OK. That's it . I have cracked it.I need a new sewing machine. I have saved a not inconsiderable amount of money and the time has come. (I have been muttering about a new machine for at least a year)
I currently drive a Janome QC something or other and I'm guessing it is eightish years old....
Short of some sewing machine company wanting to sponsor me to the tune of a new sewing machine, I'm in the market for a change.
Bernina seems to be winning at the moment.
What do you drive ? What do you love about it?
What features can't you live without
(oh and don't bother trying to sell me on quilting functions - you know I don't speak quilt)
I'm heading off to AQC on the weekend and I think I might talk turkey to some of the dealers.
What questions should I ask ?
I recently purchased a Bernina 430 to replace my 30-something year old Bernina 830 Record.
ReplyDeleteI like that it sews beautifully and reliably all the time. The feet are easy to change. It's easy to thread. It sews through as many layers as I can shove under the presser foot.
I like that I can take it apart and clean it out. That the bobbin just never jams up. It's wonderful, as was my other one. They make great sewing machines.
This one is simple enough that you can pull it out and start sewing the day you purchase it.
I love it.
Oh I was just thinking I love the one you have!!!! The one I am using is a thirty year old singer, and it goes so well I am reluctant to part with it, but I really would love a new one but like you haven't got a clue what to buy, :) enjoy it when you do get it though
ReplyDeleteJod I drive 2 Berninas and I love them... they do everything I want and reliably... no probs or fussy days.
ReplyDeleteI never think of swapping to any other sort.
My 2 cents and 17 years of recommendation.
I was thinking that eight years seemed like a spring chicken too! I have a Bernina 1020 which I've had for years now, and was owned (ie. used and abused by students) by the Hawthorn Institute before that. It's barely skipped a beat, and the only time I've had to have it serviced was when I stupidly tried some Michael Schumacher pace fancy stitching recently and jammed it up.
ReplyDeleteI'd ask 'can I have one for free?'
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina Activa 240 and I love the lighting it has, and that it has run perfectly for the two years I have had it and used it pretty solidly. It the top of the Activa range but not a very fancy Bernina. I wanted a work horse of a sewing machine and this is it. The only thing I would change is the size of it's throut, which is a similar size to your Jenome. I think its been very good value for what I spent - on a good special for around $1300. Good luck. Bernina's are pretty quiet too and have the fancy dolls house of accessories.
ReplyDeleteI have been using my Pfaff for about 8 years now and absolutely LOVE it!! I haven't had to have it serviced at all and it is truly a workhorse!! Recently I decided that I needed more stickes for making cute little clothes for my girls and I got a new Babylock. I love it too!!! I could never get rid of my older one but am so thankful for them both!! Happy machine shopping!
ReplyDeleteFunny you should ask! Hop on over to Les Bonnes Idees...I just did a post on what to look for in a new machine. If you have any other specific questions, don't hesitate to ask! I love chatting about machines and such...Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI'm putting my money on Bernina!!! Sponsorship . . . GREAT IDEA!
ReplyDeleteLast Saturday I picked up my new Bernina 440.... even thinking about how wonderful it is makes my a bit teary. I did so much research, as I knew it would be a big $$$ outlay and I would have the machine for years and years. Honestly, it is brilliant, it's quiet, it's smooth, it's clever, it's easy to use, metal components (whereas my Brother has lots of plakky bits) I obviously couldn't recommend it more highly! Come test mine!
ReplyDeleteThat's my machine!
ReplyDeleteI have nothing else to offer *G*
I have a 40ish year old Bernina (thanks to my sister), while it's heavy to lug around, the parts are still available & it sews like a dream & hasn't let me down unlike my new Janome (now landfill).The down side to an old machine is no automatic button holes (that suxs!)
ReplyDeleteHappy shopping.
