350 Stitch Computer Sewing Machine

Bout as a gift for my mom and she loves

nice but could have been better

If you don't want to use the digital aspects of this machine, it works well.However, the iPhone and Andriod apps no longer work with the device, which is very disappointing. The tech support response was simply they are working on it, but no ETA.

I wanted to love this machine so badly, but am returning it today. The videos and other reviews make it seem easy to use. The threading system is the most ridiculous I've experienced so far, including the bobbin. The videos show the initial thread guide as an easy "pop the thread in the slot" or since it is hard to see, you can remove the guide, slide the thread in, then put the guide back. There is no slot and the guide is not removable. You have to stand over the machine so you can see what you're doing and the thread guide has 2 holes that you thread like a needle! After that struggle continue as normal until you loop around the Thread Take-up Lever. This is not easy - when bringing the thread down at the lever you have to slide the thread between 2 pieces of metal, that you cannot see. If you don't pull hard enough, the thread will not seat correctly, which causes a nightmare bundle of thread with your bobbin. If you pull too hard it cuts your thread. I wasted valuable time & thread doing it over and over until getting just right. Finally, I got through one project and absolutely hated this machine. The removable base for the the free arm is very hard to remove. Be careful of anything to the left of the machine as I slammed the back of my hand a few times when pulling it off. You have to pull it off to get to the bobbin. When you wind the bobbin, instructions in the book show to run thread through the complicated thread guide. The video shows to skip the guide and just wrap around the bobbin gear/guide before reaching the bobbin. Either way, the thread has to lay across the spool of thread causing friction and skipping, while bobbin is winding - I could not get a good even bobbin to wind.

beautiful machine

A well-designed piece of equipment can meet the expectations of both the low and high-end user. A beginning sewer will be excited by the seemingly endless stitching possibilities, and the Internet-enabled capabilities of the Spiegel 60609. An experienced seamstress will be excited by the embroidery and free-hand quilting possibilities of this machine.The setup is mechanically straightforward, and the user guide is illustrated with full-color photos of the step-by-step instructions and options. Although auto threading the needle was unusual, the guide on top of the machine clearly explained the process. The 60609 stitches with gusto, and is a little louder than higher-end machines – perhaps due to its plastic versus metal materials.Some of the strengths of this product include: 9 presser feet allowing for a variety of stitch options from buttonhole, to zigzag and zipper stitches; variable stitch speed (especially helpful for delicate fabrics and inexperienced sewers); and lots of accessories. Far and away, though, the best feature is the custom stitching via the programmable system that translates your commands into a creative design (see picture of 3/8" lettering.)This is not a rugged machine, but it’s a perfect introductory one for newbies, a solid machine for returning sewers, as well as a second sewing machine for experienced - but curious, adventurous, and playful – sewers.

I could not get it to connect with my iPad or iPhone Plus I really did like the gold on it it made it look cheap . I did return this item

In the old days, I made lots of clothes - even tackled a suit for my husband - on my simple non-computerized machine, but over the years, as work and life got in the way, I stopped sewing, except by hand when necessary. My old sewing machine died well over a decade ago when it was about 25 years old. I never had it fixed since, by then, I no longer had the time or inclination to sew beyond hemming pants or sleeves, things that can be done by hand.But Spiegel's computerized sewing machine is just astonishing. It's like piloting the U.S.S. Enterprise - sleek and fast. I had absolutely no idea how much sewing machines had changed over the years.It comes with an excellent, easy-to-understand user guide and has apps you can download to your phone or tablet that can update the machine as well as teach you how to do things. I couldn't recall how to even begin to make a buttonhole, but I relearned in a couple of minutes. You can go straight to YouTube videos via the app to learn how to do everything from straight seams, blind hems, zippers, and embroidery and quilting via your phone or tablet - there's a built in space for it to sit while you work.There's an LCD screen keypad which makes everything simple to set up, and the stitch cam is fantastic - I don't have to squint to see if I'm in the right spot on the material - I feel like a surgeon doing high tech micro-surgery when I use it.The machine auto-threads, saving a lot of time and swear words. It comes with 350 different stitches and you can download more. There are ninepresser feet (including zigzag, blind hem, buttonhole, zipper). It is variable speed for working with heavy material or delicates, and programmable stitching. There are six fonts for monogramming, and those 350 stitches allow for about 1000 variations.Here's what's in the box in addition to the machine: T-Shaped Screwdriver, Bobbins (6 pcs.), Needle Pack, Seam Ripper/Brush, Edge/Quilting Guide, Screwdriver (Small), Screwdriver (Large), Button Fitting Foot, Overcasting Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Zigzag Foot, Non-stick Foot, Open Toe Foot, Zipper Foot, Monogramming Foot (installed), Spool Cap (Large) (x2), Spool Cap (Small) (x2), Soft Case Cover, 60609 Manual, Foot Controller and Power Cord.I expected to use this machine to hem jeans, whip up quick curtains out of sheets, and make some nice-looking slipcovers for my furniture, but I'm using it for more already. It's so easy and fun and now I can quickly make that shirt I've been hunting for in the exact color I want. I expect to be loving this machine for many years to come.Sewing on this machine is like switching from a typewriter to a computer to write a book. Fast and satisfying - I think old pros and newbies will both enjoy it. And if you don't hold with computerization, you don't need to use it - that was my attitude when I first opened the machine. Boy, did that change in a hurry.