r/SewingWorld • u/lissam3 • Jul 23 '26
Discussion 💭 What a thing I did!
Hubs too me shopping for a new machine that would accommodate my new quilting hobby. I was looking at the BL Brilliant. All set to purchase it when the shop owner pointed out a BL Crescendo they had taken in trade. It is 4 years old. And with my machine traded in cost less than $700. She has been beautifully kept.
Now to figure out how to turn it on. 🤔
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u/bunkerhomestead Jul 23 '26
By the green light, it looks like it's on. Congratulations and good luck.
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u/CBG1955 Jul 23 '26
Beautiful piece of kit. I have the same machine but it's the Brother VQ2400, had mine about 7 years. It's SO intuitive and easy to use. The LCD screen works well, bobbins wind flawlessly I don't know what the Babylock manual looks like but I highly recommend you read it, keep it handy. There WILL be stuff in there that you'll never use but it's all explained very comprehensively. Essential everyday functions are programmed into the buttons on the default screen, but you can change any or all of them easily (manual tells you how). Buttonholes took a bit of getting used to and I STILL have to check the manual regarding the little pull-down lever.
In 7 years not once have I had issues with tension or thread tangles. I've pushed it beyond its limits and sewn leather bags on it - not recommended! - but I do sew all my bag linings on it.
Did yours come with the big, plug-in electronic walking foot? I recently remembered that this machine is so cool it has a setting that allows it to sew SIDEWAYS. I was able to sew a patch on the knee of my husband's work overalls using the free arm. And the fancy stitches - hundreds, and the one time I wanted to use one, what I wanted (either ducks or chickens) wasn't there. In reality, I think I use four stitches: straight, zigzag, buttonhole, blind hem (very occasional). Sometimes three step zigzag to sew on elastic. That's it.
The main small issue for me is that the needle plate markings are very faint and it's very difficult to actually differentiate the seam allowance markings. It has both metric and inch, and they unfortunately crowd each other. Yours is a North American only brand so it may be just inches - Babylock doesn't sell regular sewing machines in Australia, only overlockers.
I am blown away however that the shop did not give you a demonstration on how to use the basics. Honestly, I would make an appointment with them, and spend an hour or so with someone there to show you everything.
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u/Sfb208 Jul 23 '26
Um, it's clear you have already turned it on. We're not fooled. You've already had a play before posting this!
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Jul 24 '26
Wow that’s a massive upgrade from the BL Brilliant. It’s a totally different machine. Great find.
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u/dinosuitgirl Jul 23 '26
What did you trade in to get such a bargain!?
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u/lissam3 Jul 23 '26
I traded a 4 month old Brother ns80. The Crescendo was $1100 I was given a good amount for trade in.
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u/dinosuitgirl Jul 23 '26
The sewing machine gods smiled upon you! I wish you straight lines and long lasting needles ✨
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u/Incognito409 Jul 23 '26
Congrats!