When baby lock sales manager Katy popped into the baby lock shop studio for a cuppa and catch up with the new baby lock ASPIRE combination machine for me to try, I was excited to see the latest innovative machine from baby lock. I wasn’t disappointed! Read more to find out why I love the new ASPIRE and why I think you will too!

An upgrade to the popular Desire3 combination machine, The ASPIRE is the size of the Acclaim overlocker and that is a lot of machine in a compact body!

Boasting a wider throat space for bigger projects and more room when changing and threading the needles, the additional LED lighting make it so much easier not just to thread the needles but to see your work clearly.

The push-button ExtraordinAir air-threading looper system brings it bang up to date and makes a dream to use - a puff of air and the looper threads are through. No threading traumas with baby lock.

The overlocker automatic tension control gives a perfectly balanced stitch every time – whatever your fabric or thread. baby lock is only brand on the market with this function making it a game changer for confident and professional sewing with every project.

And, don’t be put off about changing between overlocking and cover stitching. Having used other makes, I think baby lock combination machines are the easiest with only 4 quick straightforward steps to master.

The beauty of owning a combination overlocker/cover stitch machine is the addition of combination 5 & 6 thread safety seaming - chain stitch with 3 or 4 thread overlocking together. This stitch has become a must for me and one of my most used stitches. It speeds up construction giving that industry standard finish seen in good quaility commerical clothing.

With room for 5 threads as standard, the ASPIRE can use up to 8 thread with the optional additonal thread stand. How amazing is that?

The ASPIRE is a machine that's easy to get going with and don’t forget your FREE introductory tutorial in-person or on-line with me when you buy from the baby lock shop.

But, it is also a machine to grow with with a wide range of stitches from 2 thread flat locking to 8 thread safety seaming, 3 and 4 thread overlocking, narrow and rolled hemming and chain, doubleand triple cover stitch to name just a few.

The additional feet and accessories take your sewing to the next level. The ASPIRE takes the full range including the binders with guiding rake.

Where there any negatives? honestely, none that would put me off.

To keep the price point below the Ovation, a needle threader isn’t included but with the extra space and improved lighting (and the nifty hand held needle threader) I can’t see it being a problem.

If you do want a needle threader on a combination machine take a look at the Gloria and it's air-threading needles as well as loopers.

What do I think? To be honest I was a bit blown away with it. Katy had been singing its praises and I did believe her but seeing was believing.

I think it’s a lot machine, and a lot of machine for your money, priced at just under £2000.

It’s a machine for now and for the future, a machine to grow with, a machine to enjoy and be creative with.

Sometimes is's the small things that make all the difference. The addition of a magnetic needle holder, the accessory tray that opens from the back and yes a built-in WASTE BIN. Thank you baby lock HQ, you do listen to our feedback!

If you are short of space the size is a bonus offering you two machines in one compact machine.

If you need to move your machine around at home or want a machine to take to classes or sewing groups, the ASPIRE ticks all the boxes. It is portable and lighter than larger Ovation and Gloria.

 As with all baby lock machines, the 2+2 year warranty gives you peace of mind.

Don't forget, I'm not just here for your initial purchase. Ongoing support from me I hope removes the anxiety a new machine sometimes brings. I'm a call, Zoom or email away!

Would I buy one? Yes, most definitely. Mine's on order and space has been made for it at the studio.

Will it be available for demonstrations and for students to use? yes, but..... she will be coming home with me sometimes as well.

The baby lock ASPIRE can be ordered from the baby lock shop now. Click here to go to our shop.

I'm always happy to help and chat all things baby lock so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more, book a demonstration either in-person or on Zoom and I hope I have inspired you to consider adding the ASPIRE to your own workroom.

Jane

Author

Jane White, City & Guilds Fashion Adv. PGCE. 

Jane is qualified with City & Guilds in design, pattern cutting and couture sewing to degree level and has taught vocational and non vocational classes for over 20 years. She has been sewing as long as she can remember. Her journey took off with Great Aunt Margaret’s hand Singer sewing machine aged 9. Technology has advanced a lot since then but her passion for making garments and textiles that are a bit different, her love of sharing practical skills, supporting sewers and loving her baby lock machines is at the heart of what she does.