Tell Me Why??
05-03-2011, 10:32 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: La Grande, OR
Posts: 2,457
Originally Posted by raedar63
A Fad among quilters perhaps? I can see collecting about anything, heck I collect rocks. I see your point some spend literally thousands on a fancy machine and then have to have a featherweight. I am thinking it is the "in thing"
05-03-2011, 10:42 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: La Grande, OR
Posts: 2,457
Originally Posted by Prism99
I have a featherweight but use my Bernina for everyday work. I like the bells and whistles on my Bernina, *especially* needle down!
I think a lot of the featherweight thing is nostalgia (wonderful connections to women of past generations). Also, it's just a good feeling to take one to a workshop. I'm sure there's some status associated with having one too. Reality is there are other good lightweight machines that can be taken to workshops.
I think a lot of the featherweight thing is nostalgia (wonderful connections to women of past generations). Also, it's just a good feeling to take one to a workshop. I'm sure there's some status associated with having one too. Reality is there are other good lightweight machines that can be taken to workshops.
05-03-2011, 11:01 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Wi
Posts: 9,232
I have 2 Vikings with all the bells and whistles,a babylock straight stitch and a few featherweights-love them all-each for different reasons.the old machines will last generations and no cost to maintain-and they are wonderful
05-04-2011, 03:47 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
Posts: 2,697
I am not crazy about the bells and whistles. I have no problem threading my own machine. I am more than able to cut my own thread. Bobbins running out of thread are not an issue, I always have a filled one ready so I don't have to unthread my machine. My 301a holds a separate spool for filling the bobbin.
No matter how much you pay for those bells and whistles what you really have is a hunk of plastic that is considered to be disposable. The gears will get hot and wear out. My little 301a has been around and sewing for over 40 years. It is quieter than the new machines, does not do a little dance across the table every time I sew, does not need to be reset before I start sewing because some fool fixed the electronics to return to a specific setting when the machine is turned off.
When I began quilting two years ago, I bought a new sewing machine wonder. I took it to guild three times, brought it home and returned it to its box. One day it will be donated or sold for almost nothing because I dislike it so much. I have since purchased at least ten vintage machines that I can clean and maintain without taking them in for expensive service charges.
If one of my machines does give up the ghost, I can sell it for scrap and it will not contribute to the ever growing pile of trash.
All I really need is a machine that sews forward, reverse, and a zigzag stitch when needed and I can still meet those requirements with a vintage machine. Yes I have a FW, but prefer my 301a.
No matter how much you pay for those bells and whistles what you really have is a hunk of plastic that is considered to be disposable. The gears will get hot and wear out. My little 301a has been around and sewing for over 40 years. It is quieter than the new machines, does not do a little dance across the table every time I sew, does not need to be reset before I start sewing because some fool fixed the electronics to return to a specific setting when the machine is turned off.
When I began quilting two years ago, I bought a new sewing machine wonder. I took it to guild three times, brought it home and returned it to its box. One day it will be donated or sold for almost nothing because I dislike it so much. I have since purchased at least ten vintage machines that I can clean and maintain without taking them in for expensive service charges.
If one of my machines does give up the ghost, I can sell it for scrap and it will not contribute to the ever growing pile of trash.
All I really need is a machine that sews forward, reverse, and a zigzag stitch when needed and I can still meet those requirements with a vintage machine. Yes I have a FW, but prefer my 301a.
05-04-2011, 04:01 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 959
I have no idea. I love my Berninas, love the knee lift,
the 5 needle postions, etc.
Maybe for classes they are light and easy to carry. (?)
I don't take classes and my machines never leave their cabinets.
I love the computerized machines.
the 5 needle postions, etc.
Maybe for classes they are light and easy to carry. (?)
I don't take classes and my machines never leave their cabinets.
I love the computerized machines.
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