Replies

1. 
   Carol_Steck | Aug 18, 2001 04:43am | #1

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   I am really happy with my Jenome Memory Craft 3000 and am thinking I wished I had spent a little more and gotten the MC 4700 or 5700. Check their web site.
   hppt://www.janome.com

1. 
   karen_morris_ | Aug 26, 2001 08:51am | #2

   *vanessa, one great way to economize while still buying a high-quality machine is to buy a second-hand one. there are lots of classic used machines that you can get for reasonable prices (especially when you don't want all the elaborate embroidery stuff). if you buy it from a good dealer, they'll clean and check it out, and give you a good warranty with the machine. Creative Machine newsletter tells about many of these classics; you might find this newsletter very helpful. http://www.thecreativemachine.com; 415-366-4440.

1. 
   Leslie_Dingley | Nov 05, 2001 07:46pm | #3

   *Both are good machines, go by which dealer you like best! See if they service their machines on-site or send them away, if they offer you free classes with the new machine, if they have other classes you'd be interested in. My Viking/Elna dealer is fantastic, very patient & helpful, good stock of books, threads, accessory items on hand. She also has classes going on continually on everything from heirloom sewing to quilting, classes for kids, specialty seminars with sewing "stars" like Sandra Betzina & Shirley Adams, etc. And she's only a mile away so I can easily drop in with questions or problems. I'd always purchased used machines without any dealer support and believe me it makes all the difference in the world. Now I'd rather pay a little more with my dealer than go for a cheaper price online. It's worth it in the long run. I really enjoy the "esprit de corps" of the dealer's classes--it's fun to get together with other gals who sew and use the same machine as you. You pick up great tips and make new friends at the same time.

1. 
   Mary_Spencer | Jan 12, 2002 06:31am | #4

   *Help! I've been away from the sewing scene for many years and now find myself w/ time again. I have a good old Pfaff Synchromatic 1209 but it is in need of retirement. Any recommendations for a solid reliable portable machine w/ versatility and a medium price tag? I don't need anything too fancy; I'm a basic home and garment seamstress. Thanks. Mary

1. 
   Anne_Graham | Feb 19, 2002 12:49am | #5

   *Hi,I put a message in, but I think in an out-of-the-way place, so I thought I'd try one here. I really need opinions about whether to buy a Pfaff Tiptronic, a Bernina Activa, or a Viking Lily. And beyond that, I'm curious as to whether I will need a mirror-image feature. I will sew mostly clothing, but would like to try quilting in the future. Help! I'm really excited to buy a machine, but I'm having trouble making the final decision. Any help would be much appreciated!Anne Graham

2. 
   LJB2002 | Apr 01, 2002 09:29pm | #6

   Mary, Hi. I recently posted a question on buying a new machine then read your posting. Did you get any good info? If you would not mind sharing it with me, I'd appreciate it. Thanks. Lisa

2. 
   joannelovitz | Apr 10, 2002 01:57am | #7

   I have the bernina 1008 and have been very happy with it.  It has all the basic stitches and I'm sure that there are plenty of projects that I can take on using it but just haven't taken the time to play around to learn the extent.