Reviews

I bought this machine a year ago. I have several machine (8) and this is the one I carry to the Sit-n-Sew, and to the quilting classes. I love it! It has everything you need right out of the box. I sew every day and this is what I use. I have used this machine to piece 7 quilts to date. (I am a hand quilters, so that does not figure in). I bought it because of the price and the handy self-threader feature. This is a great machine for beginers and for seasoned sewers. I have been sewing since I was 6 years old, that over 40 yeras! This machine is light and portable, yet it is easy to use and has every stich you would want in a sewing project. I love the auotmatic feature, I don't have to set up the pedal just to blindhem a pair of pants. Just press the button...and it sews!I make clothes for my granddaughter, and my 13 year old son. I make drapes, quilts, the occassional wedding dress,and lots and lots of crafts. This is the machine I use. Check out my blog to see some of the things I have sewn in the past year...all done on this machine! [...]

My wife looked at many machines at many stores. This Brother model best met her needs. We compared prices at many stores and websites. Amazon had best price and most "extras", including free shipping. Machine arrived in perfect shape. Machine works very well. Wife very happy with it.

I read all of the reviews for this machine before I bought it and I was a little nervous because it looks like there were quite a few lemons out there. My machine works like a dream! I had been using my mom's old sewing machine that was as old as I am and started to smell hot after a little while so I would have to take a break whether I wanted to or not. My new Brother CS6000I is just amazing! It almost seems to work it's self! In the very short time that I have had it I have made both of my girls pajama pants, the baby now has a few pinafores and a cute little jacket. With the jacket there were a couple places where there were 4 layers of home decor fabric and 1 layer of quilting fabric and the machine had no problem powering through it. I simply love this machine! Oh and don't worry about buying a case for this model because it comes with a cover! (and lots of tools and different feet) And threading it to sew was SO FREAKIN EASY! And the needle threader is great to have, too. I am just in love with this machine!!!

I am happy with this miachine. My only complaint would be that I cannot figure out how to use the automatic needle threader. I wish there was a video to demonstrate its use.

This is the greatest computerized sewing machine you will ever get for your money!!! I did my research on line and found this machine rated as one of the top machines. It has all the bells and whistles -- self-threading, quilting arm, thread cutter, and even catches it's own bobbin thread! I'm not a die-hard sewer, but like to dabble with small projects. My old machine made all my projects so difficult. This machine makes it a snap! You gotta get this machine if your in the market for a new sewing machine!!!

Reviews

I bought this as a beginner's machine, and so far it has worked great. Threading the machine is super easy and the bobbin just drops in. My only problem is that it goes too fast! It has a pedal, but if you try to press lightly it only makes a noise like it's revving up, then away it goes! Once it starts up you can slow it down, but there's no initial ease into the stitch. I bought a magnetic seam guide which helped greatly with keeping the stitches straight. It doesn't come with a case, though, so you have to buy one separately. Definitely worth the price and delivered very quickly, but I will probably upgrade once my skills improve.

Bought it for my wife and she absolutely loves it. She is new to sewing and finds the machine easy to use and has already made a ton of blankets, curtains, etc. At the price especially, you will not be disappointed. She raves about this thing. It works well, bobbins are easy to change, and the foot powered switch is handy. My wife highly recommends this machine! Be a good hubby and buy one for your wife. And have her get a sammich while she's at it!

The package showed up at the perfect time. It was properly packaged and met all my expectations. I am very pleased w/ my purchase (1st time buyer). I ended up coming to Amazon for my sewing machine because the one that I originally bought off E-bay wound up being a pain since the seller sold it twice then went on vacation! So this turned out great.

This machine is BRAND NEW but even with the manual, I cannot find out why the sewing machine will sew part of the button hole and not the rest of it! I have been sewing with Singers for over 30 years--was excited about the one-step buttonhole feature on this. I can't find a help number, called a local sewing machine repair shop only to be told that they don't help with machines they don't sell. Be careful buying a machine online!!! Just not impressed with the level of service after the sale on this item.

