Hanging with Spotlight, Brother and Simplicity

On Friday I was fortunate to be invited to a new product launch organised by Brother sewing machines, Simplicity patterns and Spotlight in Point Piper, Sydney. As I don't work Friday's, how could I say no?

As many of us sewers know, just a simple conversation with a friend or acquaintance about an item that you've sewn, often leads to a discussion about how they can get started in sewing. Many people want to sew, but often don't know where to start. I guess it's hard to remember how tricky it was when we first started sewing. There are a bunch of decisions in those early days that are really hard to navigate without guidance. I have one friend who bought a very cheap no frills type of sewing machine that not even I can help her operate. I have another who chose very slippery poly satin for her first sewing project and another who picked a strapless ball gown for her first project. Needless to say, their first dabble in sewing wasn't successful and it's been hard for me to get them back.

This is where this new brand alliance can help. Brother has released three new simple to use sewing machines for a beginner, intermediate and advanced sewer, that comes with a suitable sewing pattern from Simplicity (I think these machines have been available in the States for a while now). In Australia, these new machines will be sold exclusively in Spotlight stores. So in one trip to Spotty - my favourite fabric retailer! - you can get everything you need to start.

The base model machine, the SL100 is about $250,  though I'm sure it will be available on special at some point. If I remember correctly - please don't quote me - but I think it comes with Simplicity 2147. Which I think is a really appealing pattern for a beginner to tackle. It is entirely wearable and has many design options to choose from. If you live in a country with a Spotty, you would know that they have a massive range of tana lawn, and this top would look great made in lawn and it would be easy to sew.

Anyway, I know sewers can be particular about the brand of the sewing machines they use and I'm not here to say that this is the best machine for everyone, but I do think this is a great idea. It simplifies the process of getting started in sewing and I think that's a good thing. We need more people sewing and less people supporting fast fashion.

This is me with the top model, the SL500. While I wore a dress made using a pattern from the Simplicity group, New Look 6869, it was not made with Spotty fabric, which was a tricky conversation when someone asked me about my frock in front of all of the big wigs in the room. Sorry Tim!

Anyway, if you want to read more about these new sewing machines, head to the Brother site.

Before I go, I'd like to give a big shout out to Susan the best company I could have hoped for on the day!!! I often find myself a little nervous in a room fully of strangers and Susan preventing me from hiding under one of the sewing machine tables and crying from nerves. Seriously, I wish I were joking about how nervous I was!! And after speaking to the head buyer at Spotty a few times on Friday - seriously, is that the best job ever! - I think we can expect more great fabric from them in the months to come - possibly some silk cottons and some more rayons!!