Ever bought a new machine and then regretted it?
 

Ever bought a new machine and then regretted it? Did you keep it? Trade it in? Sell it?

the only regret i have is seeing one i like even better within a short time of buying a new one.

i call it "the grass is greener" syndrome. lol

Yes, when I first started I bought a Janome 6500, I hated it! Set it on a shelf and bought a Juki F600 and I’ve been in love ever since! Do try before you buy if you can! I finally sold my Janome last year.

I did buy a demo Tin Lizzie 18LS, love the machine, but my regret is also buying the aluminium frame. Am told steel tracks are much better. I later bought an extension to 10ft and the join gives me problems, also the encoders have been one big headache.
A Pfaff CV embroidery/sewing machine, also a demo @ a very good price, and it has a large hoop. There are so many features that aren't explained in the manual, & I find it difficult to fathom - not user friendly - & I just couldn't spend the time needed in town getting lessons. It would take me all day to figure something out, & forgotten how to a week later. So it's been serviced and packed away.
Sometime I feel like selling the lot - Downsizing is big on my mind these days - when the days get cooler.

I bought a used Bernina 170 from my dealer to use as a travel machine. The machine was perfect, ran like a dream, but it was just so darn heavy! I regretted not buying a lighter machine. I sold the Bernina and bought a Brother Innov-is Laura Ashley special addition, also used, off of craigslist and I've been very happy with it!

Yes. I bought a Janome DC1050 on what was then Massdrop for a few hundred, when what I really wanted was a machine that would have cost several thousand dollars, and taken several years (at the time) for me to save up. Sometimes it's worth it to wait and have the budget to get the machine you *really* want. I almost immediately had buyer's regret, because it was a compromise to begin with. I kept it because it was new and in working order and *just* better than the old one which had issues.

I haven't but I don't buy the expensive machines like my sew group. They all have the new Bernina or the new Brother. Thousands of dollars for each Each one has regretted it because of the upkeep cost but like the machines . The service cost on them are over $200 just bringing them in for service. Upgrades are hundreds of dollars and the playbooks are $200. The ones over two years old are all having sensors go out and that means about a week in the shop here and a high bill. I could buy any machine I want but have no desire to put that much money in a sewing machine.

I bought the BL Destiny because I wanted to quilt with the embroidery machine. The salesperson said it will digitize coloring pages, etc. It did not do what I needed telling me the pics were 'too complicated' to digitize. And it did not embroider/sew as nicely as my old Brother does. I had to fight for the return, but they finally took it back. And I don't regret it a bit.

I gave up a vintage mechanical machine for a brand new machine my mother picked out and bought for me as a gift. The vintage machine's speed control was broken, the tension was finicky, the feed dogs wouldn't drop, and it only had about 8 stitches, but it was what I learned how to sew on and I knew how to make it work for me. It was a work horse and solid, I just never found anyone who would work on it for me. I regretted giving it up immediately when I handed it to the dealer as a trade in.

My new machine is nothing fancy, but I am getting much better results in piecing and quilting. Unfortunately it is not going to last nearly as long as my older machine, but I will use it until I burn it out or outgrow it. It is a good middle ground for me to adjust to some of the features of a newer machine without spending money on things I won't ever use.

I do still check out deals and keep an eye on what is out there as far as technology, but I don't covet other people's fancy purchases. I'd be too worried about breaking some of the expensive machines to enjoy sewing with them!

No I haven't bought a machine I didn't like.

Two straight stitch only machines are the best for me.

When I bought my Janome MC 6600P I wanted a basic good quilting machine. My research said it was the MC6600. It was on sale and came with the Janome set in table. When I got it home I set it up and looked at the manual then decided to wait until I had my first lesson. Up until this time I had only used older Singers and a Europro. I was so sure I had made a mistake getting one with so many stitches. And when I was at the dealer the lady helping me understood my concern so didn't try to talk me into a more detailed machine. In fact, she said if I kept the box I had 6 months to trade up at the full value. I dithered about my large purchase until after my first 2 classes and started to feel comfortable with the machine. Luckily I do love my machine - in CA you do have 3 days for a cooling off period - so I did think about returning it, but glad I did not.

Sort of.
I bought a Juki TL2010Q that is a great machine and I love it. I bought it for FMQ but then about a year later
I upgraded my Bernina to a 770 QE and that thing is amazing!
I haven't sold my Juki though. I keep it for piecing if I'm FMQ ing on my Bernina or vice-versa.

Not yet...I am a pretty frugal shopper and always do my homework first. I not only take a test drive but check many of the reviews before making a decision. Too bad we couldn’t apply the same experience with husbands. I am on number 2 LOL

Not really. The new machines I've bought in recent history were 2 Berninas (1630 and 180) and a Juki 2200 QVP Mini. My only regret is that I traded in the 1630 when I bought the 180. I wish I'd kept it.

