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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Just Duckee
Date: 05-10-2005, 09:07 AM (1 of 10)
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Good Morning! I have a Bernina 830 that I purchased in 1980. It has been such a reliable workhorse and I have loved it. But, I'm sorta fickle right now and am thinking of buying a newer machine. I want one with the same reliability and quality and I want a beautiful stitch on all kinds of fabric. I am not interested in embroidery or quilting machine features. I mostly do garment sewing and LOTS of it. I have another machine, a small Janome, and a couple of really nice Babylock sergers. I am partial to Bernina because of my experience with my old machine. What machine do you recommend for me? And why? Used machine? or only new? I don't get very concerned about having to have a new machine/warranty when I'm buying quality products. So....what do you think? And do you have one? If so, what are the particulars? I don't eat at McDonald's because I don't want plastic burgers and I don't want a plastic sewing machine. Waiting to hear from you, DONNA |
User: Just Duckee
Member since: 05-29-2002 Total posts: 10 |
From: toadusew
Date: 05-10-2005, 09:23 AM (2 of 10)
I have a Janome and love it! In fact, this is my second Janome; both of mine have been top of the line sewing/embroidery machines, or second from the top. I bought them for the embroidery capabilities as well as for regular sewing. Because if my positive experience with Janome sewing machines, I would recommend this brand--from the bottom of the line to the top. I think you have to decide what your sewing needs are and find the machine that fits your sewing needs best. You can go to the Janome website to check out their machines.  My very first sewing machine was a mechanical, very basic Babylock and I liked it, but I prefer Janome for a variety of reasons. I like the drop in bobbin better and the horizontal spool pin, and the Janome just worked a little better. There are other good brands out there--Elna, Viking, Bernina, to name a few. I'm sure other folks will be along soon and may have more/better advice on sewing machines. Good luck on your search!
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-10-2005, 07:26 PM (3 of 10)
| I have a mechanical Paff 1530 that is a work horse and I use it constantly. I also love my Janome (Kenmore) computerized machine and also use it constantly. It depends on the project as to which machine I use. The dual feed on the Pfaff machine is wonderful. My computerized machine has so many features and does heirloom stitches beautifully. It has 365 stitches with Block and Script alphabets upper and lower case, stitch elongation, memory and stitch editing up to 50 stitches and also mirror image . I love both of my machines and highly recommend both. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-11-2005, 07:52 PM (4 of 10)
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I think that if I were interested in a good Bernina at this point, I would probably either consider an 185E (which has been a stable machine in the Bernina line for many years but is now being discontinued) or a 430 or 440. Personally, as a seamstress, I think the new 430 would be really nice unless you wanted to do quilting in the future. The 440 has a Bernina Stitch Regulator which is a new patented item that allows you to do freestyle stitching an keep your stitches even. It was invented by the same guy that invented stop lights that change green when there are people coming to turn. The new 430/440 are said to have the feel of the older Berninas, with the 5.5 mm stitch width which gives a solid, more steady look to the seams. The 440 (and I think the 430) have an optional embroidery arm for anywhere from 800-1000 dollars extra and if you buy the arm it also comes with basic sotftware for editing. The bad thing about the embroidery unit is that this particular unit has to have a computer to run. The good news is that with an independant computer hook up, you have more power to the embroidery than most machines. As for your older Bernina,, I wouldn't get rid of it, even if you buy a new machine for several reasons, you cannot replace it for what you will get out of it, if you do decide to do embroidery, you will probably want a second machine to use for sewing when the new machine is busy (something which you find out very soon), it is a wonderful classic machine! The bad news is that the newer Berninas use a different foot style than your old one. 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: paroper
Date: 05-11-2005, 08:00 PM (5 of 10)
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One other thing, if I were buying another machine, given the fact that I don't buy machines very often, (my husband bought one for me in 1973 and I bought two for the business in 1992, the last one I bought in 2003) I would buy new or nearly new. I would also be shopping for the exact features I wanted, regardless of price or where it fell in the the company's line. When I was sewing for people, I didn't have time to play and I eventhough I had software and another machine, I didn't use it very much because it didn't fit my schedule and business. If you buy new you get the latest technology on a machine with full warrenty. When you buy a used machine (and there are many excellent machines out there), it is like buying a used car...you never know how it was treated, if routine maintanence was done, and what parts may need to be replaced soon. If I traded machines often, I would not be as likely to buy new. 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: Kylnne2
Date: 05-12-2005, 04:30 AM (6 of 10)
| If you are partial to Bernina..I would go with the Auroras. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Just Duckee
Date: 05-12-2005, 09:52 PM (7 of 10)
| I appreciate all the input so much. You always give me good advice. Anyone know anything about the Bernina 153 QE?? I know it is a quilting machine but I think I may be interested in it anyway. |
User: Just Duckee
Member since: 05-29-2002 Total posts: 10 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-12-2005, 11:36 PM (8 of 10)
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I've heard wonderful things about that machine. If you want a new one, you need to act fast. They are being replaced by the Aurora 430 so I don't know how long they will be sold as new machines. However, pricing should be excellent now and Bernina presently supports its machines for 20 years. Both machines are supposed to be very solid, dependable machines. There is quite a bit of difference between the 9mm stitch and the 5 mm machines. There are some built-in stitches that I like better on my old 1530 which is a 5mm machine that I do on the 200. You need to look at the way the 200 sets the buttonhole by using the button though...now that is pretty cool. The 170 and 180 machines are also being replaced in the summer or fall so if you decide those machines are interesting, you may want to see how far the prices fall. 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: wghmch
Date: 05-17-2005, 12:21 PM (9 of 10)
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"I have a Bernina 830 that I purchased in 1980...I want one with the same reliability and quality and I want a beautiful stitch on all kinds of fabric...I don't eat at McDonald's because I don't want plastic burgers and I don't want a plastic sewing machine." Ain't-a-gonna-happen, Donna. Many of the new models, of numerous companies, stitch beautifully. However, the manufacturers of SMs, like most other products, know that today's consumer has accepted that everything is "throw away," and that they will soon want a new one and toss the old. The only way that you will get a machine that will be as reliable for as long a time, will be to have an expert rebuild the old one. If you're lucky enough that a NLA part does not bite the dust, those old machines will almost run forever. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 05-17-2005, 08:39 PM (10 of 10)
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I have a Bernina 160 which is very similar to the 153. It is a great machine, I do mainly garment sewing, it does not have embroidery capability but I love it, it has up to a 5.5 mm wide stitch, the 153 has some more quilting type stitches but would be just fine for garment work. I have had mine for about 3 1/2 years without any problems. It was my dream machine to replace my 15yr old Janome, which was a great machine too, just not computerized etc.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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