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From: StitchInTime
Date: 07-03-2005, 02:46 AM (1 of 17)
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Hi ladies, New here. Just starting to get into quilting and want to upgrade to a newer sewing machine (mine's just a real basic sewing machine right now that keeps breaking). I've been drooling over the sewing machines with quilting and embroidery functions. What should I be looking for that is specific to those machines? I want one that I can add my own designs for embroidery too. Really can't afford the Berninas.  Anyone with some good and bad reviews of machines? Thanks! 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-03-2005, 05:55 AM (2 of 17)
| You might want to check PatternReview for machine reviews by owners. You will probably get some good comments from owners on this site also. When I was buying my machines I think I hit every sewing site on the internet that I could find relating to machines. I had been away from sewing for some time and I became quite educated in the newer models. It took me awhile but I love the machines I now have. I sew and serge more than I embroider. I purchased a stand alone embroidery machine which I enjoy very much. I wish you luck in finding a great machine for yourself too. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-03-2005, 03:52 PM (3 of 17)
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Has a comparison on all 'name brand' sewing/embroidery machines in their latest issue.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: StitchInTime
Date: 07-03-2005, 05:04 PM (4 of 17)
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Thanks ladies!
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: Selene
Date: 07-12-2005, 05:24 AM (5 of 17)
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Has a comparison on all 'name brand' sewing/embroidery machines in their latest issue. I am in Spain and cannot get hold of this magazine. Could someone possibly scan these pages and send them to me? I would be most grateful. I want to buy myself a good embroidery machine and am thinking between the Viking Designer I (they don't have SE here yet), Bernina artista 200 and Pfaff 2144. Thanks a lot! Selene
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User: Selene
Member since: 03-03-2004 Total posts: 71 
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From: paroper
Date: 07-12-2005, 05:24 PM (6 of 17)
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I know that you said you can't afford the Bernina machines but have you seen the 430 and 440? The 440 has a built in stitch regulator that is supposed to be great for quilters. They both have optional embroidery mechanisms that have to be powered by a computer so the prices are much more reasonable than the 200. In addition, they have the older reliable hook 5mm system that everyone who does much sewing loves.
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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-12-2005, 06:50 PM (7 of 17)
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Thanks Pam! I have been trying to do as much online research as possible, there are just too many options! Of course I'm drooling over the top of the line machines, and we could afford one, just not the best use of money for us right now (although I'm thinking of ways to use the machine to make things to sell!). 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-12-2005, 09:17 PM (8 of 17)
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I love my 200, but there are a lot of 200 owners who quilt that are trading down to get into the 440 and they LOVE it. For one thing they really like the old (fashioned) hook system and the love the old 5mm stitch width. Many say that the 9mm just isn't as good for quilting because even when they offset the needle, they don't like the 1/4 inch seams. Of course, because once you start using the 200 for embroidery you want to do that all the time, so many are using a second machine and they are trading the second machine for the 440 which many say is the best of both worlds. The thing is if I were a quilter (and I'm not) and I could have only one machine, I'd probably bite on the 440 long before the 200. It think the purpose of the 200 is a little different. It is great for sewing clothing and the custom button hole feature is the bomb but even when Bernina makes the BSR foot available for the 200, I'm not entirely sure that it will be the best machine for quilting. It will be the best all-round machine, good for quilting, great for sewing and fantastic for embroidery. I think the 440 is good for embroidery and fantastic for sewing and quilting...just my 2 cents. I use my old 1530 with the 5mm stitch width and the old hook system for all my sewing and I think the 440 is close to an upgrade on that machine. 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: 07-12-2005, 09:25 PM (9 of 17)
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PS I think the advantage of the Artista format for embroidery is a big sell for the Bernina machines because of the infinate sizing on all of the ART format designs and lettering without loss of qualtiy. If you ever plan to own a Bernina machine, I think it will be cheaper in the long run if you just start out there rather than trade over later because that way your supplies are all in your format (again, just my 2 cents). It is my personal opinion (and only that) if you plan to upgrade at some point in the future, it is best to plan for that upgrade from the outset because there is just so much invested in the embroidery accessories(designs, boxes, design cards, software, etc). If you plan to someday own a TOL Brother, I'd look at an affordable machine in the Brother line and same way with every other machine out there...in the long run it could save you a bundle. It might also influence your upgrade decision in the future. 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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-13-2005, 11:58 PM (10 of 17)
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Thanks Pam! I have yet to make my first quilt or embroider anything, but don't want to get a machine that does too little to begin with and then have to upgrade so soon. KWIM? Still doing lots of reading. My neighbor has the 200 (and a couple other machines), so I've been checking out hers. But, I have been finding lower priced machines with lots of great features. You mentioned sticking to one brand, which I had thought about too. Of course that just makes it harder to decide. I have a Kenmore sewing machine right now, and will not be buying another one.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: StitchInTime
Date: 07-14-2005, 12:02 AM (11 of 17)
The other part of the problem is that I'm not finding a sewing machine shop around here that has all the machines I want to test out in one place. I have to go to several different places to test out different brands. Sure not an easy process, just as hard as buying a car! 