This is a good sewing machine for the price. We have had no trouble with it at all and it is pretty simple to use.

Reviews

I searched high and low in my town, then went on line and here they are, Very fast delivery and very well satisfied.

and easy to order. I've had a hard time finding the right bobbins in the store, but when I was able to order them by identifying the machine, I worried no more. Now I don't need to empty a bobbin to fill it with the right color! Always good to have lots in stock!!

After a lengthy evaluation process I decided on the Brother CS600i machine. It has been simple to use, the stitch quality is superb for my stitching needs. Just wish I had more time to use it.

The description says these bobbins are compatible with ALL brother PS machines and they are not.

Product is just as described - very quick delivery and no extra charge for shipping. Recommended.

Reviews

Absolutely stunning CD. Refined and delicate. Music typical somewhat of the mid 1800s with a modern classical feel occasionally. Enjoyable listening/intriguing/exciting/relaxing. A piano lover's must-have.

Blind tom is so awesome! When youn listen to his music you can actually see what you hear. For example, Rainstorm, you can just imagine yourself lying in bed one night when suddenly you hear the sweet trinkle of rain fall to your windows. Then out of no where you hear storm clouds and lightening , just to come back to the serene droplets serenading your dreams. I recommend this to any pianst who loves dynamics!

I, too, saw the interview with John Davis on Nightline and ordered the album. This is wonderful music, stirring, descriptive, evocative and beautiful. John Davis'interpretive and technical skills bring it to glorious life. The album begs to be played and over and over, and contrary to becoming tiresome, becomes more beautiful and meaningful with repetition.I should think that no music lover could hear it without becoming fascinated with the melodies, the cadences and without a doubt, the history behind it all. Where did this beautiful music come from? And did Blind Tom play it with the sensitivity that we hear in John Davis' presentation?Fourteen of Blind Tom's compositions played by John Davis is not enough. Mr. Davis - more, please!

I first heard about this story on ABC's UpClose; an interview with the pianist, John Davis, about the life of Blind Tom Wiggins, the composer of this beautiful, lilting music. John Davis researched the Georgia slave and possibly savaunt musical prodigy of the mid 1800s, and came up with as many as 100 compositions this blind man wrote. Mr. Davis played a few pieces on the show and I knew I had to have the CD. Since I enjoy semi to classical music on the order of Chopin, Mozart, Offenbach and Ragtime music by Scott Joplin, and others, I had goose bumps when I heard the whole CD. You want to hum, tap your feet, and just take in this mans' melodic music. There is a little bit of Chopin and Joplin intermixed and I thought the sound of the piano and pianist were excellent. One should know the story of this composer and realize what he went through; but there's also a happy ending of sorts. I am just a consumer, but I recommend this CD highly.

John Davis plays Blind Tom is a composition you can put in your computer - surf the web, relax in leisure when listening, admire, feel good about, or just plain loose yourself in the music. One of my favorite music CD's. When I wish to listen to great music composed by a true master of the piano, Thomas Wiggins, I find this CD greatly satisfying. I find track 14. Reve Charmant--Nocturne especially relaxing. Of course, "Battle of Manassas" and "The Rainstorm" are synonymous with Blind Tom and these are his most popular compositions. I was surprised to find on this CD many other great songs; I had previously not had the pleasure of hearing. Oliver Galop is a short, energetic song with youthful rhythm. Cyclone Galop is the style and creativity only of Tom. Included with the CD is a booklet, which provides good detail of information of Tom's life. The first history of Tomas Wiggins provided is written by John Davis, a well-written short story, others include Ricky Jay, Oliver Sacks, and finally Amiri Baraka. For the most part forgotten in American history, Blind Tom's music is truly inspiring. I greatly admire Tom's music creativity, not to mention John Davis's recreation of this unique music. I rarely purchase classical music although this CD was unexpectedly surprising. I cannot express myself enough about the quality of this recording. I would love to witness more of Tom's compositions reintroduced. A great compilation of fine music, bravo!

