Thoughts on arrival of new machines

"Precious" -- it's ok to say "Oh, what a precious sewing machine!" "How happy and proud you must be!" *choking and gagging*

Even if the new SM is a "junker" you can always say "It is breath taking!" (Elaine on Seinfeld) No feelings hurt.

-- Sugar & Spice Quilts by Linda E

How about Autumn???

I have been hinting to DH that I really, really want a new sewing machine, but I haven't even began to research what is available and what I want, also don't have the money right now. But, does anyone have any suggestions on brands, models, must haves, etc. My current machine is a Singer and is probably about 25 years old.

Love in Stitches,

Coleen (starting to dream about a new machine)

G'day E.Coleen! Fancy seeing you here!

I used to hanker after a new machine, but I've decided that my old clunker (28 year old Singer) is just fine! She does everything I need to get done and has made (and is still making) most of our clothes. The only thing I really lust after would be a decent three-step zig-zag for swimwear and making DD's dance costumes. I don't need embroidery because I like to do that by hand.

AFAICT, there's really not much new under the sun. Or am I dreaming? ;->

Sounds good to me.

Nell in Austin

I love my Husqvarnas - I have a Lily 550/555 and a Huskylock 910 serger.

For me, as a semi professional dress and costume maker, in no particular order, the must haves are:

Totally perfect buttonholes in a variety of styles (there are 10 on this machine) a really adjustable blind hem (though NOT for use on bias cut dresses!) perfect straight stitches every time multiple needle positions (I have 26 altogether!) the ability to cope with both thick fabrics (e.g. several layers of denim or curtain fabric) the ability to cope with fine, slippery fabrics (i.e.. silk chiffon and poly satin) absolute reliability - I do NOT want a problem in the middle of a project!

To get the features I wanted, and the reliability, I had to buy a good make of machine, and TOTL. This means I have 240 stitches, including 3 alphabet and number sets (I didn't 'need' them, but they do come in useful! I put the lass's names on their dresses when I did the pink bridesmaids, so they didn't get the wrong ones!). There are LOTS of stitches and patterns I really thought I'd have no use for, but one of the first jobs I did after getting the new machine was a christening gown with - you guessed it! - rows of little flowers! When I'm teaching, the kids LOVE all the decorative stitches!

My Husqvarna came with a 5 year warranty and a free finance deal. It was also the lowest price available at the time. About 9 months after I got it, the machine was stolen. I liked it so much I went out and bought another from the same shop as soon as the insurance came through! I've had the current one for 5 years this autumn, and it's been serviced once. It also had a new carrying handle - under the warranty.

The Huskylock 910 serger has been just as good and reliable. It recently needed a small part, which cost the princely sum of £12 to get and have fitted! The machine WORKED well enough without it, but wasn't as easy to thread! The dealer always sends the machine home with the old broken bits, so you can see what went wrong, unless it's something obvious and large, like the carrying handle, which I didn't really want!

I looked at lots of different machines when I bought mine, as I was in the market for two TOTL machines, but not embroidery. I saw lots of lovely machines, tried dozens, and finally boiled down to two: the Lily I finally bought, and the equivalent Bernina. I'd used lots of Berninas over the years, and to start with, they had the edge because of that, but I was familiar with Husqvarna Vikings as I'd used them years before in school, and my Big Sis has one, which I've also used. In the end it boiled down to ease of use. There was nothing to choose between them on stitch quality, but the HV had the 'heirloom' buttonhole the Bernina didn't, and I REALLY wanted that! The Bernina had one or two features in what were for me awkward places, and the Lily said 'I was designed specially for you!' I've never had to hunt for a stitch - except for the alphabets! That's the dyslexia, not the machine! Everything is exactly where I expect to find it. And this is why you have to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! It's so easy to use that I've had both little old grannies who have 1950's Singers and never wanted anything else using all the fancy stuff, as well as kids of seven!

The Lilies and other 'flower' models are being phased out for the new generation of machines, which do more and cost more! You might pick up an excellent bargain. Happy shopping!

Well said Kate. I chose the Bernina for some of the reasons you chose your HV. That is why their are different machines out there. Different strokes for different folks.

-- Sugar & Spice Quilts by Linda E

When you can, buy a new one, BUT keep the old one. You'll be surprised how often you go back to it for this or that. At least, I use my 1961 Singer

503 much more than I ever thought I would when I bought the new embroidery machine, Pfaff 7560, which I love, too. Emily

Trish -- HELLO!!!!! And sending you early birthday wishes!!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

I truly love my dear old Singer and would never get rid of it (oldest daughter has threatened me if I ever get rid of it), but I need something geared more towards quilting. The feed dogs on my Singer do not drop therefore I cannot do machine quilting with it and I want something that I can use on the Handi Quilter that DD and I bought about a year ago.

Great to see you!! Tell Kim, Mattie and Elle that I said hi.

Auntie E. Coleen

Kate --

Thanks for your wonderful suggestions. I can see a trip to several shops in my very near future.

Love in Stitches,

Coleen

Nana --

Thanks. I think the best bet is just going to be go in and test drive several machines made for quilting and then make my decision.

Love in Stitches,

Coleen

Emily --

Thanks. I can't get rid of the old one -- DD has threatened me if I ever get rid of it -- matter of fact, she wants it when I am gone, lol. I just checked the book on my singer and it is a Model 288 and the book is copyrighted 1978 so it is probably a 1977 or 1978 machine.

Love in Stitches,

Coleen

Wonderful idea! My new baby (Brother PE-150) arrived last night! Can't wait until Saturday when I really get to play! Hey, maybe I need some sort of maternity leave.

Maureen

Valkyrie wrote:

And I picked up my Quantumlock serger! Wow! It's truly amazing - does everything. Just doesn't have a screen to tell you the settings, but there is a page in the book that does, so I'll photocopy it and put it by the machine. I got 6 extra feet and the workbook. I have some things to do before I can play, but we can go ahead with the party!

sounds like a meltdown to me or perhaps she has just gone batty - batty, get it - batty? Oh nevermind!