What poplin likes about this machine


Ever since I saw a 1040 at a sewing meetup, I've wanted one. That was nine years ago. As consolation, I looked at the Janome Jems, but the problems I have with those machines is the lack of adjustable presser foot pressure, and the mechanicals don't have adjustable stitch width and length. None of the new 3/4 sized machines out in the market held a candle to the 1040...

Then I saw the 1060.

I'm not going to compare the differences between the 1040 and the 1060, because I've never test driven a 1040. I've only watched someone else sew on one.

In addition to the features listed above, here are a few more things that I like about my twin girls.

all metal gears

all utility stitches, including stretch, are useful to me

4-step buttonhole

5 mm stitch width

adjustable presser foot pressure by number... no guesswork!!

The 1060 uses low shank presser feet, and are widely available. No need to outbid anyone.

I hope to learn how to repair them myself.

very cool kick-stand

reverse or backstitch lever is very responsive

Made In Japan

I really, really like the sleek design. I like the hidden tension slot. It seems that the 1060 is made with dressmakers in mind--it's slightly taller to accomodate garment sewing.

Accessories include 5 buttonhole templates, insertable straight stitch plate, straight stitch presser foot, adjustable zipper foot, adjustable invisible zipper foot, zig zag presser foot, satin stitch presser foot, "Kenmore" needle threader, three original bobbins, and two small "Kenmore" flat head screwdrivers in two sizes. Some of my accessories were still in their little, plastic packagings. Both of my machines came with their own sets of accessories, so I got two sets of everything.

The 1060 you see in the front is in MINT condition. I don't think she did any work in her life. The one behind--Cinderella, I think, I shall call her--did all the work. She has a couple of nicks and scratches, but nothing serious. Both are beauties. Stitches are balanced too.

Both my 1060s run like they're on rails. Of course, that's after I did my own cleaning and oiling. After I opened the top plate and the side plate (the plate that covers the handwheel belts), I vacuumed the insides, cleaned here and there with Q-Tips, and oiled moving metal-on-metal parts. I also cleaned the body using facial cotton pads and a mild vinegar wash.

They are no wimps. One plowed through a jean hem test.

Smooth sewing. There are no awkward "eeeerrrrr" sounds when I begin to sew.

What poplin does not like about this machine
Sigh... there were no rose-embossed carrying cases for these 3/4 sized sewing machines. I'm planning to sew each a carrying case.