Reviews

Have you ever wondered about the songs which were dropped out-of-town from your favourite musicals? LOST IN BOSTON recreates some of the lost pieces from such classic musicals as "Peter Pan", "110 in the Shade", "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The King & I". Using the original musical arrangements wherever possible, musical director James Stenborg and album producer Bruce Kimmel have assembled a glorious feast for the serious musical theatre fans; with some of the most talented Broadway performers singing material that, quite literally, hasn't been heard or performed in years. Highlights would have to include "Waiting", a fascinating piece cut from "The King & I", which explores Anna's frustrations of adapting to a new country, and trying to finagle a meeting with the elusive King. This dizzily-scored trio is performed by Judy Kaye (Mrs Anna), Ron Raines (The King) and Lee Wilkof (The Kralahome). "Just Fine", "Sweetriver", and "Flibbertigibbet"; all cut from "110 in the Shade". Sally Mayes does an incredible job as Lizzie Curry, and these three numbers would have added some more layers to the character. "When I Went Home" (from "Peter Pan"). This was one of the numbers written before Betty Comden and Adolph Green came on board to save the show from inexperienced songwriters Moose Charlap and Carolyn Leigh. It's a very tender and rueful ballad, sung by Peter about what happened when he returned from Neverland only to discover his parents had another baby. It's presumed this number would have sat in the spot which "Distant Melody" now occupies. Michelle Nicastro gives a heartfelt performance as Peter Pan. LOST IN BOSTON also features fascinating material from "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", "Fiorello!", "Fiddler on the Roof", "West Side Story", "Chicago", "Once on This Island", "Promises, Promises", "Silk Stockings", "The Happy Time", and "Annie Get Your Gun". For the serious fans of Broadway musicals, this disc will be a much valued and appreciated addition to your collection.

I love all The Lost in Boston 's, and this one is no exception. It's to bad most people will never have a chance to hhear all these great songs. I understand that they're not used because of time or may often slow a scence down. But as a piece of music they can all stand alone. I have all the Lost series on my i-Pod and enjoy them as I garden. Thanks for giveing us the chance to hear what could be Lost forever. Edmund Arredondo

This is the first of four CDs that contain recordings of songs that for one reason or another were cut from their shows. Highlights include: From 110 DEGREES IN THE SHADE: "Sweetriver" - replaced in the show by "Love Don't Look Away", parts of the melody appear in "Everything Beautiful Happens at Night". "Flibbertigibbet" - became "Raunchy" in the musical. The music is pretty much the same, but the lyrics are a bit different. From THE KING AND I: "Waiting" - Anna sings her frustration of being kept waiting for weeks to see the King. This song was cut after the premier of the show in New Haven. From FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: "Dear, Sweet Sewing Machine" - A lullaby sung at the start of the second act by the tailor and Tzeitel. Cut because audiences in previews just didn't respond. From WEST SIDE STORY: "Like Everybody Else" - a short fugue for the delinquents A-Rab (the "Shrimp"), Baby John (the young one) and Anybodys (the girl) intended to lighten up the first act. This song was edged out by "Gee, Officer Krupke". From PETER PAN: "When I Went Home" - a ballad sung by Peter about the time he tried to go back to his old life, and found everyone had moved on. Seems to have been replaced by the lullaby "Distant Melody". From ANNIE GET YOUR GUN: Annie's song about keeping her ego in check when she sees herself on the larger-than-life poster advertising the show. Cut possibly because the melody was too challenging to sing. Other tracks on this CD include songs cut from CHICAGO, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, PROMISES PROMISES, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, FIORELLO!, SILK STOCKINGS and THE HAPPY TIME. If you enjoyed this CD, you must check out the other three in the series. Also, the same label, Varese Sarabande, has a series and a few composer albums of UNSUNG MUSICALS.

