Do you cover your sewing machines every time you finish using them? 

As someone with ME every activity, no matter how small, has consequences on my health. So it’s easier for me to keep my machine uncovered so that when I’ve got a little energy I can do a little bit.  This maybe as little as 10 minutes here and there or longer on a better day.

If I want to cover ‘Jessie’ with the supplied plastic hard cover after each use I have to remove the extension table, the knee bar, unplug the power and foot pedal cables which is all energy I’d rather use sewing!

Is it ok to leave it set up so it’s always ready when I am?!

So what have you named the new machine? (We name everything here too. Our Hoover vacuum cleaner, for instance, is named Herbert.)

OMG we must be kindred spirits as I thought I was the only one that named inanimate objects.  My electric wheelchair is called Buddy and my manual one is Wally.  The OH has a hard time to keep up sometimes.  I could go on ....    

My original New Home was called Susan and my new Janome is called Jessie.  I'd love to hear what other people call their sewing machines x

Unfortunately I’m unable to do hand stitching as I struggle to do anything physically that’s repetitive

But what do you do if you can't get what you want made by the manufacturer? I was looking for a binding foot for my Emerald 118. Husqvarna do binding feet, but "not for Emerald 116 or 118".

So that was going to be my next question!  The Janome Binder Foot available for my Category B machine (part number 200313005) isn’t really what I’m after as the size of binding I can use with it is limited to 10-14mm and I’ve just ordered some 25mm   

I’ve not used binding before so maybe I’m missing something....

Sooo happy today!  Hubby agreed that I could put my New Home machine which is now working well since it's service, back into my wardrobe and I don't have to sell it

Thanks @Sara-S.  It’s been a scary few weeks, but he’s back home now recuperating after an unforeseen emergency triple heart bypass.  Quite a feat when you are 82!

Amongst all the chaos I found a wonderful local company called The Black Shack Ltd, less than a mile from me, who do bespoke embroidery onto clothes, caps, workwear, etc.  I paid them a visit and they were amazingly helpful and embroidered my material for a minimal fee, with my friends names and the date of their wedding.  I was over the moon to get this element achieved with so much else going on in my little world

I was all set to try and complete the appliqué elements over the few weeks when Boris announced yesterday another lockdown and I think my friends wedding may now be cancelled

Oooh that may explain the little jumble of stitches I sometimes see under my sewing, very helpful thank you.

@WendyW I know what you mean about slow