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my 2 cents! i loved my viking work horse-[i have 3], the company's mang. plant burnt down and they will not remake their molds for the plastic cams that break. the machines are useless. will never buy from them again.
my new home was a work horse- the computer board went out- not cost effective to replace. never again also. i now own a brother quilter so far so good. the draw back for me it is computerarize---and sews to slow for my taste but has features i really like. i just bought a singer 221 and a [222 unseen as of now] for pieceing [i hate piecing] a innova for quilting- love it. just my 2 cents from years of sewing. phyllis nm |
Originally Posted by jemma
watch out that a pfaff is made in europe not asia----too many bad reports----i was a pfaff tragic but wavering to wards the horizon good reports about that one
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I have the Horizon 7700
What do I love about it? Everything. It has an 11 inch harp opening, it has the Accufeed system, it has tons of great stitches, it is really easy to use. It has a low bobbin sensor. It has the ability to clip your thread right at the fabric, right after it ties the knot. Gotta love that. It is really fun. I chose it over the 6600 because of the harp size and the free arm. What I don't love about it? Is that I don't have enough time recently to play with it. I paid a total of $2100 for it, including the special table, acrylic insert and acrylic table extender and tax. He through in a bunch of bobbins, some special feet and a great pamphlet on the anatomy of a needle. This is my second Janome (third, if you count my New Home) and I can't imagine having any other brand. |
gellybean -- I wish I could find a Viking 1+ for $700.00. I love mine so much, I would think of buying another just to keep for spare parts. Too bad they have stopped manufacturing and no longer stock any replacement parts.
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I recently completed my own exhaustive search for a new machine. I visited machine dealers, did internet study and comparison, etc. I was down to the choice of newest in the line of Viking/Husqvarna or the Janome Horizon 7700. I ultimately chose the Janome and so far, I just LOVE it. I chose it for: Knee lifter; Auto thread (upper & lower) cutter; Lots of feet and accessories including cover, instructional CD and acrylic work table that attaches to the machine; stitches like a dream; Lots of decorative stitches & alphabet; needle threaded; 10” throat space; sews quietly; easy to adjust sewing speed; lock in stitches; needle up/down at a touch of a button; can save stitch patterns; very responsive touch screen; user friendly; heavy duty metal machine, industrial motor and more!
Make a list of the options you want, and then do the research. Get out and visit several dealers and actually sit down and try a number of the machines out to see which one is most comfortable to you. Then buy your machine at a reputable trusted dealer. I bought my machine new at $ 2499.99. Good luck in your search! |
Originally Posted by AlwaysQuilting
I have a Pfaff 2170 and others but use it the most.
Pros----It has the IDT which I LOVE, lots of stitches and can also embroider. I love the way it sews. Also has needle down, the presser foot can raise automatically if you want it to, it has a knee lift you can use. auto-thread cutter, low bobbin sensor. I know I'm forgetting something. Cons----It's presser foot lifter is on the right side of the needle housing instead of in the back. It's in the way and when I'm trying to move a quilt around under the needle the fabric will bump into the presser foot lever and knock it down again and again. Very irritating. When I bought it I didn't think it would bother me but it does. Also I don't often use the embroidery unit. I use my Janome 350e instead. Price---I bought it used for about $2500. Would I buy the 2170 again? Probably not since I don't use the embroidery unit. But would I buy a Pfaff for the sewing and IDT? Yes |
I too have a Pfaff 2144 upgraded to a 2170. I could not imaqine sewing without the IDT. I do a lot of embroidery and love the needle down, auto cut, really everything. It is so easy to sew on. The software it uses is so good. You can get some of the older 3D software, which is what I use, and it works great.
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Originally Posted by mosquitosewgirl
I have the Horizon 7700
What do I love about it? It has a low bobbin sensor. |
Husquvarna Viking Sapphire 855. Paid approx. $1700 and I really like it. Use it for FMQ and the 10" throat is a dream to work with.
