OmaForFour

Why did you replace the Pfaff? A Pfaff dealer told me that the older Pfaffs which are all metal are the best machines out there bar none.

OmaForFour

I have a White Deluxe Precision Sewing Machine from the early 50s which is all metal. Was my Aunt's. It even has a knob to turn for regular sewing, embroidery(lowers feed dogs) and silk. It is a true workhorse!
I also have a Singer Featherweight model from 1950 which I love. It sews extremely well also and purrs like a kitten.
I am about to get a Singer treadle machine from a friend whose grammy passed on.
Since I do only quilting I don't see the need for anything else in my life right now.

Quilter7x

I have a Janome Memory Craft 9000 that I bought new about 13 years ago. The machine is very user friendly and has the features I wanted the most: knee lift lever, needle threader, low bobbin sensor and embroidery (although a very small field compared to today's machines). It has the top loading bobbin, which is nice to see how much bobbin you have left. It's a heavy machine, so I have a Jem Platinum that I take to classes. I do all my piecing on the MC 9000, it's so easy to use. This machine does OK FMQ, not great. Oiling is done at the dealer. I will keep this machine forever.

I asked my local dealer about Bernina's and he said Bernina is known for beautiful stitches, so I got a used Bernina 180E this past spring. I do all my FMQ on it and it really does live up to the reputation of doing beautiful stitches. The dealer says that front loading bobbin system makes a difference in stitching for FMQ. I’ve done very little with the embroidery unit, but it appears to do really nice embroidery and has a much bigger field than the Janome, even though they are about the same age. I do have to oil this machine.

I never thought I would get anything other than a Janome because I have had such good luck with two Janomes. Now that I have both, I can see the advantages of each and I'm very happy having both set up in the sewing room so that I can use them for their benefits.

On the Bernina foot pedal, you can tap your heel to put the needle in either the up/down position. My Janome doesn't have that. The Janome has a low bobbin sensor, my Bernina doesn't (the newer ones might). Interestingly, my hubby thinks the Janome is a better made machine (more metal), but I've heard that the Swiss made Berninas are well made.

Create a list of things you MUST have, then test drive the two brands of machines. It will make it easier to make up your mind. Good luck! :thumbup:

Crabby Patty

Precision, stability, reliability. I have had my Bernina960 for 30 years. I got it when I was working in a fabric/altering shop then. That was what we used in the shop to make alterations. I fell in love with it and bought one. I have never been sorry. It has never had to be worked on yet.(knock on wood). I also have a Janome quilters companion which I love also. But it is not the machine that the Bernina is however it is considerably lighter.

candi

I hear you and I am right there with you. :mrgreen: She said it was one of her spares. She was an awesome teacher too, and I credit her for the love I developed for quilting. If she wasn't patient and encouraging, I wouldn't have finished that first top and I wouldn't have pursued quilting any further most likely.

Promise

My Mom had a Bernina when she lived in Europe. Loved it so much she hauled it to the USA and used it with a converted for over 20 years. Then she upgraded to another Bernina and has the same one for over 30years. My first machine was a Bernina and I have upgraded 3 times to another Bernina. To this day they are mainly metal not plastic, the stitch quality wether you are striaght stitching or elaborate embroidery work is superior to anything on the market. Acessories are metal and there continues to be generous literature available to purchase for all types of techniques. Reliablity...both my mom and I have had our machines for years and we have each had a tuneup one time in about 20 years. That's why I stay with Bernina.

puck116

This is the same with me. I have both. I do all my finish quilting on my Bernina, which has the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). Also, absolutely no hesitation going over multiple seams with the Bernina.

kellen46

You speak the truth. I am also a Bernina woman. I have used and did own a Janome once. The Bernina sews like a dream, even my, now semi-retired, old 830 mechanical. I always say if you are going to get one machine, then make it a Bernina. It is better to pay a bit more for a really good machine that will last as long as you than to buy several cheapo's that are no fun to sew on. That is just penny wise and pound foolish. I do amit to a secret love for an old 1950's Nelco I found at the thrift shop for $20, but I passed it on to a young sewer for a starter machine.

tall2

I have to go with Jonome 2, I have has my original machine-that I purchased in 1976- for $300.00 (it was a lot then) and Im still using it today--its a bugger to move, way to heavy at times. But I dont think I would trade it for the world. It will sew thru stuff without baulk at all, although it doesn't have some of the bells and whistles of the newer ones today.(every time I take it in for service the guy wants to buy it from me, Im thinking its the first one Jonome came out with- after taking over the original whites)
I have since purchased a Brother- for 1/2 of the price of the Janome, and Im not impressed. My sister loves Brother, thats the reason for me buying it, and trying it. I looked at the NEW Horizon, and drule over it really bad, but cant afford to get it just yet.

gramquilter2

I am a Bernina type, I do not know anything about the Janome, what I do know is I love my 2 Bernina's. I have never had any problems buying new feet for my machine, they fit and work. I also went with the Bernina over other machines because of the dealer and the classes they provided on using the machine. They are a bit heavy/large to take to classes but I do have a FW that I use for piecing on the GO. This is another link that it is what each person likes is perfect for them.