STEP AWAY FROM THE BERNINA!!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha. Yes I'm yelling at you. Not 'cause there's anything wrong with a Bernina but 'cause I'm a rabid Viking fan (if it helps, I have a friend who has one of each and she prefers her Viking. You can probably find someone who will tell you just the oposite too LOL.) I can't live without my needle threader and the even feed technology -- needed if you're sewing any layers together -- you never need a walking foot on a Viking. I know that's quilt-speak, but they can be used for many layers on other things too.
You'll be sorry you asked this question -- people who sew are usually pretty opinionated about their machines!
ask if you can test it for x amount of time... lets say a year ;)
ReplyDeleteI have a 10 year old Janome and as it is only used about once a year it is like brand new, so can't help with decision making sorry :)
ReplyDeleteI think I have a very similar machine to yours. The bobbin case needs replacing and it is weak sewing over lots of layers. Bleh. One day I will replace it. I can't wait to see what you get!
ReplyDeletePersonally i have a brother, but my mum has an ancient bernina and my school have the latest bernina and they are the best! so much faster and they just feel like they will last so much longer! =) hope you find the machine of your dreams! xx
ReplyDeleteGo straight to Bernina and tell them of your legion of followers and worshippers. Tell them you'll blog and blog and blog about Bernina loveliness. And if they don't do a darn good deal - go elsewhere! OK - functions are simple: knee lift, needle up and down and easy ways to toggle between the two. A motor with guts and big oommph. Good light, the ability to attach a table extension (ask Nikki), anyway, just get a Bernina and Live live live!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Janome girl and always have been. I've got a Memory Craft 9700 now which is just lovely, and embroiders too. I like the quality of the components, and intuitive operation. Mine works very hard and I've had no problems at all in 2 years. Whatever you choose, there are deals to be done. Always ask how long the model has been out and when it is likely to be replaced. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't live without needle up/down function, knee lifter, wide stitch width, easy change feet (some machines need a screwdriver, blurk), good light. Get the biggest throat space you can and you need some kind of walking foot/even feed technology. I have a Bernina and love their long guarantees. Easy to use, sews well, solid construction, needle threader stuffed out, would prefer a drop in bobbin, heavy to lug around and I bought the model which had BSR (stitch length regulator) for free-motion stitching but found it just as much effort to learn to use that correctly as it did to learn to free-motion stitch without it so never use it now.
ReplyDeleteHave fun shopping!!
Here is a snippet from PR (Down Under) "Juki has come to town.....oh my lordy I am in luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuvv. Not quite an industrial - but she sure goes like the clappers.
ReplyDeleteFor all you Melbourne ladies can so recommend Sewing Machine City at Bayswater."
Have only heard good things about the Juki. I only purchased my new Janome MC 5200 because I couldn't get to feel/see a Juki :)
Hi Jodie,
ReplyDeleteI love the Pfaff expression 4.0. I love the wide throat, the scissor snip button (yes cuts threads and pulls them to the back)... it's easy to use and has a lot of great features but really the real dreamy feature is the IDT that moves through from top and bottom (like a walking foot but a walking foot only feeds from the top) so you get such a beautiful finish!
x Lucy
I'm another Viking girl. On the first demo I ever saw - it went through layers of denim like it was butter. That nearly sold me on the spot. I love how accurately I can place my stitches where I want to start/stop/turn - anything! and how I can control the needle. I'm so used to the features (needle threader, drop in bobbin, speed, power) it's hard to point them out. Think mine is a Designer II.
ReplyDeleteHa ha,Jodie
ReplyDeleteI have that machine, or one remarkably similar. My next one will have a needle threader...heaven!
Hugs, Sharon
Hi Jod,
ReplyDeleteI'm using a Pfaff it has dual feed (IDT) which is excellent for feeding multiple layers. Needle up and down by just hitting the pedal once. I'd visit all the manufacturer's at market and ask them why there machine is better than the rest. See who can waffle the most guff to you and who can give the best guarantees & waranteee and don't forget to ask what extras they can throw in!!
