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From: Sonia719
Date: 06-04-2007, 02:24 PM (1 of 27)
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Hi All, I just found this wonderful site! I'd love some opinions. I'm going to be purchasing a sewing/embroidery machine in the next couple of months and I'd love to know your opinions/experiences of those of you who own such machines. What do you have, what do you like or not like about it, features you wish you had, features you love....etc. I was an avid sewer for many years, especially when my children were little, but when I went back to work, my sewing was limited. I have a Singer Athena 2000 which was top of the line when I bought it in 1974. I have loved it, but it is now in need of repair and can't be fixed. I recently retired and now have a granddaughter, so I am anxious to get back into sewing. I know this is going to be quite an investment, so I want to be sure I research it carefully. Thank you in advance for you assistance! |
User: Sonia719
Member since: 06-04-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: MaryW
Date: 06-04-2007, 04:11 PM (2 of 27)
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Hi Sonia and welcome. What type of sewing will you be doing primarily? For your granddaughter only or maybe some home dec. items? What about for yourself?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Sonia719
Date: 06-04-2007, 07:14 PM (3 of 27)
| I'll be sewing pretty much everything, i.e clothing for my granddaughter, my grown two daughters, myself; also home decorating..curtains, drapes, pillows. And I'd like to get into quilting. In the past I've made tons of clothes, even a suit for my husband. Don't think I'll be doing that again though! I really like slinky knits for myself. I'm thinking that once I master a new sewing/embroidery machine, I'll probably get a serger. One thing I really want is a self-threading machine, especially if its a sewing/embroidery machine. |
User: Sonia719
Member since: 06-04-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-05-2007, 06:02 PM (4 of 27)
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The only embroidery machine that I know of at present time that threads itself is the Singer XL5000 & XL6000 (approx. $3,000 to $6,000). I don't think the Bernina emboridery machine threads itself, but I could be wrong and I definitely know the Pfaff 2170 doesn' thread itself and none of the lower models in any line are self-threading. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2007, 08:24 PM (5 of 27)
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The Bernina machines have a threader that you hook your thread around then it swings down manually and it threads your machine. I don't use mine, but then there are other good convience features of the Bernina I'm not in the habit of using (like the leg lift), although I do use the needle up/down sometimes. I'm a born creature of habit and I rarely think to stop and use them. Many of the Bernie users I know who use the threader like it. There are two different hook systems in the Bernina line. I love the straight, clean stitches made on the 5mm machines. They are real workhorses and what I would term utility machines, if you can have a machine in that price range that is considered utility. The 9mm machines were developed specifically to make lovely embroidery...and they do. I've found that I can go to a crafts show and nearly always pick out the Bernina embroidery. However, in order to get that, they have made the needle so that it is multidirectional and changed the hook system. It still makes a very good stitch, just not as straight and perfect as the 5 mm. The 5 mm machines also make lovely embroidery but there is a difference in quality...so the 5mm machines are not quite as good for embroidery BUT because of the width of the throat give wonderful control for 1/4 inch seams used in quilting, does wonderful straight stitches and is very powerful (both machines have a lot of power). The 9mm machines are not quite as great for quilting, but do a fair job one you adjust to using the maching, do not make quite as nice a stitch, but make BEAUTIFUL embroidery! The Bernina line has just gone through a major adjustment in product. Everything EXCEPT the 730 is a new machine. The 730 is really just a 200 with a new cover, new spindle and a built in BSR (which can be added to the 200 machine). The 200 has been out since about 2003 or 2002. I bought mine in Sept 2003 and it was not a new product, but had not been on the market very long. The 730 came out last year along with new software. There is rumor that there will be a new TOL machine released sometime next year along with a long arm quilting machine. No one knows what to expect from the long arm. I would think that it will do embroidery as that has become almost expected of the Bernina machines (could be wrong). No one knows if the new TOL will