So it's probably NOT my imagination that my newer machine has a wider free-arm than gran's 1954 Pfaff. That's good to know! I was thinking maybe I'm just crazy. (Which is still a possibility...)
THANK YOU so much for taking the time to measure all of those machines!!! Some of those measurements SOUND huge but I just curled up a piece of printer paper and it's not as big as they sounded at first. I eyeballed what I think would be an ideal size and measured it out and looks like I WANT something about 7-1/2" in circumference. Hmph. Maybe I can convince DH to buy me a 222 for my birthday? LOL
That patcher's arm sounds awesome, but I don't know anything about industrial machines and not sure I'm ready to learn...probably just being silly but it feels overwhelming to learn enough to make sure I'm getting what I need and for the right price and how to care for and maintain it...and aren't they pretty big, and need a stand? I don't have a lot of room... A 222 would sure fit into my
house a lot better, but not into my budget very well at all!
Joe - I will look for some Bernie's to measure! I haven't ever sewn on a Bernina and am not at all familiar with them, but I don't mind branching out a bit.
Do you happen to know if the ones you listed all take "regular" needles? So far all of the machines I use take standard needles and I'd LIKE to keep it that way, but that's not mandatory. I could survive having one or two "special" machines.