Hi Jod,
ReplyDeleteI'm using a Pfaff it has dual feed (IDT) which is excellent for feeding multiple layers. Needle up and down by just hitting the pedal once. I'd visit all the manufacturer's at market and ask them why there machine is better than the rest. See who can waffle the most guff to you and who can give the best guarantees & waranteee and don't forget to ask what extras they can throw in!!
Forget the brand loyalty. Whatever you get, take care of it. I know sewers who have forked out cash to have the top of the line/what-the-salesman-needed-to-reach-their-sales-goals model, and they can't sew a seam straight. I also know a gal with mad skillz who rocks out a basic entry-level Singer model. It's not what you've got, it's how you use it. (and, yes, I did say 'mad skillz')
ReplyDeleteI love my Janome. Every time I think it's time to replace it, I adjust my tension, do its maintenance and it's running beautifully again. I also have a Brother that I travel with. It's got a better buttonholer and more decorative stitches. They've both lasted me over (ahem...) 16 years. I say pick your bells, choose your whistles and buy what's in budget. Or even UNDER budget and spend the rest on quality supplies.
To actually ANSWER your question, I don't think I could live without a good buttonholer and METAL parts (e.g. the bobbin mechanism). Everything else that I love about machines, old and new, has more to do with their feet than the machine itself.
God speed talking to salespeople. Everyone, salesmen and users alike, are so brand loyal. They're convinced that if you buy the competitor's machine, it'll break down within the first day of using it. (rilo, bitter much?)
Enjoy shopping!
Jodie, I have a Bernina 1008 that I bought used online, and it has never let me down. You can't go wrong with Bernina--they're work horses!
ReplyDeleteStill sew most of my toys on my 8 year old Janome - i love it, but I did buy a Bernina for quilting - it also does the best buttonholes ever - worth it for that alone.
ReplyDeleteI have a Singer rumina number something something???? It is about 5ish years old now but I love it. I didn't realise how good it was until I used a few other machines.
ReplyDeleteI love my Sally Singer.
I have a Brother QC-1000 and I love love love it. I think the functions I absolutely adore on it, which I'd never experienced before are the thread cutter and being able to program it to stop in the needle down position.
ReplyDeleteI love my Brother...best part..the buttonholer that I just watch do it's thing. Not an expert at the rest..seems to be a reliable beast!
ReplyDeleteI have an 18+ year old Kenmore. It was a gift from my mom when I was 16 but it was bought used at a rummage sale. It is entirely made out of metal and I just clean it about once a month. It has no fancy stitches, I make buttonholes using the zig zag stitch, etc. But it sews through anything. And when I say ANYTHING I literally mean, all fabrics to Sealskin, Leather, Moosehide, Walrus hide, Thick cow leather, Beaver, Muskrat, Fox, Wolf, etc. ANYTHING.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a $500 Brother, but I have yet to try it out, I just stare at it while using my trusty Kenmore. I feel like my old wife will leave me if I try to play with the newer younger model! :) haha.
Good luck.
Without talking quilt..! I need/like automatic needle threader(my eyes are ageing quicker than the rest of me), needle stop up/down function, automatic top and bottom thread cutter (love that one) and I have a knee lift on mine but I've never used it..! Really, that's it, I'd be happy if that's all mine did but it does a squillion stitches that I don't use....
ReplyDeleteLizzie
xxx
Get a Bernina!
ReplyDeleteThey use them in schools for a reason. They are tough. You can push anything through them. LOVE mine. x
So anyway... with all these recommendations... are you confused yet?!
ReplyDeleteAsk if you can take 'em for a test drive on a nice bit of calico and see what they are like (and if they go round corners!!) Then pick the most efficient one within your price range. ...Or have a look on the Which website for sewing machines.
Alternatively pay kids in food and get them to sew... you mean you don't have a cellar?
Bernina 100 times over could not recommend it more.
