is 400 bucks a good price for a pfaff 1042?

My advice would be to go visit that Pfaff dealer and check out the line of machines in that price range. A quick search on

doesn't pull up much about the 1042, but perhaps you could ask that group about it as well, especially since it's a current model that is listed on the web site. Someone at pfaff-talk posted something to the effect that the current 1xxx line being made by Janome, so I'd probably check out the Janome dealer too, if that tidbit is correct. Hey, I'm not an authority on machines by any means, especially Pfaff, but just read what everyone says about them (I love talking about sewing machines), but if you're in the market for a mechanical machine in that price range, I think you need to check out the offerings from the various companies, including trade-ins from the dealers. Bernina's mechanical (not the Bernette) sells for around $600, and I know that Viking has a line of affordable mechanicals too (don't know who makes them). Good luck and happy shopping!

When I bought my machine, I went to dealers for each of the 3 major brands I was interested in. I let them know what I wanted to spend and asked for the best machine for the price, I was looking for good quality and not lots of fancy stitches and frills. Then I sewed on each of those machines for a long time. I went back with my own piece of fabric and played with each of the machines I was considering for at least a half hour apiece. I told the dealer that I just wanted to sew for a while without anyone looking over my shoulder and trying to sell me. Pretty much they just left me alone to have fun. It really helped to get a feel for the machines.

Happy shopping, Loren in Seattle