-In Stitches and with 22 stitch functions, enables some pretty creative sewing techniques. Unfortunately for me, my sewing abilities are similar to my cooking, an acquired taste! My use of the sewing machine is based upon only two stitch choices, straight & the first setting on zig zag. I use my machine primarily for hemming & simple joining of materials e.g. cushions. But I have seen my friend use an array of other stitch variability's with stunning results.

Fortunately for me, the machine is simple to operate; with an easy built in needle threading system with automatic needle-thread tension, taking me just a minute ir two to set up Additionally, a horizontal thread feed for improved stitching and the priceless little gem, Singer's illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet covering everything from the basics to highly detailed imaginative sewing. I relied on the manual heavily in the early days!

I'm happy to say that I manage the manual thread cutting myself! The machine has a convenient top drop-in bobbin. The machine weights 15 lbs which is fairly heavy but not too cumbersome to move from one surface to another and ensuring the durable hard plastic cover is securely attached will protect the machine's working instruments. I would transfer the machine from the lounge to the dining area often, so the lighter weight is a plus! The dimensions are 15"Length x 7"Width x 12.25" Height.

Not that I use these functions but features includes a built-in one-step buttonholer for easy buttonhole sewing and a two-needle position selector for attaching zippers and top stitching.

I'm a nervous sewer when it comes to operating electrically automatic machines, but this has a safety conscious quick release pedal; 6-second foot pedal for gently maintaining or changing speeds. This Singer has a push-button reverse sewing for neat seam-ends; i used this on all sewing task as it helps to secure the stitches too. The machine has a practical bright sewing light which I find great for evening task; I generally used the machine in the evenings when the house was quiet!

I love the machine's useful work surface with accessory storage too, which slides off for free-arm sewing. For safety and practical reasons, i stored all needles, bobbins and some thread in the compartment.The device has a pressure system for all fabric types which automatically adjusts the pressure for sewing on fabrics from the lightest silk to the heaviest denim; of which i found myself sewing often through my children's playful antics!

Included in the sewing machine's accessories are a pack of needles, 4 bobbins, 2 spool caps which are round discs that hold the spool of thread in place during sewing and prevent dropped stitches. Also included is a lint brush/seam ripper. The brush can be used for cleaning the machine. It is simple to maintain but I employ a sewing machine specialist to carry out maintenace annually on the machine costing £26 per year.

The machine's other practical features encompasses a button foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot and blind stitch foot. The machine even has its own little screwdriver.

The Singer 3810 sewing machine is still available on-line, mostly through 'factory services' & social outlets such as Amazon and EBay for around £120+ Even replacement tools can be purchased at fairly affordable prices.

This is a reliable, sturdy well-functioning machine. But as there are now many more up-to-date technically advanced innovative models on the market, I'd recommend investing in one of these. The 'Battery life' application rate isn't applicable as the machine is electrically operated but the review publishing facility wouldn't enable me to move on without rating on this feature!

Summary: A machine that stands the test of time, but umpteen contempory machines out dates this model