New sewing machine?
 

I am in the research phase of getting a new machine. I want a sewing/embroidery machine. I have looked at Bernina, Viking, Pfaff and Janome,,,, does anybody have any thoughts they would like to share??

Recently got husqvarna ruby Royale, still playing, but I love it, had an idea I wanted a brother, but dealer who sells both, advised that extras that came with ruby, I would have to purchase from brother. So far anything I have tried, has sewn like a dream.

I love my brother, super easy to use, position, beautiful job I have the dreamweaver but the quattro nad dream machine and other vseries machines are awesome. Babylock versions are also nice. They also tend to have fewer problems when I did my research 2 years ago. There are sewing features I love/adore on mine, dual feed penpal, laser, large harp, bright lights, tension etc. I suggest checking them out

I love my Janome 8900QCP. I bought her after researching and testing. I have had her almost a year. I love the space (11" harp), the table that was included, how many layers it can sew through, and the support I received (classes and service). I was able to buy a floor model and the dealer even threw in extra bobbins, the double cone stand, and a foot. However, she is not an embroidery machine.

That said, I know Janome has several sewing/embroidery machines that have a large harp. I also looked at those, but embroidery is not my main focus.

You should do your research and go to different dealers and/or quilt shows to try out the different machines to see what you like and what is in your price range. Also, ask if there are any specials going on to get the best price you can. I know there are some specials going on now (getting emails from quilt shops).

Try and decide why you want the embroidery part of the machine. and how much you want to spend If you want Disney then you need to go with Brother machines. Others may tell you that you can get them and alter them but I have not tried. (Too afraid it is Disney trying to trap folks.) I have the Husqvarna Topaz 20 and very happy with it. I bought it on impulse because the price was too good to pass up. It was a floor model so all the bugs (if any) had been worked out and I was given a full warranty. I leave it as an embroidery machine all the time since I have the Janome 6600P and a Singer 15-91. But if I ever want to sew jeans, it has a stitch like Levi uses and a bunch more.

I do love playing with my embroidery machine - this year for my daughter's 5th grade class I made bookmarks with all different sayings and owls. It was so much fun. And it is fun to make baby quilts with sayings and pictures. Oh and I have put names on shirts, jackets and towels for kids where my other daughter works.

So get a machine that has at least a 200mm x 260mm hoop - you can always attach a smaller hoop but you want to be able to expand without having to buy a new machine.

I bought my Janome 6600 a couple of years ago from our LQS. It was used but the person that traded it in took great care of it and the LQS serviced it. My friend had the same kind of sewing machine and loved it. I was interested in certain stitches and it has a walking foot that is very easy to attach. Good luck on your search. This is just my personal opinion.

Berninas are work horses and go like the Energizer bunny. I love mine: a 1230 and a 150QE. Have fun test driving!

I love Pfaff with duel feed. Pfaff has so many features that make sewing a breeze. The duel feed is perfect for piecing quilts and sewing clothing. You can sew thru layers of the thickest fabrics like butter. There are tons of accessory feet that will make any specialty project easier. I sound like an advertisement for Pfaff but I have been sewing my whole life and have never found anything better.

I would recommend having a stand alone embroidery machine. That is what I have and I have never been sorry. That allows me to embroider a design out while I am sewing on my regular machine. I have the first stand alone embroidery machine that Bernina made and have about worn it out. I also invested a small fortune in software for it. When I looked to replace it or at least supplement it Bernina no longer made an embroidery machine with the PES format. I purchased a stand alone Brother machine that uses that format. There have been times when I have both embroidery machines going and am also sewing on my sewing only Bernina. The nice thing about the stand alone embroidery machines is that you just push a button to start the process. It stops when it is time to change the thread color or whatever. I often use variegated thread rather than constantly changing the tread color. The machine stops when the tread is supposed to be changed and I just lift up the pressure foot, set it back down and continue with the same thread. I have been doing my sewing and embroidery this way for at least thirty years. Unless you are stitching out a design that needs very precise colors etc. the variegated thread usually works well and saves a lot of time and threading and unthreading. I purchased the additional sized hoops for both machines.

Love my Brothers. Don't like Janomes.