DawnFurlong

Is there a such thing as a machine being too computerized?

For example, say you like to FMQ and leave those feed dogs up, stitch length set to 0. But perhaps you have a Pfaff Performance 5.2. There is a specific setting for FMQ on those machines and the feed dogs automatically drop when you engage that setting.

Does that mean you cannot FMQ leaving those feed dogs up and adjust the stitch length to 0 if you wanted to? Or can you just not choose that setting, set your stitch length to 0, attach the foot you want and proceed to FMQ ala Leah Day?

I'm wondering if there is a point where a machine is "too smart"? Is there a time where too much control is taken away from the user to the detriment of a sewing or quilting project? The FMQing example was the first I thought of, but I am sure there are others where there are auto settings that perhaps aren't giving the best result - and maybe the user can't over ride them.

JustAbitCrazy

I can't tell you anything about the Pfaff Performance 5.2, but I agree, some new machines aren't very accomodating to the user's wishes. A friend has a new washing machine that she absolutely hates, just for those reasons. She says once a cycle is started you can't stop it and open up the lid. You can't start the machine in the middle of a cycle as you may do when you've hand washed an item and want top spin it out in the machine and air dry. She says the door remains locked too long after the washing is complete, too, a source of frustration if you are there waiting for it. Next time I need a washing machine, you can be sure I won't buy one that insists on being the boss.

mandyrose

i have a brother with a fmq setting just push the button I use a floating foot but I can fmq with the feed dogs up or down with a hopping foot and i also started using the piecing setting following the edge of my foot which is 5.5 on my machine have the machine for 10 yrs never used that setting now I love it I don't use my quarter inch foot anymore and if I need a scant 1/4 I just set it on number to the right 6.0 something I can't do with the 1/4 inch piecing foot. sewing machines have come a long way the machines brother and babylock just released are supposed to be way over the top mostly focusing on the embroidery. i do like the features on my computerized machine but don't have any desire to get a newer machine right now.

Onebyone

The new Eversewn Sparrow X does embroidery by wi fi. You need a wireless device like a phone, tablet, ipad, etc.

SillySusan

I had one of those fancy Viking computerized one that I couldn't get the feed dogs to lower. It had other problems also and I couldn't find anybody to fix it. It was only a few years old, but they all said it would cost more than it was worth. I bought a cheap mechanical Singer Heavy Duty one at Walmart and have been a happy quilter since! I refuse to have a machine that won't cooperate!

KalamaQuilts

One of my favorite quotes is from Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park
"They were so busy knowing they could, they didn't stop to think if they should..."

Cars are too complicated, remotes, USPS online, weight/money/exercise/news apps...all too complicated when they don't need to be.

nativetexan

I took a class on FMQing and did it both ways. feed dogs down and up. Seemed to make no difference on my machine.

cashs_mom

I do agree that some of the new features aren't always good. I've heard about machines with sensors to tell if you bobbin is low (which is an awesome feature) have the sensor go bad so that the machine thinks there is no thread in the bobbin and won't run (which is really bad). I prefer when there is an override for the machine's setting so that if I want to do things manually and my way I can. This probably explains why the only new machine I own is a Juki 2200 QVP Mini which has minimal electronics and features.

DawnFurlong

I like that quote, KalamaQuilts! I was just thinking about it today, and happened to be looking at a Performance 5.2 - and that is when I wondered about machines being so computerized that the quilter loses some control.

And I agree cashs_mom - I hate giving up control - because of exactly the example you gave. A problem created where there should be none!!

Just for grins on the 5.2, I asked if I could try FMQing on this machine with the straight stitch set to 0. With the foot they had in the store, no - it did not work. The machine did FMQ well on the correct setting - but my thinking goes to - what if it didn't? I have a couple of machines where I think the stitching is just a bit better doing it this way (feed dogs up).

At any rate - this just got me to thinking and I wondered what others take on it would be!

pocoellie

I think that way too many things are too computerized, not speaking of machines in particular, although I do have 1 computerized machine, but it's not over done, personally, I wouldn't buy a machine that I considered over computerized. I was speaking of vehicles, recently drove a new Suburban for my job, and the wipers are always on intermittent and if the wipers "sense" rain, they start up, if it becomes heavier rain, the wipers will increase speed, but there is a minute or so, before they do so. I'm sorry, but I feel that if someone has a license, they should have enough sense to know WHEN and at what speed the wipers should be.