Help! How Many Machines Does One Need?
 

I have a 28 year old Necchi 549 which has served me well. During that time I replaced the motor belt and top tension assembly. It is now showing it's age and the top stitching is wobbly. The company went out of business over 10 years ago and parts are mostly unavailable. I have a lot of alterations to do and began quilting this summer, so I searched for a replacement machine.

I found a Husqvarna Viking Platinum 750 through a lady on Craigslist who had listed a different machine initially. I had done research on Vikings and the brand was high on my list of possibilities (if made in Sweeden). This machine was made in Sweeden and came with a Viking walking foot, Viking stippling foot and an 18x24 clear acrylic extension table for a great price after a bit of haggling. I bought it.

After sewing different things on it, I have discovered that it will not sew over garment seams when hemming without whining and balking. When it finally makes it over the hump the stitches are tiny. On the other hand, I found that I can do FMQ on it easily without any problems. Are most machines made today for one specific type of sewing? I really just want one machine that can do it all!

What are your experiences with a Bernina Record 830? Is this a machine that can sew over multiple thicknesses without hesitation as well as handling FMQ beautifully? I like that it can sew standard buttonholes, blind hem, and sew the blanket stitch. These are features I want/need also.

Can you recommend other machines that have all of these abilities. I don't need electronic or computerized--mechanical is fine--but reliability and longevity IS important to me.

Thanks so much for reading!
Sheddah

I know that the newer Berninas can sew over heavy layers -- like blue jean hems, and expect that the older ones do, too. I currently own 3 Berninas - one is a serger. I think it's nice to have multiple machines as I have one Bernina and one Singer in the shop right now for tune ups.

I have two machines - a Bernina 153 QE and a Janome Horizon 7700. Both are great, but each with its own strengths. The Bernina seems to do better at sewing over bulky seams without getting all those tiny stitches. The Janome is much, much better for FMQ - mainly because it has an 11" throat. Both machines are great and I do actually use them both a lot. I have a small Grace quilting frame and the Janome is far better for that. Also, the Janome feet are substantially cheaper than the Bernina, and it has a wonderful built-in walking foot (called Accufeed) which I love. The Bernina is smaller and easier to pack into a class. I wouldn't trade either one right now!!

I don't know anything about the Bernina 830, but I do know that Bernina is a good quality machine. I've had mine for 7 years and hope to have it for many more...

The Bernina Record 830 is a workhouse and also a valuable vintage machine. These Bernina's were made with really strong motors and it should have no difficulty going over thick seams. Check eBay's completed listings to see what they sell for there.

hand crank singer----- cause mum had one
electric singer----cause it is beautiful all gold markings perfect
tiny elna--straight +zigzag-----for work shops light as air
janome --couldnot resist $5 garage sale
pfaff 1424---just being retired after 15 years
2124 pfaff embroidery ---my fully toy
horizon 3 days old not yet out of the box
all machines work all are loved and i appreciate the fact i can afford them

i have 6 machines and love them all.

I have an assortment and love them all! I have a brand new toy machine that is only six inches high...and got it cuz it is cute on a shelf. My hubby bought me a vintage featherweight.....a brother that I have had for 15 years or so and is my workhorse, and he just also bought me an anniversary edition machine that is computerized and fun!!!!!

the obvious answer...just one more! :)

I have 3 Janomes and a Brother for embroidery. I use each of them for something different.

I have two machines plus a serger. Each machine has something I like for a specific task. If you are shopping make a list of the task you need and then determine the machine that can do these at a price you can afford. It is so easy to get "up sold" on all the fancy stuff once at a dealer.