Table top Stitch regulated long or mid arm machines

Not to beat a dead horse, but why is Bernina the only one to come out with a stitch regulated table top machine? I would love to have something like the BSR, in a table top with a longer arm. Any suggestions? Thanks, Nancy

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Nancy
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Reply to
Taria

Reply to
jennellh

Taria, what kind of machine do you have now? I'm really wanting a larger harp. I don't know if that means trading in my Pfaff 7570 with all its gear to bring down the price of a Janome 6600 or saving up for a Janome 1600, which you can find pretty reasonably online. I'm watching all these conversations closely because I really want plenty of opinions about these machines. Obviously, I'd like to have a Handiquilter16 with the big frame. But $10,000 is out of my reach.

Sunny

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Sunny

Reply to
Taria

Oooooooo! Let me! Taria and I have a running good-natured debate on the Janome 6600- which we each own. I absolutely ADORE mine and it does absolutely *everything* I want and need from it. Taria isn't overly fond of hers. It's just what works for you and what you prefer- just like most things involved in quilting.... like pre-wash or not; hand or machine quilting; repros or batiks; etc.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I'd probably feel better about mine if it stopped when I took my foot off the controller! SInce my dealer went under I have to pay for labor on any warranty problem. That stinks IMO. Janome is not my favorite company.

I have come to figure a couple of things out. SInce I had the Brother 1500 the thread cutter, needle up/down, needle threader, larger harp and a couple of the other features were not new and 'wow' to me. I really think I am just not a computer machine person. That isn't something special to the Janome but I haven't tested the theory beyond that.

Everybody has good and bad fits of mach> Oooooooo! Let me! Taria and I have a running good-natured debate on the

Reply to
Taria

I have the earlier 6500, and I have heard people speak (of the 6600) in ways like people comparing Windows XP and Windows Vista. The interesting thing (to me!) about my use of the 6500 is that I use only a fraction of the facilities available to me. Leslie uses more of her

6600 in a shorter time than I do of mine. However, that's the way I like it - the facilities are there, but are not in your face, 'you have to use me to be able to do what you want'. For example, I never use the thread cutter - I don't even use the little blade on the back of the machine! I never have, with any machine. I use my small scissors - always! I don't use the programmer (though I would if I had words to embroider for some reason). I use just a few of the stitches available.

*But*, what I do use I value enormously, and wouldn't change it. I love the large harp, the needle down and the knee lift (which I've never had before - even had to ask someone what it lifted, when I was reading up about it). I love the fact that you can move the needle, and I use quite a few 'feet'. I love its quietness, even the walking foot isn't 'clanky'.

I have now bought the Janome sewing table, designed to set these large machines into the top, so I have a beautiful flat area to sew on - and that is wonderful. For what I do and want to do I have a great set up and I'm very happy with it.

In message , Taria writes

Reply to
Patti

On Apr 18, 12:47=A0am, Taria wrote:

I agree with those of us who have stated their preference for mechanical machines over computerized ones. I think that a persons preference for a particular type of machine is just that, a personal preference. I don't think it means that they are stupid or retrograde or any other negative comment. I have tried a number of machines by various makers. Some of them I didn't like for various reasons. Some of them were OK. A few I liked. That does not mean that my opinions should be the final word on the matter as far as other people are concerned. I think we all bring our biases to the decision making process. The place where the controls are on the machine are one of my personal pet peeves. I don't care how "neat' or "advanced" or "famous" a machine is. If it doesn't "feel" right to me then it is not going to work for me. The name on the outside of the machine doesn't mean a thing. Most of the machines today are made in the same factory by the same assemblers. There are, of course, minor differences, but they are all pretty good at doing what a sewing machine is supposed to do. So, it all boils down to how the fit of the machine is for you and your intended purposes. There are still a few that are made in the original factory, but that, in and of itself, does not make them better. In some cases, it appears to make them less advanced. I would find it useless, and unnecessarily expensive, to have machine that does a lot of the fancy embroidery things because I don't do that kind of sewing, and I don't think I ever will. If I do, then I will buy a dedicated machine at that time and get on with that element of sewing. If you do those type of things, then your preference would weigh heavily on that feature, of that machine. I think if you are comfortable with the machine that allows you to accomplish the type of thing you enjoy, then you are ahead of the game. Whether the machine is old, new, pricey, inexpensive, computerize, manual, or even treadle, or hand crank. Wonderful things are accomplished on each of those kinds of machines. I think a lot of the bragging on, and putting down of a persons choice of machines is sometimes a self justification of the money spent on the machine they bought, by the person who is doing the bragging or putting down. The important thing is to enjoy and grow within the discipline of the craft, with whatever machine allows you to do that.

