which new machine to buy.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 338
which new machine to buy.
Other than a cheap 200 dollar brother machine I have never bought a new one. Had a few passed to me including a really nice 1980's era bernina that I inherited from my grandmother. It was having some issues so I brought it in to be serviced only to find out that it won't last long and the gears are really worn out. I was advised not to put a lot of money into it when it finally goes and to move on. Looking into a new one already. What should I get?
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 338
Money isn't an issue. I both machine quilt and make some of my own clothes. Sewing room is tiny, so limited space is an issue if that matters.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Since space is an issue in your sewing room, I would consider perhaps a Janome 8900 which has a big enough harp to make machine quilting easier but also has an assortment of decorative stitches. Unlike some other Janome models, it has a free arm that makes it useful for garment sewing as well as quilting.
A lot of people really like the Brother DreamWeaver machine, although I think there is an even newer model out with more features. This is another all-singing all-dancing machine.
Edit: Limited space is definitely an issue. If you had more space, I might recommend a combination of several machines, each engineered to deliver the highest quality specialty applications. For example, I might recommend a Juki 2010 for piecing, a Sweet Sixteen for machine quilting, a Brother PE770 for emboirdery, and yet another machine for decorative stitches. And perhaps a high-end serger for both garment sewing and decorative stitching on quilts.
A lot of people really like the Brother DreamWeaver machine, although I think there is an even newer model out with more features. This is another all-singing all-dancing machine.
Edit: Limited space is definitely an issue. If you had more space, I might recommend a combination of several machines, each engineered to deliver the highest quality specialty applications. For example, I might recommend a Juki 2010 for piecing, a Sweet Sixteen for machine quilting, a Brother PE770 for emboirdery, and yet another machine for decorative stitches. And perhaps a high-end serger for both garment sewing and decorative stitching on quilts.
Last edited by Prism99; 01-03-2016 at 02:07 PM.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I would go to a local quilt show where many dealers will have numerous machines set up for you to give a trip around the blcoks. You need to test drive them to see what suits you and your budget. I bought my Bernina 1530 over 15 years ago and have never regretted that purchase.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 338
Since space is an issue in your sewing room, I would consider perhaps a Janome 8900 which has a big enough harp to make machine quilting easier but also has an assortment of decorative stitches. Unlike some other Janome models, it has a free arm that makes it useful for garment sewing as well as quilting.
A lot of people really like the Brother DreamWeaver machine, although I think there is an even newer model out with more features. This is another all-singing all-dancing machine.
Edit: Limited space is definitely an issue. If you had more space, I might recommend a combination of several machines, each engineered to deliver the highest quality specialty applications. For example, I might recommend a Juki 2010 for piecing, a Sweet Sixteen for machine quilting, a Brother PE770 for emboirdery, and yet another machine for decorative stitches. And perhaps a high-end serger for both garment sewing and decorative stitching on quilts.
A lot of people really like the Brother DreamWeaver machine, although I think there is an even newer model out with more features. This is another all-singing all-dancing machine.
Edit: Limited space is definitely an issue. If you had more space, I might recommend a combination of several machines, each engineered to deliver the highest quality specialty applications. For example, I might recommend a Juki 2010 for piecing, a Sweet Sixteen for machine quilting, a Brother PE770 for emboirdery, and yet another machine for decorative stitches. And perhaps a high-end serger for both garment sewing and decorative stitching on quilts.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,313
I think ManiacQuilter2 is right. even if not at a quilt show. It's like a car, everyone has preferences and some of them feel more right than others. Something on paper might appeal, but touching it and using it might be a different story. A lot of people like vintage machines. there is something to be said for them, but, in my neck of the woods they are not easy to come by and not all that cheap. I have a bunch of them and like them, but, I also love my dinky mechanical Brother which is my "go to" machine. Let us know what you decide on.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,093
The reason the older Berninas have such a great stitch is because of the oscillating hook system. When you get up to the 7 and 8 Series machines, they have a whole new hook system. The Bernina 570 has the oscillating hook and comes with the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). That's the machine I would get if I could afford it.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 922
If you love your older Bernina, buy a new one. Quiltedsunshine has good suggestions. BTW, having a stitch regulator is similar to having training wheels on a bike. It is good to get started, but you will probably outgrow it soon. I have not used the BSR I got for my 440 for years. (Anyone want to buy a BSR?)
Pam
Pam
#10
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
My BFF just bought a Brother Innovis NQ1300 and loves it. I have to admit I really like it too except for the really wide feed dogs. That's the one thing that keeps me from buying a new sewing machine. I just have no use for such a wide zig zag.
Cari
Cari
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lpsewing
Main
10
03-06-2012 09:52 AM