be a long arm machine or exactly what to expect. The Bernina software was upgraded this year so there hasn't been much in machines introduced, although it wouldn't be too big a leap for them to release something in the fall (maybe a mid-range teaser long arm machine? who knows?) Pfaff is said to be getting ready to release a new killer embroidery combo machine in the fall...Bernina may be waiting on that. Pfaff's big trump card is that their field (I think) is wider than the current Bernina field AND they have beautiful embellishment stitches built in. Bernina's embellishment stitches are nice, but not as detailed as Pfaff's. The new Pfaff is supposed to knock a hole in the competition because of its stitch field size. Pfaff also has its built in walking foot that is very nice. Bernina has a wonderful foot but it is not "at hand". Overall though, after having had a Pfaff, I don't feel "at home" on the machine as I always have with the Bernina. I had a Pfaff 1475 and a Bernina 1530 bought on the same day, almost the same dollar amount and both TOL (new TOL) at the time. I never really felt as comfortable on the Pfaff, to me it felt less sturdy. It was also about 1/3 slower than my 1530. (I used to have the stats on the speeds...but I don't have/remember them now). It was about 1/3 lighter too. It didn't help that my Pfaff dealer was afraid of my sewing style. My Bernina dealer didn't bat an eye when he saw me sew...interesting difference. I really prefer the Bernina feet over the Pfaff or just about any other brand I have tried. They are very well made. When you are looking, be sure and check out what feet are available and their design for all the machines. There are a lot of very fine sewing machines out there and having been out of the sewing market for a while, you'll be amazed at the difference. I was amazed at the difference when I bought my 200E Bernina. It is pretty interesting since my Pfaff had a plotter (can you believe that) and software that hooked to a computer...it was an interesting machine...but the machines now are AMAZING!!!!! Take your time choosing and try them ALL! It isn't about price or brand, it is about the machine that best fits your sewing needs and style. If you are like me, when you find the absolutly right one you'll know it. I spent 9 months dreaming and visiting the Pfaff every day after work (waiting for my husband to get off). I went to look at the Bernina machines on a whim because all the serious seamstresses I had ever known had them and loved them...I never regretted the stop! 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: PaulineG
Date: 06-05-2007, 08:48 PM (6 of 27)
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It didn't help that my Pfaff dealer was afraid of my sewing style. My Bernina dealer didn't bat an eye when he saw me sew...interesting difference. I have to know Pam - what do you do that's so scary? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2007, 09:09 PM (7 of 27)
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Oh, I crank that baby up to full speed, never slow down, sew over pins, around curves, put in sleeves...never slow the thing down. The first time I started to sew over a pin the lady nearly passed out...after about a seam she was fanning herself...I'm a fright to watch. My machine has two speeds...stop and full speed ahead. The pfaff lady wanted me to sew about half speed and pull all the pins..almost sew like a lady would. I guess she never had 27 dresses to make in 3 days. By the time I left the Pfaff shop (after my first lesson) she and I were both basket cases. Well, I listened to her, but then I took the machine home...she kept talking about knocking it out of time and how delicate it was...well, that is all well and good but I had product to turn out..... so I used the Bernina and we did very well. When I did those 27 dresses? I cut them all out in one evening, (Fri) and started sewing in the night. I never left my machine except for bathroom breaks and to eat until 1 on Monday, left to do hems, came back and sewed through the night until 6:00 pm on Tuesday. I had a friend come over and press seams and dresses for me because I was bumping the wire. My Bernina didn't blink the whole time, didn't overheat, didn't even ask for a needle change or a cleaning, although, believe me she got a good cleaning, oiling, etc when I finished...right after I crashed and burned for several hours. 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: 06-05-2007, 09:12 PM (8 of 27)
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The Pfaff was a joy to use, for fun sewing...and I did use it that way, but when you are sewing professionally, you just don't have time for 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: PaulineG
Date: 06-05-2007, 09:16 PM (9 of 27)
Sounds like a real bonding experience for you and the machine.  But I'd guess it's a case of do as I say and not as I do. 
