Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Sep 30, 2008 11:10pm | #1

   Shop and test, but leave your credit card at home for now.  You will love them all, but do you need all the bells and whistles?

   As you test, make notes of what you like about each one and the dealer - especially when it comes to machine embroidery - do they know the craft or do they just know the brand of machine they are selling?

   Bernina is great for sewing and the BSR looks like a good product for getting even stitching when doing free-motion quilting.  

   I would not particularly want anything that requires a security device (dongle) in order to operate the machine.

   I prefer Brother or Babylock.  If they had a stitch regulator like Bernina everything would be perfect.

   Best wishes and happy shopping.

    

2. 
   sewslow67 | Oct 01, 2008 10:44pm | #2

   A friend of mine is part of his family business, which has been selling most brands of sewing machines for more than 50-years.  I have purchased several machines from them over the years and have stuck with them because of their superior service and knowledge of many brands.

   I have owned Singer, Elna, Viking, and Pfaff (in that order) and have enjoyed them all for the specific reasons I bought them.  Each has its own special qualities.  However, when it comes to embroidery machines: If I were to buy one today, I would look at only three brands:  Babylock, Pfaff and Viking (not necessarily in that order). although I would probably choose another Pfaff, because I sew mostly clothing and I love their IDT system (Integrated Dual Feed System - i.e. built in walking foot).

   Back to my friend in the business:  He told me recently that his very first choice of top machines today is the top model "Pfaff Creative".  He gave a number of reasons, including low maintenance (i.e. they rarely need to come into the shop for adjustment), friendly user features, plus a number of other things that frankly, I don't recall.

   Take a number of fabrics from your stash into the shop and try each one out.  Read about embroidery machines in advance so you are prepared with a list of questions to ask the dealer.  If they are patient with you and giving honest answers, and you like the particular features of the machine, then that one will probably be your best choice.

   I think that you will find that most of us (regardless of the brand we use), like the one we have best.  I liked all of mine, but if I were to buy today, I not buy a Singer.  The old ones were gems ...and still are, but I have heard too many negative stories about the current ones.

   Two other brands that many women like today are:  Brother and Janome.  I have a small Janome to use for classes and travel and, although it is very basic, I have found it to be an outstanding piece of equipment.  Because of the quality of it, I would also look into the Janome embroidery machine.  I suspect it is outstanding.  Good luck - and enjoy the journey of finding that most special machine just for you.

   PS:  And yes, leave your credit card at home as suggented by "Spicegirl1"

   Edited 10/1/2008 3:45 pm by sewslow67

   Edited 10/1/2008 3:46 pm by sewslow67

1. 
   Ceeayche | Oct 01, 2008 10:51pm | #3

   thanks for your thoughtful remarks.  It wasn't my original question, but I found them very helpful.  I've been wishing on a new highend embroiderer for several years now.

1. 
   sewslow67 | Oct 01, 2008 11:57pm | #6

   I will hold positive thoughts for your successful acquisition of a new machine ...with all the bells and whistles your heart desires.  ;-)

2. 
   greatgranny | Oct 01, 2008 11:41pm | #4

   thank you for your thorough reply!

   I had a demonstration of the Pfaff yesterday and much to my disappointment found that the straight stitching on it was very uneven, even the odd skipped stitch here and there.  As i want to be able to continue to do clothing and often use topstitching that is a major flaw, one whih i would not tolerate for a machine of that price class!

   So am now getting ready to have a demo of the Janome - will report back when i have seen that in action.

   Thanks,

   greatgranny

1. 
   sewslow67 | Oct 01, 2008 11:54pm | #5

   You are most welcome; and I wouldn't tolerate a machine with skipped stitches either.  I have the Pfaff 2170 and it has been perfect in every way.  Still, I think the Viking and the Janome, as well as Babylock do absolutely beautiful embroidery.  And from what I hear from other gals on this board, Viking and Janome seem to be the first choices ...esp. Viking.

   Everyone has a different opinion and, all companies make a lemon once in awhile, so that was another question I asked my dealer:  "How much trouble would I have to endure before you agreed to take it back and give me a replacement ...should trouble incur?)  We had that "what if" question settled in advance, thus to avoid possible future trouble.

   Whatever you choose, will be perfect for you ...so good luck and enjoy.  Let us know what you decide, so we can all cheer with you.  ;-)