ReplyDeleteMy machine is OLD, from the late 60s, early 70s I think. She's beautiful, a husqvarna viking in green enamel with a case lined with green gingham. When I take her to class compared with the modern machines she simply purrrrrrrs.
ReplyDeleteI do hanker after a modern machine tho'. I know very little, but Berninas are talked about like they're the Rolls Royce of sewing machines. x
I have a Bernina 1020 that I received from my aunt and I've never had a problem with it. I would love a new machine that can embroider and would definitely go with a Bernina again. My mum has a Bernina which is 45 years old and is still in great working order. She sews bags, clothes, curtains etc. Bernina wins for me!
ReplyDeleteI have an old Bernina 830 (about 30 years old and still goes like a charm) plus a 15 year old Bernina 1230 which I absolutely love. Both machines have the knee lifter which is great when you want to keep 2 hands on your work and lift the presser foot at the same time. The 1230 has, amongst other great features, the needle up/down option. So when you stop sewing the needle will either remain up or down, whichever you prefer.
ReplyDeleteI could wax lyrical about Berninas for hours so I better leave it there!
I have a Janome QC, 2 years old. If I could go back in time I would get something better. I would get one with a auto thread cutter, knee lift and more room for quilting - not that you want that LOL! Thats just my list!
ReplyDeleteBernina, once you own a Bernina you never go back!! Best thing is they just keep going and going, automatic needle up/down, lighting and ease of changing feet.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to AQC ask what they are doing with their demo machines - I bought an ex show demo. They come with full warranty and a good discount.
Happy machine shopping...
I'll throw my preferences into the pot too, just to add a little bit more confusion ;o).
ReplyDeleteI've got the new Janome Horizon - she's a dream to use and you don't need to be a brain surgeon to work her. She's been brilliant so far, has been able to do everything I've thrown her way. I couldn't be happier.
Enjoy the hunt ;o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)
I have the exact same machine. I'll wait to see what you do then copy you and save myself some headaches with all the running round. Actually I quite like my machine and havent had any issues (touch wood )
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the hunt. Hope you get something wonderful!
I happen to have a Pfaff quiltng mahcine, but a feature I love which you might find handy is that not only can you choose needle up/down, but if it stops needle-down, the presser-foot lifts ever-so-slightly automatically, so if you're appliqueing, you can rotate your fabric and continue without having to move your hands. Fantastic! Some other brands and non-quilting machines would also ahve this feature.
ReplyDeleteHusqvarna Viking.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
My Viking - platinum 750 has a rubbish reverse stitch button.
ReplyDeleteYou can move the needle position, but you can move the stitch pattern, ie blanket stitch for applique has to be at the middle of the foot space you can only change the length and width of it. Which means you can't line up with any of your feetses to make it more accurate.
All else I like. I have invested so much money in feetses - I can never buy a new machine.
So ask about - sewing through mega thicknesses and then back down to normal layers (lumpy corners). Reverse stitch button/lever position. Average cost of all the cool feetses.
Extension table. they think they are for quilters, I've found mine very useful in general. It was also scandalously expensive for a lump of plastic.
YAY new machine!!!!!
Cheers,
AJ
PS free lessons on it from the seller - utterly essential. Obvious is rarely obvious.
I say go with whatever one it was that sews through wolf and beaver skins!!!
ReplyDelete(What on earth is she making?)
Most of my advice is on the quilty front ... so stuff that, hey?
ReplyDeleteBUT, once you work out which brand and model you want, I'd either try for a sponsorship deal OR ... get a good trade in.
I wanted a Bernina 440, so I called all the local Bernina dealers and put my name down for a trade in on that model. I got one pretty quickly from Kate's Sewing Centre for about $2000 less than a new one. It was perfectly re-conditioned and still came with a 3 year warranty. It runs like a dream!!