John

Reply to
John

Once again I find myself agreeing with you, John. I own several different types of machine, including electronic wizardry, hand cranked dinosaurs, and everything between. I don't have a full embroidery machine, but I would love to own one some day...

I will pay good money (and plenty of it!) for a good machine that does what I want it to do the way I want to do it, but I have no pride: I'll also use free machines that come via Freecycle or are dumped here rather than in landfill! I have several like that, and after a bit of TLC, even the cheap and nastly 60's bottom of the heap Singer sews well and is reliable. A lot of it comes down to what you want the machine to do (light weight stuff, or heavy fabrics and projects? LOTS of hours every day, or occasional use several times a year? Lots of fancy stitches or miles of plain seams? And there's a lot between the extremes that needs to be considered). I have several that are great for the kids to play with, but that I don't use every day because they wouldn't withstand the heavy use I give things like the Lily and the Bernina. At the moment I'm giving a new-to-me Frister & Rossman Cub 4 (my latest acquisition, and a Freecycle special!) a serious work-out making a couple of shirts for little boys. So far so good, but I'll probably go back to the Lily for the buttonholes, as it does the best buttonholes I've seen in a very long time.

For some a smaller, light weight modern sewing machine with a few fancy stitches and a useful handful of utility stitches really *is* the best machine. My sister is like this, so is going to get the Singer 117 Featherweight II I bought for my mum a couple of years back. She needs a small machine for a small flat, decent blind hem and zip capabilities, and something that will handle modern fabrics in the medium to light weight ranges. She doesn't need something that will handle miles of denim or curtain fabric, does millions of stitches, and weights like the Rock of Ages! Her large heavy 20 YO lightly used Husqvarna is comming here!

The 'best' machine is a myth. The best one for each of us is the one that sews what we want to sew the way we like it, and with the minimum of fuss. There ARE machines I dislike, and if folk ask, I'll tell them which they are and why. There are also machines that are not worth what you pay for them: some of the lowest price unknown brand machines out of China are like this: poor stitch quality, unreliable tension, easily overtaxed bu light weight sewing, and very light and plasticky. And there are also machines I totally love, some for very far from sensible reasons! You can count the Elna Lotus TSP Stella Air Electronic in that category, along with the Rocketeer, and a vast green monster of a Husqvarna I saw on Ebay once... ;)

It's much the same when folk ask 'Is this machine worth repairing/@ Some are and some are not: some are built to be repairable, and some of the lighter weight, cheaper machines are built to last a short while and then be replaced, like a cheap washing machine. Some machines DO eventually get beyond repairable status, but, unless it's one of the cheapies, it takes a while to work up to this level... And a lot depends on your feelings for the machine! Right now Alan and I are struggling with the Frister & Rossman Cub 8... It was retired from active service because it kept seizing. Then the stitch selector broke... Recently we cleaned and oiled the innards fairly extensively, and Alan worked an 'engineers fix' on the stitch selector. That is almost right: there is a timing issue we were working on, but the damned thing is headfing for a seizure again, and figuring out why and how to fix it is proving to be more 'interesting' than anticipated!

WHY do I want to fix a 1982 model F&R that has seen some very hard service in it's time and is unecconomic to send to a repair man? Sentimental value! I used it to make my wedding dress 26 years ago. That it would, because of the small size and the selection of stitches, ease of use, and speed control (which was always brilliant), also make an excellent teaching machine, is an ulooked for bonus!

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

One of the things I did not mention is the Collector Syndrome. I used to be afflicted with it when I bought and sold acoustic guitars. Can you say 44 Guitars at one time? Most people would say, "You can only play one guitar at a time". But, I would say. "Yes, but I have a lot of time to play guitars and I wouldn't want to not play all of them". Thankfully, that phase of my life is behind me, but I understand the quest to have some interesting items that are related to your hobby, passion, work, or whatever. Now, I am of the mind that I only want the minimum number of things that will let me accomplish what I want to do. That seems to work for me, but of course, your experiences may vary. Therein lies the wonderful differences of the human condition. Happy hunting.