I'm not usually one to buy a CD for just one track...but in this case, I have to admit, that's precisely what I did. Anyone who has seen the musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND or had a chance to listen to its soundtrack will be won over. The idea that there were songs cut from this marvelous, "every song is a winner" album, was just impossible for me to resist. And WHEN DANIEL MARRIES in this CD does not disappoint. La Chanze's voice is absolutely marvelous. And the bonus? The other tracks are pleasing and fun for any Broadway buff: Liz Callaway's HONEY from Merrily We Roll Along is musically winning. I also liked the songs cut from GYPSY and FLOWER DRUM SONG. For an impulsive buy, I was completely rewarded. I have also ordered the other CD in the series for the ONCE ON THIS ISLAND song, DOWN FROM THE TREE...which also carries a Liz Callaway song. For musical enthusiasts, this series is a nice collector's item...and something to play on a rainy day.

This CD is the first in a fine series of four releases consisting of songs cut from well-known musicals. Just about any successful musical has had songs cut from it, not always because the song wasn't good, but because it no longer fit the show as updated, or a character or scene was cut (the booklet explains why each song was removed from its show). The songs are all good, some better than others or course, and the performances are wonderful. My favorites are "Ten Percent" (cut from Chicago), "Come Down from the Tree" (Once on this Island), "An English Music Hall" (Mystery of Edwin Drood), and "Take it in your Stride" (Annie Get Your Gun). Bruce Kimmel was smart in using show singers instead of pop singers. I recommend the entire series. This one's a great start and a fine addition to any show music collection.

Reviews

One of the more intriguing concepts in improvised performance, "Maldoror" is a set of ten improvisations for solo cello inspired by the poetic novel LES CHANTS DE MALDOROR by Comte de Lautreamont. Producer Michael Montes selected evocative passages which were placed in front of cellist Erik Friedlander, who improvised based on the passages in front of him. I have to confess only limited familiarity with the source material, apparently it is a surrealist examination of good and evil and was a strong influence on Surrealist and Dada art movements, but an impression of the material can be found excerpted in the liner notes for this release. For any unfamiliar with Erik Friedlander, he is an extraordinary virtuoso cellist with that rare gift of being able to slide into any number of environments, equally adept at composition, interperetation and improvisation. Best known for his association with downtown New York figurehead John Zorn and as a member of the Masada String Trio, Friedlander also has a nice body of solo works. Perhaps the greatest of Friedlander's gifts on the instrument, moreso than technical skill, is his ability to convey emotion through is instrument. Nowhere is this more readily apparent then opener "May It Please Heaven"-- a high evocative exposition on darkness, of a feeling of dark foreboding for what follows. Reading the associated passage, one can be certain this was the goal. As the album continues, Friedlander displays an extraordinary diversity in his performance, equally able in pizzicato and arco, whether putting forth a gentle insistence (pizzicato "O Stern Mathematics", gently fingerplucked in a style reminiscent of classical guitar), frantic, extended cello technique excursions ("Here Comes the Madwoman"), or bleak, minimalist drones ("I am Filthy"). One thing that should be clear, while the performance throughout is superb, it is quite avant-garde. Melody is rarely assertive throughout this record and while I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing, it can make this a difficult listen. Friedlander would follow this album up several years later with another solo cello record (Block Ice & Propane), that one is quite a bit easier to digest for the fainter of heart. Nonetheless, "Maldoror" is an intriguing and powerful portrait-- it grabs your attention and invariably does not let go. Recommended.