Yes--2! I bought both myself and my daughter Singer's from Tues Morning that were lightweight and computerized. Both had issues--mine had a bent pick-up hook, but even after repaired, they both were very touchy about how the bobbin was wound. My daughter really struggled and wanted to give up sewing. So I traded them both in and bought a Brother Simplicity for travel and when we go to retreats together I bring it, my good Elna, and my daughter brings her super inexpensive Brother as the spare. If you aren't liking it cause it doesn't work well,get rid of it and don't become frustrated!

In 2014 I purchased a Bernina 710. The machine is great but there is so much more on it than I will use. Or use once then not again for a year or more. That is my regret. I probably should have gotten 1 with fewer bells & whistles.

I didn't buy the machine it was gifted to me and I love that machine problem is I broke it trying to give it a good cleaning. It's a treadle machine and I can't find anyone to come to my house to fix it. Obviously it is not something you can throw in the car and find a repair shop, so there she sits and every time my power goes out I really wish I could do something about it.

I had a Viking Rose which I loved but its motherboard finally gave up. So I bought a Juki with a large throat that everyone seems to love. It pieced and free motion quilted well, but I just could not get the walking foot to quilt well for me. I adjusted everything I could, but over the course of a week of struggle, I still didn't like the result. So I returned it and got an Elna Excellence 720 very much like my old Rose (which they don't make anymore). I'm happy.

Why did you hate it right away? Because it was so very different from the one you had been using? When I first got my Janome MC6500 it scared me to death because I had ordered it online without trying it out first in a dealership.. Plus it has so many bells and whistles...would I ever learn it all? Scary! But I gave it a chance, and while I still don't use all the bells and whistles it provides, I am more comfortable with it. The only thing to be scared of was my fear in the long run. Have faith and use the machine...you may grow to love it.

I've never regretting buying a brand new machine - though I have gone through the "too scared to use it" situation a few times :).

I've rarely regretting buying any machine soon after I made the purchase, though now I really regret buying so many vintage machines - but that is the typical collector syndrome!

The only machine I regret on some level is a vintage Dressmaker machine I bought for $35 at an antique mall. It is super-cute but I did not realize at the time that it is a left-needle machine. I only make quilts, so I need a 1/4" seam but it is so hard to get with a left-needle machine. Oh well.... for $35 it can sit and look vintage.

I have been to shops and got so caught up in the demonstrations of the new machines that I nearly talked myself into getting one. But after thinking for an hour on it, I remember that I only piece quilts and have zero interest in making clothes or home decorating items or embroidery stuff. So I don't need anything they are pushing on the $5000 to $15,000 machines. I need something that will make a straight stitch and sometimes a zig-zag. Between my 1990's Bernina 1031 and my 1950's Singer 301 I am set for piecing. I do have a travel Janome machine inherited from my mother-in-law, and a Tiara II sit-down quilting machine. I thought I would regret the Tiara but it is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

I wanted a new machine when I started sewing again a few years ago. I bought a small Janome which works fine and would be a great class machine. It hasn't been used but a few times as about 6 months later, I purchased another brand embroidery machine. There were frequent classes at the dealer's store to attend and learn the machine too. Over the years, four other machines have made their way into my sewing room. I like the similar features, buttons, etc across the different models so use these machines the most.

No regrets though I should consider selling the one not used.

My parents bought me a Pfaff 362 sewing machine for my high school graduation in 1970. At the time I was so disappointed because I had wanted a much cheaper and lighter weight Singer that was mostly plastic. Over the years I sewed lots of clothes, curtains, drapes, chair cushions, and even a boat cover on that Pfaff and it's still running fine. Obviously my parents made the right choice choosing the heavy duty Pfaff over the light weight plastic machine.

Interesting to hear your thoughts. The Juki is what I thought I was going to buy. But for numerous reasons, I ended up with a Bernina 535.

Yes my handiquilter, not because I dont like it but because my schedule is so hectic i have no time to use so its been collecting dust for 2 years. Wish i would have waited until I had more time

The new machine is more computerized than my other Bernina. I've figured out how to use it, but the computer aspects get on my nerves a little. :) At this point I still like my older machine better - and that makes me second guess myself about whether it was worth the $$.

Yes and I kept it for more than 30 years until a nylon gear broke.

Yes, it is sitting on my work table getting dusty. Loved it at first, but after a couple of months all of the problems started to appear. Nothing broken, but just not as easy to use as advertised. Special features were/are not so "special". I will just plug away and keep trying to establish a friendship with this piece of equipment. It is terrific for chain piecing, so that is a start! Right? :~)

Yes, but not new machines. Everytime DH and I go thrift store wandering or garage saleing, I tell him I do not need another machine. I usually end up with another machine, usually vintage. I have given several away after I cleaned them up a little. Afterall, who can resist a $10 bargain.

Back in 2007 I put my house up on the market so packed up my sewing room. Didn't realize the housing market would drop suddenly so it took 3 yrs. I got bored so went out to pick up a seeminly less expensive machine to sew with until the house sold. I got a Janome Runway machine which really wasn't all that cheap but it sewed terribly. Once I moved I tried to give it to my mother but she didn't want to have to learn how to use it so I gave it to another family who later gave it to yet another family. Have no idea where it is now but I know I'll never buy another Janome again. My quilting neighbor loves Janome machines so I may have just picked up a lemon. We each have our favorites and I've had a Babylock and Viking machines. Got rid of the Babylock a couple years ago when I decided to downsize. Then after 16 years I upgraded my Viking D1 to an Epic. Doubt I'll ever upgrade again as I'm quite happy with my machine. Luckily most all my machine feet works on the Epic and only a couple hoops didn't work.

