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new machine

Anne_Graham | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

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My husband is giving me a new sewing machine for Christmas and my birthday (both have passed, but I’ve been looking hard), and I’m trying to make a final decision. I would appreciate any input from all of you out there who have more experience than I do. I would mostly like to make clothing, but I think I would like to quilt some when my children get older. I have narrowed my selections down to the Pfaff Tiptronic 2020 or 2030, the Viking Lily 535, and the Bernina Activa 135 or 145. In the Pfaff and the Bernina the higher model I’ve only listed because of the mirror-image feature. I have two questions. How important is the mirror image feature, if I want to sew but not devote all of my spare time to it? And which or these machines or brands do people like the best. I know that I will receive responses from people who love all three, but I’d love to hear what you have to say. I’m really excited to get my machine soon!

Thank you,
Anne

Replies

  1. karen_morris_ | | #1

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    Anne, I love Pfaffs; I'm just a Pfaff person. I especially love the dual feet foot, and find the machines very friendly and easy to use. Whether you need the mirror-image feature really depends on how much machine embroidery you plan to do; if you're going to do a lot of embroidery, you'll probably find this feature very helpful.

    You're the one who really needs to make this decision. I'm sure these are all great machines, so in some ways it doesn't matter which one you buy. I suggest that you spend as much time as possible stitching on each one; that should help one of them to emerge as the winner.

    1. Anne_Graham | | #2

      *Karen,Thanks for responding to my message! I'm getting closer and closer to a decision. My local dealer sold the Pfaff I'm considering, so I'm waiting for him to get in another one. I will definitely stitch on it again as soon as it comes in. I think I've decided against the mirror-image. Thanks for your input!

    2. snivsl | | #3

      I am looking into Designer I and Pfaff, Brother etc.  What made you purchase Pfaff over others.  I hear many complaints on Pfaff's in terms of repair and user friendliness. 

      I wish someone like Consumer reports would review TOL machines because they judge each individual aspect and then the consumer can decide what is important to them, but at least in each area of the machine (i.e. stich quality, noise, embroidery, features) we would have a rating.  Plus they don't get paid advertising so there is no alterior motive as with some other magazines and TV shows.

      1. carolkelly | | #4

        Consumer Reports November 2001 has an article on sewing machines.

        Carol

        1. snivsl | | #5

          I've already read it, but it doesn't compare the machines I'm looking at which is Designer I (They've done Designer II) Janaome 10000 , Brother ULT-2002D, Pfaff 2140, Elna Xquisit, Singer XL-5000.

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