"Maldoror" is a unique concept, producer Michael Montes put text rom Comte de Lautreamont in front of Friedlander-- the master cellist read the text and improvised what he saw. The results are nothing short of breathtaking. If you're not familiar with Friedlander's work with John Zorn and others, you're likely in for quite a pleasant surprise-- I can think of very few musicians I have had the pleasure of hearing who possess such a stunning command of their instrument as Friedlander does. His technique is overwhelming, particularly in pizzicato, and as an improviser, he is agile and inventive. These lead to the great strength of this record, namely that Friedlander can through his technique express something much more visceral than one would expect from any musical performance. The improvisations are largely oriented on texture and space, whether arco or pizzicato-- each note counts, as does each lack of note. Friedlander may have an overwhelming technique, but what makes both him and this recording brilliant is his ability to make decisions about when to show it and when not to. "The Wind Groans", for example, is better served by long tones and understated delivery, to meet the mood of the piece he read, then it is by any show of powerful playing. For fans of improvised music and virtuoso performance, this album is essential. Highly recommended.

I bought this because I saw a piece on Erik and this record in the Wire, a magazine I really trust. And though it's not the kind of thing I usually pick up, I love Maldoror. It consists of dark and atmospheric cello scraping, bowing, plucking, and pulling -- all improvised. I know, I know, it sounds like it'd be really weird and inaccessible, but there's something about Friedlander's sense of melody, his technique, and his ability to compose on the fly that makes this a record a classy little thing. It makes me think of dark moments, French films, and John Coltrane's best work. Try it. You'll like it.

Reviews

Looking for a way to strip-cut fabric w/o making my arthritis scream. Purchased a Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine;had a few problems at the beginning. My husband tried it out and easily went through over 150 strips from fat quarters. Instead of just starting using it, he went through the directions, set it for size we wanted and started out testing it. I just kept fabric at the ready and he kept cutting. Next day, another 100 strips. If he cld do this, I was determined; he showed me how and we like it very much. I agree, if u have a problem read the directions and try again.

I have severe joint pain, and trying to bend over a cutting mat and push down on a rotary blade while holding a ruler and keeping it straight is...well lets just say I can't do it for more than a half hour before I give up from the pain...I had hoped that this machine could save me from that pain. unfortunately...here is my review... I read the reviews for this machine and thought that maybe the short cord, or awkward screws were the only things wrong...I told myself that maybe these people that had written about it were just complaining about minor things...things I would be willing to put up with. They weren't. Technically the machine cuts. It clicks and strains and it takes forever to cut a strip, but it does cut. It is nearly impossible to get it to cut a straight strip. There is nothing to grab the cloth and pull it through the machine, so instead of using it like a sewing machine and keeping everything going straight, I found myself having to work just to get the machine to move the cloth through. This made it impossible to keep it straight. It jammed a few times and it ended up causing just about the same amount of strain on my back. Technically I could have gotten about 3 times as many strips cut in the same amount of time too. I love quilting...LOVE it...but my pain limits me. I wish that this machine had worked, but I guess I have learned my lesson. WHEN ALMOST EVERYONE RATES IT AS CRAP...IT MUST BE CRAP!

I'VE BEEN SEWING FOR OVER 60 YEARS. I HAVE ALWAYS CUT STRIPPING BY HAND. WITH THE ROTARY CUTTER I SAVE TIME FOR OTHER THINGS. I ALSO HAVE THE BIAS TAPE MAKER. I MAKE QUILTS AND THE BINDING LOOKS SO MUCH NICER NOW. FAYE MCGHEE, TN.

I am actually mad that I spent so much money on the 'Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine'! - It will not cut a straight line. And I tried it every way that could be tried (at each cutting size it was listed to cut), with several different size's of fabric. It just wouldn't do it. I want to know who the hell tried this thing out before letting it lose on to the public? My advice is "Don't waste your money"

I thought about it a long time before buying this and only did purchase it because I could return it. Besides the cord being short as already stated, you need 2 different types of screw drivers, one to change the blade and one to adjust the roller. By the time I got the roller adjust so that my fabric would feed thru the blade would not rotate straight. All of my strips had a wavy edge. I returned the machine and have gone back to using the manual rotatry cutter and mat.