Andi xx
PS Get a Bernina for fucks sake!
everything that Andi said without the swearing! I got my Bernina Aurora 430 used and saved 1300 bucks. Check with all your local quilt shops. Bernina will only ship within the state, so don't bother with out-of-state machines unless you are willing to travel or know someone who lives there that will ship it to you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I won't say that other machines aren't great. I had a viking husqvarna for years and it really is perfectly fine. But there is nothing nothing nothing like a bernina. nothing. i guess that's why that's their motto. So just get one. don't let talk of other machines being perfectly fine sway you. you deserve it!
Hi Jodie, Please keep us up to date with your decision making. I have also been heard muttering about a new machine for over a year now. I have my Mum's old Hasqvarna which must be at least 30 years old. It goes well, but has become somewhat fussy in that it will only sew with 100% cotton thread... none of that modern polyester stuff for it! So I really do need to do something about moving into the current century. I would certainly follow your lead if you come up with something you love... I'll be waiting to hear! Good luck
ReplyDeleteI love my Bernina too! I have the 440. If something goes wrong, it's user error. It sews everything that I want it. I also have a good dealer who can troubleshoot user error really well over the phone. LOL
ReplyDeleteWhen you go to check out machines, throw some samples of the fabric that you use to test the machines.
I dive (I've a license and everything!) a Janome Indigo 14 that's about 4 years old now and a 20 year-old Brother that's never let me down.
ReplyDeleteSurely with all the offers to promote dumb shit we get - my latest is cheese stringers- are they even food??? SURELY benina can sponsor this blog. I reckon you should ask them. go on.
ReplyDeleteHi, I bought a Brother very expensive and from day one it has been an absolute hassle. It has been back under warranty and they put it down to last cab off the rank on Friday - no replacement no refund. Big dollars down the drain. i have since spent big dollars on a Bernina Aurora QE. It does everything and is worth every penny. Good luck with your choice.
ReplyDeleteI have a 20 year old Bernina 1130. It has been an absolute work horse and given me no problems. The tension is always spot on. I would buy the same machine again, but ideally it would have a larger throat. I have heard that a lot of the new Berninas are being made in Asia instead of Switzerland and have a lot more plastic. Essential things are needle down, auto buttonholer. I don't use the knee lift as much as some people, but it is nice to have. An automatic thread cutter sure seems like it would be nice to have, too.
ReplyDeleteBernina all the way! I'm currently test driving a big Janome Horizon 7700 and it just can't do what my Bernina 440 does for the same price.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina 440 and am looking at adding a Bernina 350 so I can sew while my 440 is embroidering. Get the embroidery module. I got mine free with the machine. Didn't think I'd like it but I do. I also have a Bernina serger.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love the Berninas I think they are all probably good quality and the most important thing is to find a reliable dealer with (most importantly) a bang up mechanic.
My dealer is touted to have the best mechanic in the US. I haven't needed him for my Berninas yet, but he has done wonders with the 50+ year old machines I got from my grandmother. I can rest easy knowing if my machine does go down it won't be down for long.
I use Kenmore machines. I have 2 sewing machines and a serger. I love them. I've never had to touch the tension or have any issues with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Bernina girl - having inherited my mother's 831. But I also recently bought a Pfaff with the built in walking foot. I would recommend either.
ReplyDeleteI've had my Bernina 1130 for about 25 years and have sewed "a lot" on it. I had to have it repaired once a couple of years ago but it was well worth it. You'll love the needle down feature and the knee lift especially since you sew lots of toys that have tight turns and such. I Love my Bernina!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same position you are, and feel very fortunate to read all these reviews. I'm leaning toward Juki, but may go with Bernina. My 37 year old Singer is tired.
ReplyDeleteWere you not happy with the Janome? I'd heard good things about them. Please do tell if you've had problems with yours!
ReplyDeleteI have an Elna 3230 bought from Spotlight and i love the needle down and the threader. I cannot give you any advice on other machines, but whatever you get, tell them you need a work horse. I use mine every day but i have not tried it with difficult fabrics yet. All the best Jodie.
