My local fabric/homewares store has the Elna Elina 40 Computerised Sewing Machine on sale at 50% off (now down to $400 AUD). I'm tempted as it has needle up/down, variable speed settings, one step button hole and other nice features.

If any of you have that model I would love to hear your feedback on how it performs. e.g. is it quiet, how does it go at multiple layers such as when you are doing corners when binding or hemming jeans, any reliability issues.

I'm mostly interested in it from a piecing & general dress-making point of view as I haven't graduated to machine quilting yet.

I bought one for $400 half price at spotlight in Melb and used it for a few days doing applique with metallic thread on a Geisha girl panel. Beautiful machine to use quiet smooth lovely stiching. satin stitch is excellent and I was sewing over several layers with no problem. The machine (as is my stash I bought at the Quilt Fair) is staying in Melb at my sisters till I take my car over. I am so looking forward to getting it home to do my sewing on it.

Thanks Sandy-Lou. I'm soooo tempted but my Husqvarna Viking in 1980's chocolate brown still works fine so I really have to ask myself if I NEED it or just WANT it.

Hope you're able to get over and collect your machine soon. Really appreciate the feedback.

I bought one, also half price at Spotlight. it is great for general sewing, does good buttonholes and goes through mos fabrics. the only thing it is missing is the honeycomb stretch stitch. this is strange, as models both belowt and above this one have the stitch. this stitch is really useful when my overlocker does not work, or i have the wrong colour in my overlocker. I am going to give the machine to my grandchild and go up to the next model up. I did not check this out properly.

Elina 40, ELNA free motion foot / darning foot just does'nt work!!! Doesn't fit!!! On the Elina 40.
the brother foot at spotlight does fit. (xc1972-002) F040N. Have a look in the accessories rack $18.95.
Jo-Anne loves the machine, it sew really well , and I'm fiddling with free motion quilting.
I've dropped the dogs, set to slowest speed, with fingers crossed I shall attempt free motion quilting,
Wish me luck ... Bye for now

I have purchased a Elina 40 from Spotlight a while back. I am now into quilting but did not have a walking foot for this machine. I purchased one from Spotlight, but for some reason my quilts are pucker by the machine. I have tried everything under the sun but it keep on doing that, can anybody help here?
Regards
Alet