I have 4 Janome machines and love all of them. Gave my 350e to my daughter when I got the 15000 and never ever have regretted it. I bought that machine with some of my retirement money. Kept my 6600 though because I love that machine too and take my 3150dc to classes.

I didn't know Janome made the Runway machines. I have only seen them made by Brother. The high end Runway machines are very nice for the price.

I can say yes to this. I bought a small Brothers Embroidery machine. I had drop in thread cartridges. The failure was almost immediate. If the cartridges were not seated just right it was impossible for the machine to work. You needed the cartridges for straight sewing too. After only a short time the cartridges were not available an the machine was a loss. It looked like it was a fun model but turned out to be not so good. I love brothers machines so I did by another upgraded model for the limited amount of embroidery work that I do. I gave the machine away years ago.

I have twice over the years. The first one was a serger someone convinced me I really needed. I bought one, watched the video it came with, threaded it, sewed about 4”, a thread broke. I put it in its case and it sat in the bottom of a closet for the next 5 years until I decided to get rid of it. Sold it for about 1/3 what I pair for it

the second one was a machine I purchased when someone who worked on my Viking told me it was not fixable. I was ( crushed) but needed a machine. Purchased a machine our LQS sold. Absolutely hated it. After dealing with it for a few weeks I pulled my Viking back out wondering just what was wrong- was it truly not working? I had taken it to someone who was recommended for a cleaning. Set it up- it worked fine. YEA! I didn’t have to spend that $800 on the new machine at all...I kept it thinking it would be a good travel / backup machine.
I started teaching some ladies at work to sew and took it there to use during breaks and down time we were making aprons and gifts for residents. One of my coworkers fell in love with that machine- thought it was the greatest machine ever. I sold it to her.

We all have things we like and don't like and the perfect machine for one person might be perfectly awful for someone else.

My new-to-me modern Bernina 820 was an immediate regret of the first purchaser. She just hated it and by the time she decided she just couldn't adapt she could only get regular turn-in value, which was less than half price. She wasn't the only one, Bernina quickly discontinued the model and let's just hope they don't keep re-using old model numbers. Some of the machines seemed to have mechanical issues that were immediate and never fixed to the satisfaction of their owners. My model does not seem to be one of the lemons.

My friend who loves Berninas said she would buy it for half price and her friend agreed. My friend sewed with it for about 5 years and never clicked with it. She feels it is fussy with threads and replaced it with a 770 that she is very happy with. Last time I visited her we packed up the 820 and mailed it to me. I used it pretty hard for a year and overall I'm quite pleased with it. Then I had one of those "everything was working fine the day before" mornings a couple of months ago and I've tried cleaning and all the standard stuff and it needs to go to the shop. I like it well enough to spend as much for a servicing as I would to go buy a brand new or reconditioned vintage machine.

I'm accustomed to doing my own maintenance on my vintage machines but my vision is getting iffy for that... still, I find it hard to accept the idea of machines that need regular tune ups. But hey, they cost more than some of my cars so why not? This time anyway. Next time I can't fix it myself I'll probably go back to a machine that's more basic. I've got to say though, I love the knee bar for foot up, and the foot control has needle down that I like a lot. I've grown to depend on the bobbin sensor (but I'm unhappy that it is not a standard bobbin size). One of the biggest changes that I didn't expect is with the thread cutter I am much less covered with threads, and now that I'm using my portable cheap Brother, I'm using up a lot more thread.

And then with my vision issues, the fully automated threading of the Bernina is wonderful. But even my cheapo Brother has a threading assist. As is the lighting and the huge workspace makes it possible for me to machine quilt. I know some of you can do wonderful things just using a 221 or whatever, and I can stick my quilts together with my small throat vintage machines, but that 12" throat is just a wonder. So maybe I will keep on paying for tune-ups.

LOL, I bought a Janome 8900...hated it.....sold it after 3 months and replaced it with a Juki DX7 (the Australian version of the F models I think)! Love my Jukis and will never buy another brand...I'm sold for life...(I have a TL2010Q too)
I also had a Bernina 710 several years ago...big, and shiny with all the bells and whistles but boy that thing was so temperamental I sold it after a couple of years. Drove me nuts.

No. I've been happy with every Brother machine I've purchased - each an upgrade on the previous as my budget allowed.

I love my Bernina 830. I purchased it almost 40 years ago, and it's still great. Metal gears, not plastic. I just use the straight stitch, zigzag, and the 20 automated stitches. I have several foot attachments that I don't know their purpose. Self-taught; never took a class other than Junior High homemaking.

P. S. I just discovered what the foot with a circle end is for (free motion quilting)! It's like having a new machine!

Congrats on your discovery