ReplyDeleteI drive a Bernina 440 and love it..I traded in a Activa 145 for it and loved it just as much...
ReplyDeleteLove...
needle down
blanket stitch
reverse blanket stitch
knee lift
Wish it had...
Automatic thread cutter... and wonder why Bernina has never come out with that...
Oh..I also drive a Jeep...lol
I have a boring Pfaff which is probably quite appropriate as I faff around on it a lot.
ReplyDeleteNothing fancy about it at all and I wouldn't recommend it as it's pretty base model $500 worth.
Definitely take some wool or felt with you to do a demo stitching session on the machine. That's the stuff you sew with a lot and would be curious about, wouldn't it?
Good luck with the sponsorship!
Mines a Bernina activa 125 (or something I don't remember the number) It's the lowest level computerized machine- it has a little screen that tells me the stitch length, needle position, depth if zig-zag and what stitch it's set to and that's it. I love my machine love it like crazy. My mother in law has a fancier version but I don't see the point. I'd never use any of those fancy whats-its any way. My mother has the less fancy version, the one with no computer at all. I love that machine as well to be honest I might even love it more (because it's stitch length doesn't reset when it's turned off) the only upgrade I'd consider making would be to a five million pound industrial.
ReplyDeleteHappy shopping!
woot woot! ask em will they give me one, too!?
ReplyDeleteThis is like trying to answer if my other half asked me what drill to buy. Er, one that makes holes in the wall?
ReplyDeleteno decent machine advice, just GO THE SPONSORSHIP! I'm guessing heaps of people are just like me, coming here and reading the advice everyone's shared...
ReplyDeleteI have a Frister & Rossmann 503 that I inherited from my Gran. I'd never had a sewing machine before, I'd always just stitched by hand (including hemming curtains that were 12ft wide). At first the machine was a pig and I just couldn't get on with it. I knew it hadn't been used for probably getting on for twenty years, so I had it serviced and it came back a different machine. It might not be the the most up to date bit of kit, though it was in it's day, but it does all I need it to. I've sewn silk and quilts, and toys and clothes and the best bit is that each and every time I sit down at it I'm reminded of my much loved and missed Gran.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck finding the machine you need.
A Brother NS30, it is ace. Best feature, some pretty stitches and the automatic needle threader (my eyes ain't getting any younger!) and the very clear instruction manual. I also love the button-press stop/go button, meaning using the sewing foot pedal is optional. I choose not to sew with the pedal most of the time now.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your machine searching. A new Bernina would be very exciting. My mother loves hers. I have her old Brother- could do with an upgrade..must start saving.
ReplyDeleteI got a Pfaff a few years ago to replace my Bernina. I still have my Bernina for sewing really furry stuff - things I don't want to gum up the new baby! ;) I LOVE my Pfaff - never a trouble and it'll sew whatever I ask it to! :)
ReplyDeleteI replaced an old pfaff about 15 years ago with a bernina and I wish I'd kept the pfaff. The bernina works well, but I miss the built in walking foot on the pfaff. My blocks have never come out as well as they did with that pfaff.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina 802 from 1967. It's five years older than me. Loooove. Picked it up from a sewing and vaccuum repair place and it is my workhorse. She's not fancy, but uber reliable, fantastic tension and sews like a dream.
ReplyDeleteThe one question you should ask: "Do I really HAVE to give you my first born child to own this expensive machine?" Yep, that's about what it costs these days.
ReplyDeleteI have an 8 yr old Pfaff that I love and a 2 yr old Bernina that I love. They both have different strengths and different weaknesses. That's why I NEEDED both. ;0
I love my Bernina, even though it is 50yrs old (belonged to my Grandma). It is reliable, strong, easy easy to communicate with and comes all the way from Switzerland :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Hunting!
I love your blog by the way :) especially the wonderful prose.
Tamara in Redcliffe.