Mitty

I have a computerized machine, but I recently used a more basic one, and I found it very difficult. The worst problem was that I kept forgetting to put the foot down! I remember when I first got my computerized machine, I sort of missed some of the familiar things I no longer had to do or did differently, but I quickly got used to them, and now I’m not sure I can do without them. It’s like getting a bigger TV and looking at the perfectly good 19” TVs we had for decades and thinking that they are way too small.

I’ve been thinking about getting a second / travel machine, and I’m trying to figure out how hard it would be to go back and forth between my current machine and one that operates a lot differently. I’m sure I could adjust if I used the second machine a lot, but I don’t anticipate that. I would want to use it for travel and when my main machine is in the shop, but probably not a lot otherwise.

I’d like to hear people’s experiences with switching between machines, especially two that are really different. Easy? Hard? Hard at first then easy? Please share!

maminstl

It's like driving rental cars - just takes a little time to readjust. I use a computerized machine that will do everything but make dinner, and an old mechanical Bernina along with a few others in the middle. I fumble around for a few minutes, but then it's just not a problem. Been teaching a bunch of kids last few months with 3 different machine types, so toggle back and forth between them constantly.

ManiacQuilter2

I just added another Bernina of the same series to my collection so they can share everything like feet. I tried a thread cutter and didn't like it so mine don't have all the bells and whistles.

Patricia Drew

I switch all the time between an old Singer 411 (from the sixties), a mechanical Juki TL2010Q and a computerized Juki HZL-DX7. The first few minutes after changing are a bit awkward, but you quickly get back into the swing of the machine you're working on.

Macybaby

I have no problem with it - might make a false start or two, then the body switches over and I'm back on "automatic"

I switch between a manual and automatic transmission vehicles - It's not bad when I go for the clutch in the automatic, but isn't as forgiving when I break with the manual and forget I need to push the clutch in.

toverly

I switch between my Juki and my Janome all the time. Other than trying to cut with the foot pedal, I quickly adjust. The hardest part is when sewing a scant quarter, each machine sews differently. I finally purchased the little purple guides to set each machine the same. Makes a huge difference and I don't have to try to complete a project on the same machine each time.

Doggramma

The hardest for me was using a machine without the knee lift or the needle down. But I got used to it after a while.

Innov8R

I think the hardest part of using multiple machines is the reverse. My Juki has a BIG up/down handle sticking out on the front for reverse. My Janome uses a button. And my Elna uses a left/right lever. I do fine until I have to use reverse. 15-20 minutes into a session on these machines and I am fine. I never have a problem switching to a serger. I guess my weak little mind somehow processes the serger as a completely different activity.

I wouldn't worry about getting a travel machine. Chances are you will quickly learn to love the one you're with!

Onebyone

I wanted a portable machine with the features I used the most that wasn't expensive because it would be toted a lot. I found the Brother 420 PC, not the PRW 420. It has needle up, auto threader, knee lift, thread cutter, start/stop button, speed control, pressure dial, feed dogs lower, needle positioner, and is lightweight. I paid $250 for it new in box. The (PRW model is great, has all the features plus about a hundred more stitch styles) Honestly I have knee lift on three of my machines and never use it. I guess I need to to see what I'm missing.

QuiltnNan

this is the same for me... i don't take my good machine to classes.