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1.) What machine you have
Janome Memory Craft 6500. and Juki 2000 Qi 2.) What you love about it I love it because it came with all the different foot attachments, easy to understand book, and it is very smooth and quite. It has all the stuff you love... needle threader, top load bobbin, clear bobbin cover, so you can see how low your bobbin is getting. thread cutter, it does just enough decorator stitches to suit me and make me look professional, and easy to use also. The Juki is what I use on my quilting frame. It is a very nice and simple and fast machine. Loves it oil. Does a beautiful stitch. Has a threader and cutter on it.. 3.) What you don't love about it Janeome I can not think of anything I do not like about it.. It is heavy so I would not like to carry it around so I do not.. LOL.. The Juki, loves its oil, its bobbin is hard to reach at time. does not have any of the sensors on the bobbins or anything. 4.) How much you paid for it Janome is about 5 years old I pd $2500.00 the Juki is new less than a year old. $1000.00 Good luck , and most important is cut yourself some sandwiches of material and stick them in a zipper bag in your purse and go try out some machines. material you want to use when you are sewing. if it is denim, then do denim, if silk, then silk .. or all kinds. |
I have sewn on all brands Janome is coming out with the ideal machine of all I am a proud owner of a brother and love it but if I were in the market for a machine I would go and try them all and see which one you lean towards then but try them all out first
Then decide What type of machine are you really looking for a basic Singer One with zigzags Brother or Singer The whole nine yards Try Try Try before you buy the one you feel more comfortable with is the choice you should go Deal offers are good |
1.) What machine you have
Husqvarna Viking 990SLE (named Husky :-)) 2.) What you love about it it works great! And the price :-). 3.) What you don't love about it small area for FMQ 4.) How much you paid for it (I know this may be a rude question, but I just really need to know what a "good deal"is on these machines... I walk into a dealer and feel like I'm a sitting duck!!!) nothing. My mom gifted it to me about 5 years ago when she purchased her new one (a Viking Designer - don't know which one off-hand). The trade-in value at the time was $350 or thereabouts. |
I have a BabyLock Ellageo which I bought several years ago. I think I paid about 4000 to 5000 for it. It does regular sewing, quilting, and embroidery. Has a multitude of different stitches, needle down feature, thread cutter, and an automatic threader amoungst other great features. It has been an excellent machine and I would definately get another BabyLock if I could.
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I have the Elna Excellence. Paid $2200 3 months ago. Love this machine: 11" throat great for quilting, easiest machine to quilt on that I tried, nice even stitches even though it doesn't have stitch regulator, knee lift, comes with all the feet you need plus a built in walking foot, wonderful storage area to hold all attachments, needle up/down, auto thread cutter.
The only thing it doesn't have is low bobbin indicator. The only thing I don't care for is the needle threader seems kind of chintzy but it still does the job. Janome makes a machine that is a twin to this and maybe it's needle threader is better. Definitely give this one a try! |
I have two Pfaff's and love them. I love the IDT ( built in dual feed). They run and run - are real work horses. They are quiet and well manufactured. My dad was an engineer and mechanic and always said a good machine of any kind, ran quiet and smoothly whether it was a car, washing machine or sewing machine.
But they are pricey -- but I feel worth it. However, I feel the best thing to do is to buy a quality machine from a local, reputable dealer that has a service person on board. Pfaff, Viking, Bernina, Baby Lock, Janome, Suki, etc are all great. but if something happens and you have to send it away and wait a long time - it is not worth it. |
I am a Pfaff girl, have the 7570 and the 2170,. as stated by the others, they are fantastic and easy machines to use. I have had Babylock and Janome and kenmores - but keep going back to the Pfaff. I also like my 221 featherlite. if you do not use it for embroidery, don't go hi end look into a used 7570 Pfaff. good luck with whatever you choose.
