QUANTUM XL-6000 IS NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S SEWING MACHINE

Computer technology is in so many consumer products these days that we hardly notice the boost it gives these otherwise ordinary devices. Take the simple telephone for example. When was the last time you saw a plain one?
Most every phone out there is bristling with computer technology, sporting display screens, cordless access, Caller-ID and a wide variety of multifunction capabilities. Everything from the dishwasher to the microwave has computer technology built inside. And that's a good thing because it makes these simple devices more useful, giving them abilities never dreamed of a scant few years ago. And now that technology has come to another American institution, sewing.

I have to tell you that until I laid my hands on a Singer Quantum XL-6000, I had never operated a sewing machine. Well, that's not quite true. My mother who was a fashion designer of fame in her day had a number of sewing machines in her stores and I can remember as a small child trying my hand at one of them. Needless to say, my sewing career ended pretty much right there. But the marketing director of my radio talk show, Computer America, has been sewing before she could walk and asked me to look into Singer's computerized sewing marvel. She thought it would make for an interesting program and was she ever right! Singer sent her a Quantum XL-6000 for review and her life hasn't been the same since it arrived. To anyone who knows how to sew, be prepared for a whole new experience when you sit in front of one of these babies.

You have to understand that the sewing machine she currently owns has been in her possession for over 20 years and according to her, it was a top-of-the-line model when it first came out offering exactly 8 different kinds of stitches you could select on its mechanical dial. (The Quantum has hundreds of them and with an Internet connection, it's limitless.) As she began to learn about its abilities, I'll never forget the look on her face as she saw it sewing. Her eyes got wider than I'd ever seen before. Then she said to me in a hushed, almost reverent voice, "It sews sideways." She actually repeated that over several times. I was clearly made to learn that sewing machines normally only sew forwards and backwards. Not so with this machine. In fact, it will actually move the fabric in any needed direction to get the job done. It was to her, a miracle.

Another big deal is that the Quantum XL-6000 threads itself. To anyone who has had to thread a machine manually, watching it perform this function will be tantamount to a religious experience. Also the bobbin rewinds automatically so it never runs out of thread which is again, another sewing miracle. Then there is its color touch screen. Everything you need to operate the machine is presented in a clear combination of graphics and text. If you need to know about something, chances are the machine will have it displayed there for you. You can select from an unlimited number of stitches, patterns, letters, fonts and whatever else you may want to create because you can download what you wish from the Internet. The Quantum XL-6000 also can accommodate flash memory cards to store anything you download and want to recall. Even the Quantum's operating system can be upgraded in case Singer wants to refine it or add new abilities.

And did I mention that it also embroiders? A separate attachment slides onto the machine. Just place the material within one of the included hoops and you're off and embroidering. With virtually no knowledge on how to sew, I was creating some of the most beautiful graphics in multiple colors within minutes. You see, that's the beauty of a device like this. You really don't have to be knowledgeable or an accomplished seamstress to produce beautiful projects. And while a novice can perform using the Quantum XL-6000, just imagine what someone who is proficient in the sewing arts will be able to do with this marvel.

There is no way I can even begin to tell you about all the features in this limited space. In fact, she just discovered that you can sew without using the electronic speed pedal attached. Just move the fabric forward and it begins to sew by sensing how much pressure you place on the fabric. She says that's really spooky. No, you just have to go down to your local Singer sewing machine dealer and give one of these a try for yourself. And while this is not your grandmother's sewing machine, I'd bet that even grandma would be willing to drop her stitches just to get her hands on this sewing machine. It's that good.

The Quantum XL-6000 sells for $2999, comes loaded with options like built-in tools, a variety of presser feet, automatic bobbins and more. Plus there are a number of additional options you can buy as well. Check it all out at the Singer website.

www.singer.com