My Partnership With PFAFF + Sewing Machine Giveaway!

Often, the first time you do something, it is memorable. You close your eyes and you can conjure up a clear, vivid recollection. This isn’t always the case. I definitely don’t remember the first time I put a pair of socks in the dryer or the first time I ate a grilled cheese, but I’m speaking in general terms. Many of us sewists remember our first time sewing. I do, and I also remember the first time I sewed on a PFAFF. It was 2014 and the machine was a 3.2 Expression. Boy, did she purrrrr.

Having left the corporate world this summer to pursue Madalynne full time, I’m upping many aspect of my business. Students who take lessons and workshops pay a pretty penny to attend and often travel from far way. Singapore, Canada, Brazil, California, Florida are just a few states and countries. I want to offer them the best sewing experience. The best fabric, the best trims, the best sewing machines. When considering ways to upgrade my machines, the memory of my 3.2 kept coming back. So today, I’m excited to announce that PFAFF is back in my life! I am now a proud brand sponsor. When I announced our partnership on Instagram, I was pictured with the Passport 2.0 and there were so many positive comments. “I’m in love with this machine”, “This is the machine I want!!!” and “I love that you’re on to Pfaff, my local Pfaff shop lady explained that Pfaff is the Rolls-Royce of sewing machines and the built in IDT is the bomb!!” Seems like y’all are as excited as I am, which makes me even more excited!

Madalynne Studios is now stocked with the Passport 2.0 and Coverlock 4.0. Let me tell you, the Coverlock is one.hell.of.a.machine. PFAFF and I have a lot of exciting things in the works. Tutorials, sewing parties… we’ll even be giving away machines throughout the year! To start our partnership, I’m going to review the Passport 2.0 and then tell you about our contest. Be sure to stick around for lots more PFAFF stuff!

Do you have a PFAFF? Tell me in the comments below. I’d love to know more about their machines and what you like most about them. PFAFF is also on Instgram, so gram them up! @pfaffsewing #pfaff #pfaffsewing #PassportToSewing

OVERVIEW:
The Passport 2.0 is PFAFF’s compact sewing machine. Weighing only 13.9lbs, it is meant for small spaces, which makes is the great fit for Madalynne Studios. Even with 6 students, it feels crowded, and having the Passport allows students to still have breathing room. It’s also the perfect traveling machine. It’s lightweight and comes with a cover that can store the power cord and presser foot.

SEWING ON THE PASSPORT:
Using the Passport is easy even for a newbie. For threading and winding the bobbin, there are thread guide diagrams on the machine head. There is also a diagram for correctly inserting the bobbin. We’ve all been there and done that – put in the bobbin the wrong way.

The stitch selection guide is located on a pull out tab on the right hand side of the machine. The stitches are easy to read and selecting a stitch is as easy as pressing/pushing the stitch number.

The Passport also has the brand’s famous IDT system. What’s this? IDT stands for Integrated Dual Feed System. Basically, it’s a built in walking foot that gives controlled, no-slip sewing because the fabric is fed evenly from both the top and the bottom. Pieces match up, don’t stretch out, line up perfectly… yippee! For sewing lingerie, this is important.

Speaking of sewing lingerie, it’s been a super interesting trial period. The first time I used the machine, I was sewing a bra made of lace and power net. Per usual, I switched to a microtex needle. Skipped stitches. So I changed to a stretch needle. Skipped stitches. Then I switched to a ballpoint needle. Skipped stitches. When I tell you that I tried every single type and size needle, I did! Want to know what ended up working? The universal needle, INSPIRA brand, for both sewing power net and similar fabrics and applying elastic. When I told Ying about this, she was surprised as well, but she tested it for herself at the last workshop and confirmed that the universal needle worked best. All students at the last workshop sewed on the Passport and made beautiful bras with a universal needle as well. So, for sewing lace, stretch mesh, 15 denier tricot, sheer cut lining, bra tulle and power net, a universal needle works. The universal needle also works on wovens – I tried. I’m not sure if it is the IDT system at work, but I’ve never experienced that before. Would love to hear your thoughts! Below is swatch of power net and lace with a strip of elastic, all sewn with a universal needle.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Start/Stop Button: Press the Start/Stop button to sew without the foot control. Makes sewing long seams, free-motion and buttonholes easy.

Speed Slider: Adjust the speed with the speed slider for full control. I like setting to the slowest setting (unless I’m winding the bobbin) so that I’m not tempted to sew fast (read: rush through a project + make mistakes).

Sewing Guides: There is a 1/4″ seam allowance guide on the clear bobbin cover (red line in image above), which is PERFECT for sewing lingerie. See, this machine is meant to be!

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:
6 snap on presser feet
Zipper
Zigzag
Buttonhole
Button
Multi-purpose
Blindhem
Extra needles
Extra bobbins
Spool pins
Spool pads
Quilting bar
Screwdriver
Lint brush
Seam ripper
Hard cover

CONCLUSION:
The Passport is easy to use, easy to carry and easy to maintain. Reasonably priced, it is also great intro machine for new sewist who want a solid machine without all the bells and whistles. For me, all I need is good tension, and a straight and zigzag stitch. So Passport and I are a perfect match.

GIVEAWAY:

Time for a sewing machine giveaway. PFAFF and I are offering one lucky Madalynne reader a Passport 2.0. To enter, follow @mmadalynne and @Pfaffsewing on Instagram. Then upload any sewing related picture with the hashtag #pfaffsewing and #passporttosewing. Contest starts now and ends October 21. Due to shipping, contest is only open to US readers.