I’ve been sewing for over a little over a decade now, and with the new and more advanced ideas I’ve been looking into, I figured that it’s about time I start looking for an upgrade from the sewing machine I have now. I’ve been doing research for a while, looked into the common brand names like Singer, but nothing was really jumping out at me. I’m not huge on embroidery (yet?), and it seems like a lot of the more advanced options out there cater to things like embroidery and quilting. I’m interested in fashion and clothing making, so I was having a tough time finding a good fit to move on to.
I was still floating around in the sea of options when a friend suggested that I try the new sewing machine Mood Fabrics was producing (link here!). I was impressed to hear that they were making their own machine and looked into it immediately. I was pleasantly surprised by what I had found; I’d finally tracked down a machine that fit what I had been looking for!
My first sewing machine was my Brother LS-1217. I received it from an instructor when I first started sewing 11 years ago, and it’s still going strong. I’m partial to it since I’ve had it so long, but it does have its limitations. It’s not possible to do complicated stitching on this machine model, and it’s very difficult to find parts for it in my area. I use mostly zigzag and straight stitches, so it’s really only been good for basic stuff. I love it to pieces, but I want to do more. I want a machine that is more accessible in terms of availability, repair (though hopefully I won’t need it), and parts selection.
I also have a Platts machine that I inherited from a family friend. Since it’s such a huge jump from the Brother I’ve been working with, I have to say I’ve been a little intimated to even touch it! I hear it’s a great machine for embroidery, and it’s got a very positive reputation, but I just don’t think I’m at that level yet. It has the complexity that experts look for, but I’ve only been working with a basic unit. I needed something a little less intense–a middle ground–and that’s where Mood came in!
The Mood Brand Lia Sewing Machine is the best of all three worlds of sewing machine expertise—Novice, Intermediate, and Expert.
Its initial appearance is compact and sharp; it has basic functions clearly labeled and defined, and all the functioning pieces are hidden away while you work—even the thread holder and tension wheel. It’s an easy start-up, too; even without the manual next to me, I was able to figure out how the machine needed to be threaded from the simple arrow guides labeled on the machine (it was actually more similar to my Brother machine than any Singer I’ve dealt with). It doesn’t look intimidating either; it won’t scare off those who are just starting out with too many options and buttons to keep in mind. On my Platts machine, there’s about 50 buttons just for stitch types alone on the face of the machine, and I honestly still can’t figure out how to thread the thing—I never get to the needle successfully.
For the intermediate learner, the accessories that come with the machine as well as the ones available for purchase help open the many doors that the machine offers. The machine is capable of doing embroidery and quilting, but it doesn’t drop all of those options into your lap the minute you sit down in front of it—and I really like that. The manual that comes with the product explains the settings for those more advanced steps, but it doesn’t bombard you with buttons on the face of the machine. The LCD display on the machine is small and inviting, and it contains all of those extra stitches, but you won’t find them unless you’re looking for them which is really good for users who aren’t at that step.
And of course, when the user does feel comfortable to move to the more advanced options, they’re there and waiting. All of them.
Something that really stood out to me about the Mood sewing machine is the consideration that was put into its functionality for the user. It has a few updated features I hadn’t even thought of before, like the auto-sewing button and a speed-control dial. I’ve made a lot of clothing that includes long ties to wrap around or even just long hems on skirts, and the idea of a machine doing the work without my having to press the foot pedal blew my mind. Plus, as someone who prefers to work slow and steady rather than races through my sewing, the speed-control dial was a pleasant surprise. The pedal on my Brother machine is a bit touchy, but the speed dial on the Mood machine will only go as fast as you set it, even if you press the pedal all the way down. It’s a great safety feature.
Other “safety” features of this machine that I like include helpful guide settings that prevent mishaps and sewing goof-ups like using the wrong stitch setting or running out of thread for your bobbin. The LCD screen on the machine actually shows you the suggested settings for thread tension depending on which stitch you’re using. If you’re like me, it may be difficult to adjust the thread tension for the best result, and sometimes just eyeing how the test stitch looks isn’t enough. That’s why I really like that it provides what tension would be best.
