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Speaking because I own a bernina and brother (but mine are combos) I say yes, they are worth it IF you are doing a lot of sewing.
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Originally Posted by mpspeedy2
(Post 5959934)
I learned to sew on my mother's Featherweight which she purchased in 1935. I worked for a Bernina dealer some 20+ years ago and fell in love. Over the years I have done thousands of hours of sewing in one form or another. I was able to purchase my first Bernina sewing machine at the dealer's discount, which at the time made it $1800. I probably had the equivilent of ten years worth of sewing hours on it when I traded it in on a newer but used model Bernina last year. I also purchased one of their basic lower end models for workshops etc. because it probably weighs 20lb or more less than my everyday machine. I also own a Bernina serger and a stand alone embroidery machine. Both of them are well used. The most unique thing a Bernina has is a knee lift. Until you have sewn with one you have no idea how wonderful it is. I only do basic machine quilting on Linus quilts but I don't know how I would do it without the knee lift. It is like having a third hand at all times.
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I have both what is considered high end and basic-older sewing machines. I have to confess, I purchased the high end one thinking I would "use" all that stuff.....well, you got it, I do not....oh, once in a while, but really not to justify the cost of the equipment. Like all have said, you have to know what you are really going to use it for and that will define your decision. Also, some of that built-in convenience costs a fortune to repair..........
Are automobiles worth the price on the windshield...sometimes I wonder..........need a bushel of bucks to buy some things sometimes!!!!! |
I had a Pfaff Varimatic that fell off a UPS truck on it's way for servicing and was totally smashed. The folks at SVP said that they didn't make parts any longer, so that was that. Once I got my insurance check from UPS, I bought a Viking Emerald. I was only used to a manual machine and I only sewed a little at that point. Then I started quilting and the Viking got traded in for a Janome Horizon 7700. I love the machine, but I use only a few stitches.
Then I found I needed a second machine and I bought the Janome 3160. It sews nearly identical to my 7700. It's a great little machine. Then I thought I wanted to get a frame and bought a Brother PQ-1500s straight stitch machine. That was around $600 and is a workhorse, but you know what I loved it for piecing (made a perfect scant 1/4") and FMQ. It makes a beautiful stitch. So, now I work on my 7700 a little and my Brother a little and my 3160 a little. I think I'm good on machines for awhile. The problem was I took a long arm class and decided the stand up wasn't for me, but I wanted the sit-down and drooled over it. My b-day is at Thanksgiving, so for b-day and Christmas last year my husband bought me a HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen. I absolutely adore that machine. My friend just bought the new big Brother NX-3000 and I looked at it and went well... I don't think so, because now my needs are different. I think if I need a new machine, which I don't think will be for awhile, it will just be mid-range for piecing since all my quilting is on my SS now. |
I'm like many of you, I drool over all the bells and whistles, but can't justify the expense. My Featherweight does a perfect straight stitch, is virtually maintenance free (ie unless its an electrical problem I can do it myself) and so far I have been able to do nearly everything I want to do on it. It actually has a larger throat space than some of the newer larger machines!
Will keep my eye out for other machines, but most likely will stick with a vintage machine, just one with more throat space and maybe one with zigzag and possibly a few decorative stitches - don't need a bazillion. |
I never pay the MSRP. There is always room to negotiate with dealers. I have also purchased gently used machines...one of them was two weeks old (Lady decided to trade up) at the dealer. That dealer gave me the warranty and discounted the machine $1000. Since you are on this board, it seems like you would like a good quilting machine. I just got the new Janome 8900. I love this machine. Right out of the box, did FMQ...and I am not good at it...I always had eyelashes on curves on the backside of my quilt....with the 8900, I had no eyelashes at all. I didn't change the needle that was in the machine, I didn't touch the tension, I didn't put in special washers or bobbin case...just right out of the box. I could not believe it. It is a dream. It is now retailing for $2500 and up. For me, it is worth every penny....did I mention it is very quiet....Very nice. Try this machine and others at your dealers and decide. Most Janome dealers have a deal with GE to provide you with no interest plans.
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I have a Bernina 440EQ, it's a workhorse, solid machine. You get what you pay for.
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My new Juki2010Q sells for around $850 and is all I could ever dream of in a quilting machine! No computer, so it's easy to keep it running. Just oil it and go! Huge throat space, and loads of power. And auto needle down and thread cut, which has spoiled me rotten. It quilts like a dream.
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Are they worth the $$
This is how I personally look it...Say, you buy one of the higher end machines and it has all the bells and whistles...then, within a year, the manufacturer comes out with an upgraded machine that makes yours look like it was from the stone age. What I am trying to say, that try out ALL machines. Do you want a straight sewing machine - or one with TONS of stitches, OR one that does embroidery, OR a "stretched" machine for quilting. Top of the line doesn't mean that it will remain next year, or even next week. Good luck
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My thought has always been: If it has lots of bells and whistles, the more it can have problems, I got a Viking, and absolutely love it. I went with the middle of the line because it does exactly what I want to do. I don't embroider, so that was a feature that I didn't need. Write down all the things you want your machine to be able to do, and compare your list with those you look at.
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