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-14-2005, 04:29 AM (12 of 17)
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Do I hear that!!!! Patience may be a virtue, but it isn't mine. I found that out when I went to replace a washer and dryer one time. I ended up buying the same brand I had because I was so confused and it was the worst set I ever purchased! One thing that can make it a little easier is to make up a packets of cloth that you would normally sew, from you stash. Go ahead an make even a quilting sample. Take that, a pad and a Sharpie pen. Label the sample pack as you go and then do the same sewing maneuvers on each packet. You may want to do all the quilting samples on the same little "quilt" and mark on the quilt which machine you used. That way when you sample, you can compare what they did on the same fabrics. Keep a running list of features on each brand, including price so you can compare them. The Creative Embroidery mag this month has a comparison chart for some of the machines. The 200 is a sweet machine! I absolutely love the embroidery features on the machine but I still like the old hook system a little better...I like the way it looks on the bottom when it stitches out better than the new hook system of the 170 (I think), 180, and 200. I had gone by every day after work for a year to visit the Pfaff Shop. I fell in love with a 1475 and never considered another machine. I was just waiting for the day when I could throw the $3000 dollars down on the counter and purchase it. (My husband and I drove together and I had to kill time before he got off work.) When I quit my job to sew at home, I had money coming to me, so I decided that I owed it to myself to "just look" at the Bernina shop. My reasoning was that all my high school and college instructors and some excellent seamstress friends had purchased Bernina machines and they talked like they had reached the pot at the end of the rainbow. When I sat down at the machine and took the first few inches of stitching, I knew I HAD to have that machine....but the Pfaff did such pretty things. I ended up purchasing both. I have used the Bernina and it has been a wonderful machine. The Pfaff was a good machine too, but I sold it last year with only a few hours on it because it just didn't sew like the Bernina. I ended up sewing for a living for awhile and the speed, power, and the beauty of the stitches just couldn't be beat. I've been a Bernina lover ever since. I think though that you have to purchase a machine that matches your sewing and Bernina may not be your "thing". The Pfaff had the prettiest built in stitches! The Bernina couldn't touch those and it is doubtful that it ever will. I still kind of miss my Pfaff when I just want to use a fancy machine stitch around the edge of something but I don't do that very often. 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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-14-2005, 05:00 PM (13 of 17)
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I'll have to look for that magazine! Great idea about taking my own samples to sew! I'm also taking notes on everything else you pointed out. Thanks!! Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-17-2005, 06:51 PM (14 of 17)
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I was a little disappointed with the article. I finally got to sit down and read it. I guess because each of our machines are a little different, it is hard to compare the information in a simple cut and dried chart. I found the information on the 200 to be a little misleading. There were things like there is only one memory on the machine. That is true. It is a computer and runs on Windows. All designs on both sides of the machine, embroidery and sewing, go into a common memory but you can add folders (like windows) into a huge memory. On the sewing side, the memory is subdivided into several (don't remember how many) folders for you. It gave a max hoop size that is a little misleading because of the auto split feature and the megahoop that is optional (often included with purchase). It is much larger than 10 inches. With this three position hoop, the machine will automatically split and stitch anything that is put in the hoop with no additional effort on your part, except moving and locking in the hoop when the machine demands it. There are a few other points with which I would take issue on this article, so I'm sure that there are issues that others would also take disagree with on other machines. Still, it is a very good place to start and could save you some valuable time when comparing machines. I would just tell you to ask questions about most of the points in the chart...many will be obvious with the demonstrations. There were also some points that I think should have been added like the options for getting designs to your machine. That should be a major issue when purchasing a machine because it goes directly to the purchase price bottom line. It would have been nice to have a suggested retail price on each of the machines. The overall suggestions in the article for how to shop were quite good though. 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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-22-2005, 02:53 PM (15 of 17)
Can someone please tell me which sewing machines are listed in the Creative Machine Embroidery magazine this month? I found the magazine, but it is in a cover and I don't want to buy the magazine if it doesn't list the machines I'm interested in.  Thanks!
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-22-2005, 03:04 PM (16 of 17)
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Baby Lock: Ellegante, Ellure Bernina: Artista 200E, Decco 330 Brother: 6500, 4000D Elna: Xquisit 2 or 9020 Husqvarna Viking: Designer SE, Platinum 950E Janome Mrmory Craft 10001 & 330E Kenmore Elite: ergo 3, Model 19010, Ver 2.0 Pfaff: Crative 2144 Simplicity: SE3 Singer: Quantum Futura CE 200, Quantum XL 6000 That is quite a range of machines and prices. The comparison, although certainly better than nothing is very flat in interpretation. Any machines that look like something you might want to compare for purchase you really need to see in person because knowing how misleading the information is on the 200, it is probably pretty misleading on at least some of the other brands too. I wish they had included a basic retail price comparison too. 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: StitchInTime
Date: 07-22-2005, 03:49 PM (17 of 17)
Thanks!  That's a pretty good list, although looks like the higher end models. DH likes a shop near us that sells Husqvarna's. It's a mom and pop shop, he hates large chain stores. I'll go check them out tomorrow, but I'll probably check out a couple other smaller shops. I'll have to go get the magazine now. Thanks so much for your help!
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's sewing machine.
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User: StitchInTime
Member since: 06-17-2005 Total posts: 30 |
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