LDB

I have recently come into a Bernette 46, a small, very basic machine. It doesn't have many bells and whistles, including the knee lift and automatic thread cutter, two features which I use all the time. I am really attached to the features of my Brother NX6500, which has these features. Perhaps I could use this for a raffle or quilting garage sale for the OMQG. My question is what do you all use a second machine for? I could use it to take to classes and whatnot, I suppose. My question is what do you all use a second machine for?

MartiMorga

Good question. I have an Baby Lock Ellisimom, a Singer Quantum CL, a Baby Lock Serger and my old Baby Lock Ellegante (that I am trying to sell). I use to just sew with my singer, then I sewed with my baby lock and really liked it, so started sewing with it and the singer sat. Now I have learned that you must use your machines, they are like cars and must be "started up". For classes I use to take my ellegante. I had one doing embroidery while I sewed on the other. In the end I have decided I have "too" much and need to get back to basics. Not much help, am I?

HillCountryGal

When I first started quilting (two years ago), I bought a cheap Singer because it was lightweight and could take it to classes. What has happened is the needle jumps out of alighment... had it repaired once. One week later, it messed up again! If I have it repaired again, I will have spent enough $$ to buy another one!! So, I'm learning to sew with the needle off center.

To answer your question, a 2nd machine is good backup if nothing else.

mgmsrk

Use one as a backup when the main is in the shop.

Sometimes machines have different strengths so I set them up differently. My old Kenmore is great with heavy stuff so it gets used for that, my Juki does better with small seams or delicate items than my Janome. I have a new(to me) Bernina 230 that is the smallest and lightest so it will get used for classes and most likely to teach my DD to sew.

joysewer

I have a small Janome that I love!! I bought it so I wouldn't have to drag my heavy Quattro anywhere. I use the Janome to take to pillowcase parties to make pillowcases for Conker Cancer. I have also used it to teach a couple little girls how to sew.

Rose Marie

When your main machine is in the shop you need a backup.
Since it is small you can use it for travel.

bigsister63

Two machine? Of course!! I have a Singer Confidence quilter and a Brother 1500s. The brothers is straight stitch only and the Singer does the fancy stitches. .I use the Brothers for my piecing and FMQ. and the Singer when I need fancy stitches. I really needed a back -up machine when my Brothers was in the shop for 3 weeks. As for other machine like sergers and embrodery machine- not for me. Also I take Singer to class since it is lighter than my Brothers.

Tartan

​My back up machine is a Bernina Activa. I take that one to classes and also use it when my main machine needs a check up. I would be lost this month without it ! My Bernina 440 had to go to the doctor and it still isn't ready for pick up.

Gatormom3

Because I feared I would damage my Janome 6600 taking it back and forth to classes, I recently purchased a Janome 760 to use as a backup and to take to class. It is very light weight but sews beautifully - I am so excited to have it in my sewing room :-) !

bigsister63

Two machine? Of course!! I have a Singer Confidence quilter and a Brother 1500s. The brothers is straight stitch only and the Singer does the fancy stitches. .I use the Brothers for my piecing and FMQ. and the Singer when I need fancy stitches. I really needed a back -up machine when my Brothers was in the shop for 3 weeks. As for other machine like sergers and embrodery machine- not for me. Also I take Singer to class since it is lighter than my Brothers.