How fancy is your sewing machine?

1. 60

   Hestia DeVotoposted 13 years ago

   So, my old Singer is about to give up the ghost, and I've been looking at sewing machines.
   
   How fancy a sewing machine do you have?  I don't think I need something that does a million, fancy pre-set stitches but then again, features like that are sort of tempting.
   
   If you had to chose between a Bernina and a Pfaff, which would you pick?

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   1. 69

      onegoodwomanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Very basic, straight, reverse and ziz zag stitches.  It does have a button holer, but I still do those by hand as well as zippers.
      
      The newer ones are tempting, but not worth it to someone like me.  I see coupons for $800.00 off, and I blush to think of the retail price!
      
      Someone would have to do far more sewing than I do, ( and better at it) to warrant that price.
      
      Good Luck and enjoy your shopping.

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   2. 61

      h.a.borcichposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have killed 2 sew machines - the drive shafts were made of plastic. My current Sears machine has a metal one. Been using it for 10 years and is doing great
      It has a computer and some embroidery capacities. Back then I spent about $600 when it was on sale and it has been worth it. Holly

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   3. 65

      FloBeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I learned on an Old Singer and it had only forward and reverse (I still have it!) When I bought a new machine I got one with 30 different discs to do fancy stitchery and I haven't used one of them yet...so, unless you KNOW you're going to use the fancy stuff, just get a basic machine--a lot less that go wrong with it too!

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   DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years ago

   I have this machine
   
   
   
   So, I had to google the two you mentioned, and after a brief review of other forums, most people tend to recommend the Bernina. I made most of my sewing projects by hand til l got in to high school and they had machines there. So, I honestly don't know much about the new machines. I have to say.. I don't NEED it either, but your right...all the cool stuff is very very tempting!! Good luck in your new purchase. 

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   Home Girlposted 13 years ago

   if you are not into a fancy stuff, why do you need a fancy machine? Good old Singer usually works well.

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4. 0

   prayersposted 13 years ago

   I like my Singer!

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5. 66

   2uesdayposted 13 years ago

   Even if you do not buy it from a specialist shop go and look at what is available before you make your final decision ( they might be cheaper elsewhere).
   
   It is easy to pay out for a sewing machine that has lots of gimmicky features when really a simpler one might be the one you would be happiest with.
   
   I have two - an older heavier weight machine that I use for machine embroidery and a new modern one that has features like an 'easy button holes feature' I never use any of the fancy embroidery stitches on either.
   
   The features I would miss are the practical ones such as the ease with which you can refill a bobbin or spool and how easy it is to swap the feet on it and definitely speed and ease of threading it when I change colors.
   
   Hope that helps, as for make - I do not own either of the ones you mentioned but I know in the past Bernina were favoured by some schools and colleges  in the UK.

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6. 60

   Hestia DeVotoposted 13 years ago

   I've been contemplating something fancier because I've been thinking about being able to do machine embroidery.  By "old Singer" I mean a 1ate 1960s machine.  Really, even a simple modern machine is light-years more advanced.
   
   BTW, I've got a friend who has a turn-of-century, 100% wrought iron machine she found abandoned in her parents attic, powered by a good old-fashioned treadle.  A workhorse of a machine, but also exhausting to sew with.

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

   ..don't have one...have the iron stand that held one at one time....a big cactus sits on it now with a nice piece of wood installed on top sometime ago....an old singer stand...
   
   ...wish I learned how to sew....

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8. 60

   Hestia DeVotoposted 13 years ago

   The metal drive shaft advice sounds good!  I hadn't thought of that, but I can see where that's important.  Thanks!

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9. 72

   edelhausposted 13 years ago

   I just started taking sewing lessons a couple of months ago and bought an old Pfaff on ebay - the thing weighs about 25lbs but it works really well - can't wait till my skills catch up to the possibilities.

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10. 85

    lindaceeposted 13 years ago

    I had to sell my old budget Kenmore machine due to a move. It did nothing fancy (just the basics) but it was a workhorse for years. I used it to sew furniture slipcovers, pillows, curtains and do mending and clothing alterations. I would love to have a computerized machine that does monograms, etc. I would also like a serger. Maybe someday!

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11. 60

    rlafleurposted 13 years ago

    I have a Janome 4400 - it is computerized with about 55 stitches and some button holes.  It doesn't have a huge viewing screen either.
    I love this machine! It has needle up/down and a really nice light.  The throat area is fine as well.  I quilt and this machine does all that I want.
    I also use the machine for general sewing.  I am not into making garments, but I have made tote bags, pillows, aprons and sewn my fair share of scout patches with this machine.

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    1. 75

       KoffeeKlatch Galsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I have an older Kenmore sewing machine.  I've had it for almost 20 years and I would never get rid of it.  It works beautifully and I've only had to get it fixed once in all that time.

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