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From: Nana Sadie
Date: 10-28-2004, 10:31 AM (1 of 11)
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Is there a "BEST" machine for heirloom sewing? I have a Bernina 135S Patchwork Edition and a Bernina Deco 600, and have been told I "have everything I need" to do heirloom sewing. But then I see the Elna Heirloom 6005? Is that a better choice? What machines do you have for making heirlooms? Sal Sew many fabrics, sew very little time.
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User: Nana Sadie
Member since: 10-28-2004 Total posts: 3 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-28-2004, 11:28 AM (2 of 11)
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I think that you will find a different answer for almost everyone here. You just need to compare what you can currently do with what the Elna will do. Personally, I like the quality of the stitching on the Bernina machines.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-28-2004, 01:07 PM (3 of 11)
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Hi Nana Sadie, welcome to Sew Whats New. I don't think there is any one machine that does heirloom sewing better than the others. It's what you can get the machine to do that is important. Most of the machines have foot possibilities for heirloom techniques. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Nana Sadie
Date: 10-28-2004, 02:50 PM (4 of 11)
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I'm relieved...b/c I really don't want to buy another machine. It will be the first of the year b/4 I can take the Heirloom class offered by my Bernina dealership. I already have seen that the machines I have can do a LOT - and am in love with both of them! I adore the stitch quality of my Bernina's too! Thank you both, and I'm so glad I found this site - it's great to be here! Sal Sew many fabrics, sew very little time.
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User: Nana Sadie
Member since: 10-28-2004 Total posts: 3
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From: Londa
Date: 01-04-2005, 10:14 PM (5 of 11)
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When I got started in heirloom, I was on a Bernina 1230. It's Parisian Hemstitch was less than good. This is the one-sided blanket type stitch, that goes repeatedly into the same holes vertically and jumps over to catch the lace. You need to be able to adjust the width and length of this stitch. Try it on a find batiste with say a 90 needle on each machine and see what you get. Take the one that does it better. I know many use a Wing Needle for this - and that will just emphasize the hole more, but on very fine, small things, this pinstitched look must be very delicate. The Elna 9000 that I went to then when I opened my machine dealership left the Bernina in the 'dust' shall we say? Londa Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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From: Serenity
Date: 04-14-2005, 07:45 AM (6 of 11)
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I sinply love my Bernina. I took it to my class at MArtha Pullens school and was very glad I did. I also have the Deco 600. I have made countell heirloom garments for babies and children and they have not failed me yet. Arub "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85 
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From: MariLynnTX
Date: 04-17-2005, 03:55 PM (7 of 11)
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I had a Bernina 930, but then when Pfaff brought out the 1475CD I fell in love with it when I tried it out and I have used it all these years without a single problem. It is amazing what can be done with it! I have done heirloom sewing, every machine embroidery technique I have written about in my book, and sewed on every kind of fabric and every thickness, and I still love it and use it constantly. I have a Deco 600, but I prefer doing freemotion and my own designs. I've decided to sell the Deco, because at 78 I doubt I will find time for it, since I never have yet! Maybe one of my daughters will want it, but probably not since they design jewelry in their 'spare time.' MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-17-2005, 06:03 PM (8 of 11)
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This is a perfect example of personal tastes. I purchased a 1475CD and a Bernina 1530 at the same time. I really liked the built-in designs and the computer hookup of the 1475 but I loved the perfect seams of the 1530. I barely used the 1475 for "real" sewing. I just recently sold it with probably less than 36 hours of sewing after owning it since 1992. The new owner is making up for lost time (believe me).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 04-17-2005, 09:46 PM (9 of 11)
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Strange, isn't it? I had perfect seams with the 1475CD and did all my custom sewing with it, the bridal stuff, vintage dress repair, and the costumes of a lion and an elephant for ponies to wear in a parade, etc. The Bernina 930 did a good job, but nothing like the Pfaff 1475. There must be a difference in the individual machines themselves that only show up in use, as well as the way we as individuals react to the machines. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-17-2005, 11:32 PM (10 of 11)
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Of course, the 1530 is not the exact same machine as the 930. The difference could be in the model. I've never sewn on the 930.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 04-18-2005, 12:47 PM (11 of 11)
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That's true, and of course in my book and in my classes I always stressed the fact that sewing machine embroidery in all its many forms can be done on ANY machine that (preferably) does a zigzag stitch and can either have its feed dogs lowered or covered.That's one of the reasons why freemotion is so interesting and versatile and I keep drawing new designs! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
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