Monday, March 26, 2012

Isn't she cute


She is an Elna Lotus ZZ and they were made between 1968 and 1977.  My darling Mum found her for me and has given it to me as an early birthday present.

The reason I am now a proud owner of this cute sewing machine is that I like to go to the Australian Sewing Guild Conventions when I can and I do like to use a sewing machine that I am familiar with.as the classes I do take tend to be a challenge and to use a sewing machine that you are familiar with makes it so much easier.  This year the Convention is being held in Adelaide so the search was on for a small machine that would fit in my carry on bag and still be within the limits.


There is plenty of room for packing around her and she only weighs 5 kgs, perfect.

Here she is all set up ready to sew (well the power plug isn't plugged in).


and look at the accessories that are stored in the top section of the machine.


  • Pack of Schmetz 130/705H 60/8 Needles with Elna on the back of the pack.
  • Two Elna bobbins (1 is in the rotary hook and there is a cute way to get the bobbins out).
  • Missing the needle threader.
  • At the top is the quick unpick.
  • I think the Oiler is supposed to be in the empty spot.
  • Lint Brush.
  • Screwdriver, it looks so brittle I'm not sure if I will use it.
  • Cording Foot
  • Zipper Foot
One of the things that really surprised me is that this machine not only lets you move the needle to the left and right of centre, but you can set the needle anywhere between the left and right symbols as well which, "this is very practical for sewing the rims of collars, cuffs, zip fasteners etc."  This is one of the reasons I went from my mechanical Janome to the computerised version for the needle to move more than one position left or right of the centre needle.

Look how she looks next to my Janome MC5200.


Now to cut out a garment or two and sew them on the Elna to get a real feel for what she can do.

I'm thrilled :)

16 comments:

RhondaBuss said...

What a lovely Mom you have. Little girls never really grow up. We always enjoy gettting new toys!

SewRuthie said...

Very cute, what a great early birthday preent!

sdBev said...

What a cut little machine!

velosews said...

What a cute baby machine. You should have no probs travelling with this little beauty Sharon :))

gwensews said...

Lucky you! What fun! I agree that going to conventions and sewing on unfamiliar machines is frustrating. I dislike having to take time to learn the machine instead of concentrating on the mechanics of the class.

Cherrypix said...

Lovely, neat and petite....like its new owner!

Stephanie Newman said...

Sharon, What a lovely gift! Can you imagine the faces of the security staff on the days people travel to convention? They are going to find a lot of sewing machines in carry on bags!!
I'm glad your ZZ is in such nice condition and has some accessories, its too cute for words!

Dilliander said...

Wow, what a lovely gift. It looks to be in wonderful condition for its age, has obviously been loved and will continue to be :) How compact in the carry-on suitcase! You are set now for sewing anywhere.

Alison said...

I am jealous! She looks lovely.

Robyn said...

Very cute, and very handy too.

Kirsty said...

So cute! I learnt to sew on my mum's elna lotus SP - the sloping front was great for guiding fabric up to the needle/ foot. I'd forgotten about the little storage area up on top. She'll be perfect for traipsing about the country.

Carol said...

Cute as a button! I love it.

Mary said...

What a nice Mom! I have an Elna 5100, and my previous machine was an ElnaSuper. I am a fan of this brand. Have fun with this cute machine.

Rose said...

She's adorable. Have fun playing with her!

Sue said...

Congrats on the new baby!

Patti B said...

Sharon, my best friend in college sewed on her Lotus for years. I'm sure you will enjoy using her!