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Bernina 180 updated to 185 with embroidery unit
I got it in 2001 and is suppose to be outdated but I love the machine. Sewing everything with it and no problem. I believe now you can it at ebay for $ 800 and I $ 4800. |
Originally Posted by Vintage Bicycle
Hi All,
I am in the process of researching new sewing machines - and what a process it is!!! I'm sure you all have been asked these types of questions SO many times that you're tired of it, but I need help! Okay - I'm looking at Pfaff, Bernina, and possibly Elna... I've heard wonderful things about Pfaff, so that's the direction I'm leaning (Berninas are SO expensive and I've heard mixed reviews on Elnas)... *** I just realized that I forgot to add Husqvarnas to the list - I am looking into those too, but I don't know much about their machines and which model would be best for quilting*** If you could spare a moment, let me know: 1.) What machine you have 2.) What you love about it 3.) What you don't love about it 4.) How much you paid for it (I know this may be a rude question, but I just really need to know what a "good deal"is on these machines... I walk into a dealer and feel like I'm a sitting duck!!!) I feel like you are all the best people possible to ask - quilters! I will be using the machine primarily for quilting. Large throat space and smooth, even FMQing are a couple of things that are important to me when quilting. THANK YOU so much (in advance) for your help and advice :D I love everything about it, automatic presser foot, Q foot has a sensor, easy to change feet. Con is it is a little tight changing the needle getting the fingers in there...3500 dollars plus the Designer ruby good deal for me. I got a free tote for the embroidery arm and bought a tote for the machine. It came with 3 nice hoops.I got free lessons and private lessons too. Plus there are embroider clubs I can go too at my dealers shop...lessons are a must unless you are a computer geek. Love love love this machine, and have been having fun with making tea towels and plan on making lots of things...only have had this machine since February. I also have a Sapphire and would not trade her for anything...a real workhorse and basic machine. Does not embroider but that is not what I wanted her for...I just machine quilt with her..easy to use.... |
I have two Janomes the MC10000 (embroidery) and the 6600 for quilting. I love them both. The 6600 has a wonderful walking foot, lots of stitchs. I paid $5,000 for 10000 and $1,400 for the 6600. I have to say that a big part of your decision should include the dealer. I had a wonderful dealer which had a lot to do with how much I loved my machines. They went out of business and the next closest dealer is not someone I want to do business with. Janome really doesn't have good support, it's all on the dealer.
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I have and Elna which is 30 years old and still going strong. Nothing Fancy..forward and backward and zigzag stitching. I also have a Husqvarna/Viking which is about 10 years old and still going strong. Very good for piecing quilts and general sewing. Nothing fancy...forward, back and zigzag stitching. It does not seem to have the power for thicker sewing like rag quilts. I also have a Pfaff that is about 5 years old. Nothing fancy again. But it does have more power than the other two. And it is very quiet. Have a very good Pfaff dealer in my area and I think that it most important of all. This machine also has a built in feeder foot. I did not buy top of the line because my budget does not permit. I did not pay over $800 for any other these machines.
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I agree with maryb119, also pfaff internal parts are not plastic and most machines have plastic parts, i have 2 pfaffs, my older one is a 1469 and I paid around $900. for that one and just recently hubs bought me the 1471 has built in walking foot and IDT, on my 1469 I bought the walking foot for it. I love everything about both machines and I will always buy pfaff. They can withstand anything. And my machines go in once a year for cleaning, I have never had a problem.
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I would never give up my Bernina.I have a Activa 145. around15 yrs. Paid $1500.00.Worth every penny.I don't use it for class because it heavy.I've never had to have it in for repairs.I do clean it myself. It is very good quality .machine.
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Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
Babylock Espire(now Symphony)
What I love about it 1.pivoting feature(presser foot raises when sewing is stopped with needle down, you can pivot fabric where you like it, just press foot pedal, presser foot automatically lowers and starts sewing again) 2. knee lifter 3. sewing without foot pedal can be done 4. AHA-automatic height adjuster( automatically detects fabric thickness for perfect tension during sewing so you get nice even stitches) 5. lots of accessories including 3 FMQ feet, straight stitch needle plate, large quilting table, cone thread stand, and a walking foot 6. lots of decorative stitches & satin stitches 7. automatic thread cutter 8. Super easy needle threader( I swear a kid could do it) 9. bobbin winder super easy 10. stitches beautifully 11. very user friendly(directions are even on the LCD for threading and such if you don't want to get your manual out) 12. sews thick fabrics well 13. lots of work space 14. sews quietly 15. Low bobbin indicator(will let you know before you run out)) 16. can save stitch patterns 17. can lock the screen so while your sewing someone can't change the stitch on accident 18. never had any tension issues 19. fabric does not get sucked into needle plate like on my other machine( has 7 point feed dogs for more accurate sewing) 20. sure there's more but only had it for a little over a year What I don't love about it the only thing i can think of is the lighting could be brighter, but i have an ott-lite so not an issue here, other than that not much of anything Price paid 1800 for the machine at a dealer -came with free classes, was a quilt show model so got a good deal, barely used Nice big extension table. The walking foot is easy to attach and it works well too. I paid a bit more because I got a new model ~ $2,200 I wanna say. AND I would buy her again in a snap. |
Wow looks like I'm the only Bernina fan. I have a Bernina 440. Love it. It has a FMQ function called a BSR and I love that. I was a former singer owner, bought a plain Bernina and loved that machine and it was time to upgrade and stayed with Bernina. It has lots of stitch types, which I hardly use but I like having them available and I just like the way it sews and the ease of use.