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 06-05-2007, 09:25 PM (10 of 27)
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I have two Viking Designer 1's, and you couldn't get me to part with them. I do mostly quilts, and a wee bit of clothing, about to do a lot more now that I have a serger. The Viking's have a Sensor System that can't be beat. I love the automatic foot lift - the presser foot lifts by itself when the machine is in needle down [press a button for this, it'll stop with needle down every time] and I can pivot without taking my hands off the fabric. To me, this is essential. I can sew without the foot pedal. The embroidery is lovely. I also love the new Designer SE, but wouldn't trade my D1's for it. If I ever get another machine, it will be embroidery only, and I"ll keep my D1's. I'd love to have the PR600, or whatever the new one is - it cuts the jump threads for you. The D1 has a little lever you push to thread the needle, I love it. My girlfriend has a new Brother that has a self-threader, and she's had nothing but trouble with it.....she's currently using her old machine. You can get used D1's for a very reasonable price, FROM A DEALER, and free classes with it. You'll need some software with it too - the new software is amazing, but pricy. You could get by with something like Embird. HTH, Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: paroper
Date: 06-05-2007, 09:29 PM (11 of 27)
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The Bernina can be set for auto needle down as well or you can do it as you need with the presser foot. The knee controls the presser foot lift as you want. There is also an auto governor on the foot control that you can use if you want to set the peek speed to be slower, although you can also control that with the foot control. Those are all standard features on almost all if not all Bernina machines and have been for several years (don't know about the low end models).
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: MotherInLaw
Date: 06-05-2007, 11:30 PM (12 of 27)
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The Brother Innovis 4000 has an automatic threader and I guess the Ellegante does too it's the sister machine of the brother it's a Babylock.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: Sonia719
Date: 06-07-2007, 12:11 PM (13 of 27)
| Thank you so much for the wealth of information provided here. MotherInLaw, I know you have said that you have a Singer Quantum XL6000. I'm leaning toward that machine. How do you like yours? |
User: Sonia719
Member since: 06-04-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: conniebar
Date: 06-10-2007, 02:57 PM (14 of 27)
| I have the brother ULT2003D which is embroidery and regular. What I love about my brother is it will self thread and also it has several Disney designs that come on the machine. Like Mickey and Pooh characters. Plus it comes with lots of other designs. But since we are a Disney family everyone loves the characters. I just added the "cars 2" to my collection of disney disks and really love all of them. Have made my grandson a pooh quilt with embrodery squares and am working on one for the youngest granddaughter that is all Princesses. Love my machine course I also have a Viking and a Serger. Now that I am retired love it in the sewing room. |
User: conniebar
Member since: 05-22-2007 Total posts: 7 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-11-2007, 10:10 AM (15 of 27)
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I bought a Brother Innovis 4000D, which honestly wasn't my machine of choice, but what sold me was the people in the store. And they haven't disappointed me yet. The service I get is awesome, they even cal me to make sure things are going well. When I walk in to the store, which I don't visit very frequently, because of the distance away, they always know my name, and the last project I was working on and always have time to sit down with me at the test machine and answer any questions. There is a Brother dealer right in town, but when I went in there, I was hard pressed to get any information about the machine from them, and they didn't even have the machine in the store, they'd bring one in from a sister store if I wanted. So my tip for you is, Is the place you are buying from one you are going to feel very comfortable going back to for help, service, etc?? Ultimately you need a dealer you can trust, that you know will provide you with the service you need. And I am thrilled with my Innovis, even though it wasn't my first choice. It has a self threader, the largest embroidery field 12x7, lots of extra features, but like Pam said, you'll know when you've found the right one!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Shannara
Date: 06-11-2007, 11:21 PM (16 of 27)
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Hi Folks, I found this site while looking for attachments for my old Singer Athena 2000—and Google found Sonia's post. What a terrific site this is! I know that I will learn a lot just by browsing through some of the forums. I haven't sewn in years; The last time I was sewing frequently was back in the late '90s. My job required that I move a lot and somehow I no longer had the time for sewing. Now, that I'm retired—Watch Out! I have this secret desire to make a tumbling block quilt and there is no way that I'd even attempt something like that by hand. When I finally located and liberated my sewing machine from years of being boxed up, I discovered that the attachments box had been lost, hence my search for attachments. Sonia, since your Athena 2000 can't be repaired, would you be willing to sell your attachments? |
User: Shannara
Member since: 06-11-2007 Total posts: 1 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 06-12-2007, 12:23 AM (17 of 27)