The machine also has a bobbin sensor that stops the machine when you’re about to run out of thread on your bobbin! I’m sure everyone reading this has been working on a long stitch that they’re about to finish, or they’re about to complete their project (“just five more inches to go!”) and they run out of bobbin thread. It’s The Worst. What burns me up about that, though, is when I don’t have enough thread to tie a box knot and lock in the work I’ve already done. Mood’s sewing machine bobbin sensor stops the machine with a safe amount left on the bobbin for you to use as you need and end that stitch of work before you go to refill the bobbin. It’s a great and innovative feature.
Oh, and did I mention that this machine has an auto-backstitch button? It’s designed so that when you press the button while sewing forward, it does about 4-6 stitches back to lock in your thread before automatically returning to forward-stitching. It makes moving through products easier and quicker. It’s a great addition to the functionality of sewing machines!
And this last feature isn’t huge, but I can’t tell you how tired I am of having to bring my sewing machine in the box in came in whenever I need to travel with it. This machine has a nifty little handle on top to help you transport your machine to and fro, and it’s pretty light-weight. The best of both worlds!
Overall, this machine is a fantastic product and I’m thoroughly impressed. Whether you’re starting out, looking to upgrade, or plan to eventually improve through the ranks of expertise, I highly suggest giving this machine a shot. It looks good, feels good, and makes great results. If you’d like proof, check out my Tiered Skirt Tutorial here! I made it using this sewing machine!
If you’d like to purchase this machine for yourself, click here to go to its page on Mood’s website! You can find information on the tools it comes with as well as its manufacturing information there!
Happy sewing!
14 comments
Where is the machine made?
What is the price?
Di, Here is the link
http://www.moodfabrics.com/mood-brand-lia-sewing-machine-112646.html
[…] the Mood Brand Lia Sewing Machine, a Button Hole Foot is included with the initial purchase, and it is designed to automatically […]
Can it sew thru thickness when hemming your jeans?
Can it sew on knits and slippery fabric?
What is the price?
What pressure feet does it come with?
Hello, Pat! Thanks for your question!
The Mood Brand Lia sewing machine includes an all purpose foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, an overcasting foot, a blind hem foot, a satin stitch foot, and a button sewing foot! This machine can also handle thicker fabrics as well as knits, but it never hurts to use the proper presser feet to accommodate for each fabric’s different needs!
If you’d like to read up more about the product, please feel free to visit its page on the main website here: http://www.moodfabrics.com/mood-brand-lia-sewing-machine-112646.html
Have a wonderful day!
I would love to own this great sewing machine! Please provide information about cost, origin, etc.
Hello, Hortensia! Thanks for your interest!
The best source for all of the manufacturing and pricing information for the Mood Lia sewing machine can be found at this webpage: http://www.moodfabrics.com/mood-brand-lia-sewing-machine-112646.html
Hope this helps! Have a wonderful day!
Hello:
I’ve been through several kinds of machines, the Brother which I do not like because you can’t change the presser foot pressure and other things, Singer which used to be good but is no longer–too many plastic parts (the Brother too), Pfaff (I loved this machine 99 stitches and anything I could program in it, but it is broken and I am afraid it will be quite costly to fix–maybe have to get a new computer for it arggghhh!!, and I have a Janome HD 3000. It is a great work horse, but I wish it had more stitches than the 18 it offers.
So now to get to the point, is it all metal inside? How does it stack up to the models I’ve mentioned? I would appreciate an answer because if I do not win it, I might just purchase one. Thank you in advance.
Hello, Elizabeth! Thanks for your question!
The machine’s inside parts are metal save for the bobbin cover plate, the body of the actual machine itself, and some of the presser feet are a combination of metal and plastic. I also have a Brother at home, and I found that the Mood Lia runs better and smoother, and it’s easier to work with given the options available on the LCD dashboard. The Mood Lia also has way more stitches and attachments available (over 400 stitches combined), and it takes universal attachments better because they just snap on.
Hope this helps! Have a wonderful day!
I would like to know , if you can send the machine to Brazil .
Sounds lovely. May the best sewer win!
Winning your fantastic machine would be so exciting. My Viking is a 1975 model. It’s very tired, don’t know how many miles I have on it, maybe about 225,000! Thanks for this chanceI
Question for ya — Have you had any issues since buying this machine? If not — do you know if you would have to go to Mood to get it fixed? Or could a sewing machine shop fix the machine? Just curious! I’m on the market for my first machine and was thinking this would be a good fit.
where is Lia made? thx.