Paid $3000 I think. It has been awhile. |
I have a Janome 6500 that I love all the stitches that it has and the speed. I also have a Brother Innovis 4000d which is a Disney embroidery combonation. My complaint is that it weighs a TON. So if you want a machine you take places this isn't it. Don't get me wrong I love it to it's just so heavy. I also have a Babylock that I really like.
Gee I think I would go for the Janome first choice. I also got a little Janome Jem that weighs 10 pounds that I take to classes. Sew on all the different choices and see which one feels right for you. and keep your eye open for a sale also ask if the dealer can do a better price. sometimes they well drop the price to make a sale. kjym Kathy |
Originally Posted by jburress
I have a Brother Innov'is 4000D which I love. Before that I had a Pfaff which was one of the best machines I've ever had. When I had to get a new machine after lightening blew up my Pfaff, I went with the brother because it had so many features I wanted.
I have both a little Brother XR7700, from Costco a few years ago for $149. I LOVE that it came with a quilting table, walking foot, 1/4" foot, 77 stitches, and the drop in bobbin. It's real lightweight so it's perfect to take with me to my weekly quilt group at church. I recently bought a Pfaff C1100 Pro, because I wanted a heavier machine to leave on my sewing table at home that had a bigger throat. I paid about $1200 for it, but that was a special. I had to purchase the "quilter's kit" for $249 which included the table, and 5 feet. That was a good price for what I got:) I love the built-in walking foot (Dual Feed System)- that's what sold me on it - along with the 9 1/2" throat. I really like the machine, but I've never used the knee control, and I prefer a drop in bobbin. When I did my research, I read several websites that said if you want all these features for less money, get a Brother. I have to admit - my two machines are VERY similar. BUT, the Pfaff has the big throat, and with quilting, that's pretty nice. |
Wow! Lots of answers, good advice and plenty to think about LOL
I have a Brother 4500D, I love it. Sewing, Embroidery and Quilting...I really had no idea how to Embroider (and only dabbled in quiliting and sewing) in July when I bought it, but wanted to learn and DH encouraged me to get the most out of a machine that we could afford. I would have went with the next one up, the Quattro but mostly the only difference was the camera someone else commmented on. So I jumped right in with the 4500 I have learned alot since the purchase and am very happy with it...it does sooooo much, I am still learning and discovering :) Price wasn't too bad with a trade in (brother 450Q) it was about $3500. I do agree with the poster that said go in like you are buying a car....test, test test robin |
Also Bernina feet are EXPENSIVE!!
Yes they are but they are metal ......out last anything else on the market, I have a 180 Bernina 440 Bernina and the new 830 Bernina , guess that makes me a Bernina fan,I love everything about them , yes they do need to be serviced but I have never had anything go wrong with mine . When you want good quality you buy Bernina. |
My Pfaff is 31 years old. I would not trade it for anything else. It has been heavily used and has never needed repair. I paid $1,000.00 for it and it has been worth every penny. There are so many wonderful machines out there today. Choose one that fits your needs......good luck :-D
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Singer perfect finish..just got it 2 weeks ago
LOVE...auto pilot!! sewing without the foot the stitch regulator the elongation mode........(to elongate the decorative stitches the ability to put a pattern in memory needle down function tie off stitches function Not so much.... the accessory tray is small...wish it were larger , but no big deal, really, because did I mention that I LOVE auto pilot!! LOL I paid 500 dollars on HSN, but it was a package deal with a serger,,,I think it's going to retail for 400 when it comes out in the fall... all in all...I can't tear myself away from it!! I finished 3 quilt tops and made an embroidered and stippled cover for it....don't want to stop to make another quilt...just want to keep sewing on auto pilot!! Gone is the neck and back, and shoulder strain...I can comfortably sit with my legs crossed if i want to....it is sooo comfortable to use! I can stipple a quilt in no time, and the stitch regulator has made my stitches look great!! |
Well, I have a Bernnia, 2 Elnas and had a Phaff. I love my Elna's. I have sewn on my Elna(Sewing Room) for 7yrsnow and I love it. Just wish it had a thread cutter. I paid $.1,000.00. Special ,came with acrylic table and lots of extras , too. My second Elna(in livingroom)has the thread cutter. That was also on sale, $1,200.00. Also came with acrylic table. Both have lots of different stitches. And the Dealer is within 45min from home. That is a very important issue. My Bernnia 830, I purchased second hand,$800.00. Dealer is 2 hours from home. I use it to Embrodery. As I use Elnas as main machines. I had A Pfaff, Shortarm quilting machine. It worked very nice. Although it was just a straight stitch machine. Dealer was also within 20 miles from home.