Reviews

I tried to stitch on my daughter's school patch. The needle would not go thru the patch.

I purchased this product in the hopes that it would help me fix my favorite shirt. As I started using it, however, I realized that it was not going to be acomplishable. I suppose that for ordinary purpases, it would wor fine, but I had a hole in the armpit of my shirt that I was trying to fix. The product didn't have enough space for me to fit the fabric into to properly fix it, and the stitch type wasn't strong enough.\ I have given this product three stars because it will work for fine for ordinary things, but don't expect to be able to handle big jobs.

Reviews

Bought the hinges to replace the one broken hinge on my computer desk keyboard drawer. The measurements dimensions match 100%, yet when items were received, the screw holes in the new hinges did not match existing ones. Since there were little rooms (wood) to drill new holes, the final installation had gaps. Wished the specs had included the hole distances from the edge of the hinges.

The hinges are solid and seem to be of good manufacture. Just what I needed. I needed two hinges, so I ordered two. I ended up with four hinges. It turns out that the small "s" at the end of the product description is significant. Each package contains two hinges. It would be nice if the product description were clearer.

Reviews

This DVD is by far the best I've ever seen on this subject. Barbara is a true fiber artist on the sewing machine. Everyone from beginner to advanced quilter can find something new to learn about machine quilting. Barbara starts with the basics of choosing materials, thread and needles. She then explains how to decide on which quilting stitches to use to match the design you are using. When done with the basics, she spends time showing each machine quilting stitch in great detail. The trunk show alone will inspire you to go on to creating great quilts on your own. Her work is fantastic and beyond the realm of the ordinary. I've never been confident in my machine quilting, but since buying this video, I'm amazed at what I can now accomplish. I'm even thinking of entering one of my machine quilted pieces into a juried show.

Reviews

It's a really wonderful product! So simple and so useful. There are sewing machines that already have this tool, but my old Singer does not! And after 40 years old the eyes are not so good as before. I recommend and I suggest also the authomatic needle threader (INFILA as well)INFILA Automatic Needle Threader. Really awesome!

Reviews

This little sewing machine is great,easy to use for basic sewing.I checked all the reviews befor buying and they were great and told me just what I needed to know befor I purchase it.thank you amazon.

I haven't really sewn anything in 15 years or so, but lately I've been wanting to try it again, so I bought myself this machine based on the reasonable price and the reputation of the Singer name. I'm very pleased with this sewing machine. The instruction manual was easy to understand and had good illustrations, and I was set up and sewing in no time. I might invest in a hard case at some point, but it's nice that it comes with a canvas cover, which at least keeps my toddler's hands away from dangerous needles. I have already completed several projects in under a week, and I look forward to many more!

This is a solid machine. Well made and very straight forward. An excellent machine for the casual user or beginner. Owners manual could be better with more information for the beginner.

i bought this machine simply because i didn't want to take my clothes (less expensive summery items like maxi dresses) to an alteration place because i didn't want to end up paying extra $$$ for something i just got for a great deal on so hence my first (inexpensive) sewing machine. i had absolutely no sewing experience. i didn't even take home ec while in school so naturally it was initially difficult but the instruction manual was an easy read and after some trials and errors i was able to hem my own stuff so i am very pleased with this purchase. i definitely look forward to learning more so i can do other projects with my singer!!

I purchased this machine in June of 2009 and have had a good experience for the most part. This is my first sewing machine I have ever owned, operated, and used consistently...so I have had to get used to just working with it and learning its quirks as not all machines are the same. I have been able to make a skirt, dress, apron, and some shirts from this. I have had the opportunity to use the button-hole foot and the zipper foot, both work well. I have had trouble with the tension at times, and sometimes the pedal won't let you stitch slowly until you accelerate quickly. However, for beginner sewers and for simple mending, this machine is a steal and will last for a while. I'll only buy another machine if/when I graduate to an intermediate-advanced type of sewing skill.