Sewing machine preference - call me nuts...but
 

Well, I have come to the conclusion, that I love my mechanical Viking Emerald 118 over my Janome Horizon 12000 when it comes to piecing quilts. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my 12000 when it comes to quilting and embroidering but that's where the love ends. The viking seems to sew better ....it can take a beating and never seems to miss a stitch. Is it me or do others have a preference for a non computerized machine? Do you "feel" a difference when sewing? If not then call me nuts. Lol

I feel a difference, but my experience went the opposite way. I had an older mechanical Janome and recently got a newer computerized one. The newer one is so much more powerful and accurate, it makes it a joy to sew. Go figure!

They are different brands as well, and very likely made in different countries. Not to confuse the issue, of course. :)

hugs,
Charlotte

I love my old mechanical machine for piecing as well. My computerized machine has it its upside , on certain tasks... but if I had to have only one of the two.... it would be a tough choice.

I LOVE my Juki for piecing, it's just a straight stitch, I save my "fancy" machines for applique or regular sewing and I almost never "sew" on the embroidery machines, I just keep them set up for embroidery...One reason I like the Juki is it's fast...glad the quilt police don't give speeding tickets, I'd be in big trouble...LOL

While I love my Bernina for quilting and heirloom sewing, I do all of my piecing on my Featherweight.

I had a Bernina 185, not high end at all and I loved it except for the throat space. Never a problem with the tension, could use any kind of thread, not picky about what needle is used. Now I have the Bernina 820. It's definitely a computer! And it can be finicky. Recently when I went to CO to visit my daughter, I got a chance to re-acquaint myself with my old machine for some piecing. Turns out I missed the features on the 820 more.

I think my workhorse 1973 vintage Kenmore machine does a better straight stitch with thicker threads like Essentials, Signature, and some of the variegated than my newer Brother electronic sewing/embroidery machine. But the Brother does better with thinner threads like Aurifil. Just the machine's personality I guess.

I have Vikings and love them all, that's why I still have 4. Can't decide which to get rid of. But I will say that I love my newest 960Q for everything. I have the Lily set up to do some straight stitching and bobbin winding because it winds bobbins better than the 960Q.

You are not crazy. Sewing machines are one of the areas where I truly believe they "don't make em like they used to!" Use your mechanical machine and have fun!