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I purchased the Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP from Janome last summer and have done a lot of sewing with it and so far it has done a good job. I love the large D space but I haven't realy done any large quilts on it yet. Also have the Viking designer and love that also but I use it more for embroidery.
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The absolute best machine is Bernina. If you are looking for free motion and throat space, the answer is clearly Bernina. All top machines sew well, and do great things. After 5 years of servicing all brands of machines Ive seen them all on the inside. This is where Bernina wins hands down. Berninas come with a 20 year mechanical warranty. When people say Bernina's are expensive, See how many old machines are out there and still being used. Bernina is the last family owned company, and still makes all the replacement parts. Pfaff was the last company to be bought out. Pfaff is not what it once was.
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2 brother, 2janome, and a Bailey longarm with stitch control on a grace pro frame ( this one I've only quilted 4 quilts on and I must say I'm loving it so far)
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Originally Posted by echoemb
Wow looks like I'm the only Bernina fan. I have a Bernina 440. Love it. It has a FMQ function called a BSR and I love that. I was a former singer owner, bought a plain Bernina and loved that machine and it was time to upgrade and stayed with Bernina. It has lots of stitch types, which I hardly use but I like having them available and I just like the way it sews and the ease of use.
Paid $3000 I think. It has been awhile. |
I have a phaff and have used for the last 20 years. I love it. No trouble at all. It is fast and quiet. go for it.
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OMG i love my Vikings. I have the Sapphire 875 and the Designer SE sewing/embroidery. I have had the first for about a year and till today when i sew i keep yelling at home for the kids and say "did i ever say how much i love my machine????" "yes mom many many times...lol"
Many many spoiling features that i didn't know they exist before. Speed control, auto sewing without pedal, needle up and down, stop at the end of a decorative stitch, pivot, quilting thick fabrics, throat space, bobbin sensor, auto threader, variety of stitches, etc...so many to list and i am still learning how to use it. Nothing that i don't like about it. I am a happy customer, and most of all i love the customer service i get. This is major for me for such an investment. I bought mine last year for $2000 but i know you can get them cheaper now. Good luck |
I'm so surprised how infrequently people on here mention Bernina!
Continued good luck with your great machine! |
I have a 1950 FW 221.....
I love its simplicity........... I hate nothing about it...... I paid $0 for it - it was a gift for cleaning out a friend's summer bungalow! |
1.) What machine you have
I am a Pfaff lover- I have a Tiptronic 2030 I bought 10 years ago for $1300- it was not top of the line back then. I have an Overlock and just this month I bought a Creative 2.0 because I wanted to embroidery. 2.) What you love about it The IDF - Without knowing anything about machines 10 yrs ago and after researching I found this to be an feature I wanted to have. Pfaff was the only machine that have it so I bought it. Today 10 years later I learned how a great machine Pfaff is. so didn't doubt it when needed the overlock and embroidery. This new machine, teh Creative 2.0 has the embroidery unit- I bought it used at the dealer, it was barely used, I paid $3000 but it comes with all the clases and help I might need for ever. I already went twice on a Saturday to learn how to use it and I am so hapy with my purchase. I love applique, a feature this machine has that teh old one didn't is that when using the needle down position, the foot lifts a little bit so you can tilt the fabric. I kept the tiptronic for piecing but I am using it less and less now. 3.) What you don't love about it Nothing yet! the old one- the Tiptronic has the buttons to select the stitches and letters on the horizontal part of the machine and at times you hit them with your elbow and might saw and break a needle. The new machines have the buttoms in front of you. As for the Creative 2.0 I would like to have a bigger screen, this one is a 2x2, very small but my budget would let me go for the Creative 4.0 or Creative Vision that have the bigger screen. |
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