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Sonia, I'm sorry I didn't see this post again until now. I have the Singer 6000 and really like it. It has a lot of features the others don't have like the staging for the next thread, the auto bobbin winder, I call it a build in GPS where you put a design in pieces with the software, send it to the machine, and the machine puts it back together for you and then you pick what parts you want to sew out first then the next and the next. It sounds easy but it takes a little time to learn how to do this. The machine also comes with a continuous border frame which is great for doing pillowcase edges and making lace edges. It has a lot of features the others don't have but of all the machines I've used the Brother Innovis 4000 is the most user friendly. Especially if you are not able to take classes to learn how to use your machine. The Singer you will need someone to show you because the manual is not that clear to understand. These are just my opinion. I also love the Janome stitch it is very nice and professional stitching but it has a learning curve also if you don't have someone or somewhere to go to learn the functions on your machine then you have to rely on the manual and again the Janome isn't that clear. At least not to me. Research the machines and the dealers in your area. Take a few test drives on different ones and then decide. I came home with three before I got one that I was half way satisfied with before I stopped wanting a better one. So research them first. I hope I didn't scare you off of the machines but it's a big investment to make and you really want to feel comfortable with what you get.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: Sonia719
Date: 06-15-2007, 11:09 AM (18 of 27)
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MotherInLaw, thank you for your sage advice. I'm really re-thinking what kind of machine I want. Don't know if I really will do that much embroidery to justify the price of the XL6000. I'd love to just be able to replace my Athena with a comparable machine. I was looking at the features of the Touch N Sew 7468 and really liked everything I saw until I read the on-line manual and discovered that the bobbin can't be re-wound without unthreading the machine. My Athena's bobbin was soooo easy!! So now I'm back at square one. Going through the on-line machine manuals really gives some good insight into the machines! Shannara, I sent you a private message regarding the Athena 2000 accessories. Thanks, Sonia |
User: Sonia719
Member since: 06-04-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-15-2007, 11:18 AM (19 of 27)
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If you buy a machine that will do embroidery and you learn to use it, you will more than likely become addicted! This is a VERY ADDICTIVE HOBBY. Anytime that someone starts thinking about doing machine embroidery though it is very important to understand that the expense BEGINS with the machine and often the machine is the low end of the expense. If you can swing the machine and like the non-embroidery features, you'll be amazed when you get into the embroidery features!
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: embpro
Date: 06-15-2007, 01:47 PM (20 of 27)
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are we all talking about single head machines ? no word by anyone on multi head machines ? dont u think they are an integreal part of commercial .professionslal embroidery ? comments welcomed? |
User: embpro
Member since: 05-30-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-15-2007, 11:45 PM (21 of 27)
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embpro most of us here on this forum have only advanced as far as mastering high end sewing/embroidery machines. I can't remember anyone posting regarding professional multi-head machines although on Yahoo I'm sure there is a forum for them. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: embpro
Date: 06-16-2007, 01:43 AM (22 of 27)
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can i know more about the froum you are talking about on yahoo? embpro |
User: embpro
Member since: 05-30-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-16-2007, 08:29 AM (23 of 27)
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Many of this forum's members only have sewing machines and are just starting to move toward home embroidery.
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: Tom Land
Date: 06-16-2007, 09:50 AM (24 of 27)
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Sonia, be sure to sew on the 7468 before purchasing. Give it a good test drive.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: embpro
Date: 06-16-2007, 03:08 PM (25 of 27)
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embpro most of us here on this forum have only advanced as far as mastering high end sewing/embroidery machines. I can't remember anyone posting regarding professional multi-head machines although on Yahoo I'm sure there is a forum for them. Patsy as regards the digitizing needs of home embroiders go .... do they have a lot to do ? how frequently does a home embroiders need to go to a contract digitizer if they dont intend to do it themselves? |
User: embpro
Member since: 05-30-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-16-2007, 04:24 PM (26 of 27)
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I would say that the average home embroider may purchase stock designs some place but unless they are doing work for the public, they will seldom (if ever) have use of a professional digitizer.
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: plrlegal
Date: 06-16-2007, 06:49 PM (27 of 27)
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I agree Pam and there are several good digitizing programs available for home based embroidery machines if one wants to take the time to sit and learn them. I, for one, am content to buy designs off the internet. I really don't have that many things that I feel the need to digitize myself. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
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