A Machine With A Purpose: I call her "The Beast"

So what in the world am I posting about today with a title like that? 

Well, about a year ago, I purchased a Janome 1600P.  This sewing machine is not fancy, it isn't computerized, and it only stitches a straight stitch.  That's right, no zig-zags, no pretty border or quilting stitches, just a plain old boring straight stitch with 3 buttons, a speed lever and a reverse bar.  And since it is a mechanical machine, it requires lots of attention.....oiling almost every time I change the bobbin, constant cleaning and it weighs a whole lot too.  The machine is boring, bulky and heavy....but let me tell you - I LOVE this machine like no other.   

Why?  

Let me tell you....

 

Because she is a workhorse.   A simple machine that demands to be taken very seriously (hence her name "The Beast").  And I call her that with the utmost respect.  This machine is my go-to when I have a lot of work to do and time is limited.  With a sewing speed of 1600 stitches per second, this machine can plow through a pile of sewing like this....

So much quicker than any of my other machines.  This machine is the closest home-sewing machine you can get before moving into the commercial models which have a separate motor. 

I typically keep The Beast tucked away under a table and pull it out when I have a super large pile of work lying in front of me.  Since I do have to switch it out with my regular machine I choose to only use it when I really need it.  

So how fast is 1600 stitches per minute?  Let me show you.....

Fast, no?  I have to tell you, it took a bit of time to get used to that speed.  It actually scared me a bit the first time I used it!

Another great feature of this machine is the pure power.  By power, I mean this baby sews through layer upon layer like butter.  My regular machine struggles a bit when sewing through something like this:

 

4 layers of cotton, 2 layers of hi loft batting (inclusive of the seam allowance on the interior) and 4 layers of interfacing 

The Beast doesn't hesitate in the least.  Take a look:

Impressive.

Oh, and did I mention the stitch quality?  Since her only purpose is to stitch straight, she does it very, very well.

And that is why I love "The Beast".  She has gotten me through some tight spots.  And today I wanted to celebrate her in all her simple glory.  Thank you Beast, for being the best at what you do!