Originally Posted by
Ariannaquilts
I read all these posts about buying sewing machines for thousands of dollars and I wonder what is it about that machine that you would spend that kind of money for it? Are you using it for something other than piecing and FMQ, I guess I just think why wouldn't you buy a long arm machine at least it would pay for itself in the long run. A friend of mine bought a brand new Bernina that she put on a frame and uses it as a long arm it's too heavy to take on and off the frame so I just don't get it. I know you all will be able to help me understand. TIA.
I was you until I got a job at a Bernina dealer's shop. They made there real money by doing custom sewing and alterations. Not only did I learn a lot, even though I have been sewing since I was 12 but I fell in love with the Bernina machines. The first one I purchased was the first stand alone embroidery machine Bernina sold. With my employee discount I was able to purchase it at a reasonable price. I have since invested at least $1000 in additional software for it. I used it so much I purchased another stand alone embroidery machine, this time a Brother. The only reason I went with that brand is that Bernina had changed their embroidery format away from the PES. All of the newer software would not work in my old machine. At this point I own a Bernina Artista 185 which I got in trade for my first Bernina sewing machine plus a little more money, a Bernina 240 sewing machine, much lighter in weight and portable, for workshops etc. the Bernina embroidery machine, a Brother embroidery machine and a Bernina high end serger. I do a lot of charity sewing. I make at least 20 Linus quilts a month and a lot of Pillowcase dresses for a charity that gives them to children and teen girls in third world countries. Being clothed helps prevent rape. I also own a Singer Featherweight I found at yard sale in mint condition. I got it for $20. My mother owned a Featherweight that she purchased in 1935 and brought with her from Illinois when she meet and married my father. I learned to sew on it and so did my nieces. I let them have it when she died as I had the other machines by that time. Sewing is my one vice so I treat myself by using the best machines I know of. I am a hand quilter. The only quilts I do on the machine are the ones for Linus as they will be washed and cared for by persons not likely to know much about real quilts.