Pfaff Creative 2140 still worth getting?
 

I'm hoping you guys can help me, I'm getting back into sewing after a couple of decades away and need a new machine. At lunch today I heard about a Pfaff Creative 2140 that someone was selling in my area for what sounded to me like a pretty good deal compared to the prices I'd seen at my local shop on Pfaff and what's on eBay. Supposedly the machine was never used and has everything it originally came with, and I checked Pfaff's website and it looks like I can still download the software and manual. So all that seems good, but I just don't know much about the machine and whether it would be a good choice (and could find out much about that model online).

A little background about me & my sewing: I tend to use a bunch of different materials including multiple layers of heavier fabric; before I used to make a good bit of clothing, toys, baby items and home decor, but like I mentioned above that was a couple decades ago before life intervened. I've only ever used the old style of machines, nothing computerized, and haven't used an embroidery machine before but always wanted to. I'm fairly good with directions and most electronics and can run computerized databases so unless something is really screwy, I can usually figure out how to work or fix most things. That said, if this machine was designed by the equivalent of five year olds on a sugar high and things don't follow any kind of reason, common sense, or rules, I'd hate to have to consult a manual every time I sat down and tried to do something...

So I'm hoping you guys can help me out and tell me both if this machine lives up to Pfaff's overall reputation as a quality manufacture and whether or not it is just to fussy or outdated to be a reasonable machine for me to jump back in with. Thanks in advance for your help :)

I don't know, but I did find a few threads on this machine that you might want to read:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/89557
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/61190
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t185807.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...g-t269211.html

Be sure to look at the dates on these threads. Technology has changed, so pay special attention to that first thread. If you want to use it for embroidery, it makes a difference whether the cable is the original serial cable or the newer USB to card cable.

Thanks for the tip on the cable! That's something I definitely hadn't found elsewhere and would be an issue for me.

Those links, plus a review that mentioned the the 2144 (which I wasn't sure whether if it was basically the same machine or not), made me think that at the price--well under $400--would mean this was probably a good deal even if I only used it for the "regular" sewing features, but since most of those were so old, I was a little worried that maybe even the non-embriodery features required a computer plug in or were only intuitive to the longtime "premium" sewing machine user and wouldn't be to someone like me who had such a long break from sewing...

I guess I was looking in part for someone who could either say "go with your gut, this is a great choice" or "you moron, this is an outdated/crummy/only really appreciated by the very few people who want 10 year old Pfaffs because they can't be bothered to learn anything new or appreciate it's unique quirks". I'm usually a pretty decisive person but with such a long time off and then this seemingly too good to be true deal falling into my lap, I'm wondering if my gut is broken ;)

You won't go wrong with a Pfaff. I had a Pfaff 2144 for 10 years and just upgraded to a Creative Sensation Pro. The machines will sew anything I want to sew from a very sheer fabric to leather or denim. You will use the manual at first but then as you get more comfortable with the machine, you will use it less. You didn't mention the cost but a Pfaff is a good machine......a real workhorse.

I would try it out and see if you like sewing on it. I keep reading that buying a sewing machine is like buying a car....everyone has different expectations. I did that when I went looking for a machine and haven't regretted it. (I did buy a Pfaff!)

Welcome back to sewing!

Dina

I have a Pfaff 7510, a generation or 2 older than yours. I bought it new in 1995 for $1800.00. It is, without a doubt, a solid machine, and even though I have since bought a new Bernina, top of the line Brother (that also does embroidery), and Babylock that I love, I still keep my Pfaff around for times that I need to straight line quilt. The IDT cannot be beaten by anyone today!

I don't know what your finances are, but is there a possibility that you could get this machine, sew on it for a few years, and if you decide to become serious about quilting, move into a newer machine (by that I don't mean new Pfaff, the ones today do not compare to the old Pfaff's of yesterday)?

The questions raised about the embroidery portion of the machine are valid. I hope you are not disappointed by the old technology....if you get this machine. But know that the IDT and quality of the stitch in that machine, probably are worth the couple hundred dollars you are spending....because you definitely won't find those qualities in any of the new machines today that would cost you the same investment. Make sense?

I hope this helps. Please let us know what you decide. Good luck with your decision!

By the way, I am always looking on eBay for a 7510, in the event the motherboard goes out because I don't know what I am going to do when it eventually dies. I use it to sew on the bindings to my quilts because of the excellent performance of the walking foot....

I am wondering if you could take the machine you are thinking about buying, to an authorized repair service to have it checked out? Also, did you ask why she is selling it??

2140 Machines can be upgraded to 2170 as can the 2144. I've had both and they are extremely alike save for bobbin winding. Pfaff did issue a fix for the bobbin winder on the 2140. You need to check.

I like my 2144. It does sew on almost everything.

While I can FMQ, the Pfaff does the sashing. I don't feel comfortable with FMQ that small an area. Since I do QAYG, stitching down the sashing does give extra hold to the joins in the batting.

You need to go and test drive one of these machines just like a car. DSM are costing a pretty penny now a days and I wouldn't want to make a mistake when investing in a new one.

my mother has had the same basic Pfaff for 65 years
ten years ago I bought the basic Pfaff, then a serger
this year I bought the Creative 4.5
I love all of them

You mentioned the machine had never been used. Can a dealer verify that for you?