CRO

I only started piecing 3 years ago. I have made 3 log cabins and am now spreading out. I just took one to the quilter that was a combo of 9 patch and roman stripes. I am currently working on one with lots of flying geese and even my first appliqueing. I have done this on a $90 Singer Simple. I really want to move up. I have looked at and tried husqvarna and Janome machines. I thought the Emerald 118 really was nice, but except for the needle up/down feature it wasn't different except sewing much better, and it didn't have a blanket stitch.
I also tried a HusqvarnaOpal 650 and a Janome 2030DC. They are priced the same with the Janome $200 off right now. They are both more than I wanted to spend and have more features than I will probably ever use, but the 118 is $400 and the other 2 are $800 with the janome $200 off.
Should I go with computerized? If I buy the 118 I can upgrade up to 12 months later for the full price of the 118 being applied to the Opal.
I would love to buy used, but you all seem to be hording your machines.

tatavw01

whatever you do make sure that you can do zig zag

humbird

In answer to your question, "do I need a computerized machine?" NO!! but if its what you want and can afford it, go for it! I do almost all my machine sewing on a 50+ year old Necchi, and a newer Elna, probably 20 something that I also use often. Nothing computerizied. But if one came my way, I would probably snatch it up!!

quiltsRfun

Is that a deal breaker? Just make sure you get the features you really want. You might end up with a few extrs that you don't think you'll need in order to do that.

Dolphyngyrl

No but I love the extras that my mechanical can't do

CRO

I probably stated that wrong. I'm just wondering if I would be happier with a computerized vs manual machine with what I want to do.

Cybrarian

For me the answer was yes. Started quilting on my 25 yr old Kenmore. When I got a bonus at work I bought an Elna 750 ( I think that's the number). She has Quilting Queen on her and she is! I also have a little $140 Brother from Walmart for classes and traveling to my mom's. I am so glad I got my Ellie, love her and all she can do!

CRO

My next question would be which would be the better buy?

mom-6

The main things you need to ask yourself - what features do I most want my machine to be able to do and how often will I use these features that I want. Then see which machine is the best match to your criteria. And of course how much you are willing to pay for a new machine.

Tashana

I have many machines, five to be exact and they range in age from 100+ years to 10 years old. None is computerized. Every now and then I wish for a machine that can adjust to a scant 1/4" seam and that has automatic thread cutter but then I remember that I spend $0 in servicing my machines because I can do it myself. With the computerized, I would have to take it in to be serviced and the amount I sew, it would have to be very often. Good luck!