Brother CE5500PRW 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine, 1 Each

I’ve been sewing since the 1960’s so I know a little bit about it. This machine is so different from the “old” machines; it was very confusing at first. Threading it was the most difficult part, because of the differences in the new sewing machines. So, for those of you who don’t have a pre-conceived idea of how it works…you’ll love it, and find it is very easy to operate. Which I did find out myself, after some trial and error. LOVE the needle threader!! I would highly recommend anyone looking for a sewing machine, to give this one a try.

I gave it four stars because the storage compartment is useless. Don't think you will be able to store your bobbins, because you won't. Also, you cannot leave the spool of thread on top of the machine when you want to put it away. I mean, you CAN technically, but not if you store it in a confined space because you have to push the spring loaded spool holder back into place, which means you have to take the thread off in order to do this. Also, for the cost of the machine, I was surprised to see that it did not come with a vinyl cover- no cover at all. I have not sewed through denim or any other thick fabric yet, but so far, it sews great. Love all the stitching options it gives you. The bobbin was a breeze to drop in. FYI, this machine uses class 15 bobbins.

This sewing machine is easy to use and the instructions are easy to follow. This is my first sewing machine and I think it's perfect for beginners. It has 50 stitches that are more useful to advanced sewers than beginners. It practically does everthing for you, even thread the needle, all you have to do is hold the fabric. I've had it for a month now and so far am very pleased with it. I definitly reccomend it.

My wife just bought this machine yesterday after reading a few reviews online for it as well as several Singer machines. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it really works as well as advertised and reviewed by most. We had none of the problems mentioned in some reviews. I really love the speed control, how you can start out as slowly as you want without it "taking off" on you like other inexpensive machines do with their AC rheostat type controls. I also like the automatic slow reversing without having to even use the pedal. These great speed control and reverse functions alone are enough to really impress me about this machine as well as all the other functions which also work very well, including the wonderful auto threader and quick and easy bobbin placing. The sheer number of stitches is amazing, not to mention digital control and readout of settings, particularly the presser foot notification. Also, the fact that you can't make settings that are impossible for the machine to actually do mechanically, as well as the "default" indicators for length and width. There is so much more than there is room here to mention. I definitely recommend this machine for anyone wanting a new machine.

My sister had a similar machine she had purchased from Walmart.com. This machine weighs much less than the 17-year-old Brothere machine I was using but whose buttonhole feature was malfunctioning. The computerization of the stitches is a real time saver, and it sews smoothly. The price was right, and the free shipping sealed the deal! To top it off, the item arrived earlier than promised. This machine makes a great tool for any seamstress or tailor!