John

Reply to
John

We don't own things they own us to a degree. That is how I was with machines. I have let go of most of them that I am not attached to. After a point you lose sight of those you really enjoy because they are cluttered with a mass of many.

Judy Martin has a photo of her sewing room online:

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used to have one machine, a Featherweight. She now has the Juki(TL-98 I think) She is a pro and she has that one machine. MAchinesare just tools. The operator is the artist.The hunting is too fun though.Taria

Reply to
Taria

A very talented artist/quilter came to my guild meeting one time to show us her technique and her only sewing machine was a 20+ yr old Bernina 930. She was a featured artist at a local show this month and her work is phenomenal. I have the same machine --not her talent ! --- but I always think of what she can do w/ that great machine and it quells my desire for any TOL machine . I used to want a sm that did embroidery but finally realized that I had a couple of neighbors with the TOL machines and I could pay them to do any embroideries that I wanted. Once I came to that realization I didn't want that feature anymore ! Also, I think that I saw that they needed to buy bigger and bigger hoops... zillions of embroidery threads , etc. and I didn't really want to get into all of that. Strangely enough I've never asked them to emb. anything for me ! At one time I had to have a Featherweight sm...which I bought and have only used about three times since I bought it 7 yrs or so ago. It was going to be my "perfect" machine for classes...which I rarely take...and when I do I bring a Pfaff 7550 that has the stitches I need. I'd bring the Bernina but that thing is hefty !!!....Anyway, we do get carried away with this and that feature but, I , too, am trying to not collect stuff these days. Mary

Reply to
MB

On Apr 19, 8:44=A0am, "MB" wrote:

What is the old saying, "Give and infinite number of monkeys, and infinite number of typewriters, and one of them will eventually write King Lear"? I guess I have come to the same conclusion about computerized embroidery machines. I know that if I added all the features such as design software and threads and whatnot, to the Bernina Aurora 430 that I never use, It would cost me an additional $2000. I guess in the most perfect of all worlds, you have all the money to get all the possible permeations of equipment you could use, you would have a room or house full of stuff, but would you still produce the same level of finished product that you do now. Probably it would be a bit more complex, but would it go to the next level of artistry. I am not so sure, as it is very hard to increase your artistry by throwing a lot of money at yourself. It would have to come from within. Lots of people think that if they just get that next most expensive machine with all the bells and whistles, they could produce items just like Ricky Tims, Alex anderson, or whom ever they are enamored of. But you know what, those artists could produce what they do on the simplest of machines, because what they have inside them is what produces the artistic excellence, that you are so enamored of, not the machine itself. Yes, a fancy machine can sometimes make things easier, but it can't make the choice of design or color choices, which is what really makes the design pop with excitement. I guess it is the driver not the car that will get you there.

John

Reply to
John

I like using the embroidery software and doing embroidery. I am also a collector. I have upwards of 20 machines now. Some were garbage picked, some bought at garage sales or thrift stores, and some new. I sell some once in a while to finance my habit, but I always feel bad when I do.

L>A very talented artist/quilter came to my guild meeting one time

Linda PATCHogue, NY

Reply to
WitchyStitcher

Same here, Linda. I, too like the embroidery machines. I do garment sewing, craft sewing, gift sewing, as well as quilting, so I put it to good use. Last year I made the majority of our Christmas gifts; monogrammed napkins for my brother and his wife, quilted potholders for friends at work, pajamas for the nieces, Christmas stockings, etc. When my good friend became a grandma for the first time, I made embroidered bath towels and outfits for the little one. I am always sewing something!

I have a boatload of old machines and like you, picked most of them out from the thrift, sales, or trash. Some have even appeard on my doorstep... most required parts, repair, cleaning and adjusting to get back into working order. Some I have sold (also to finance my habit), others I've given away, but I feel as though I've 'blown life' blown back into them...and kept them from landing in the dump.

I have to confess I was very bad and just bought a new Viking Designer I USB. I have been dreaming of getting one for 3 years refused to pay the big bucks but this model is being discotinued and with the discount price (still with full warranty, support and classes), and the financing, I couldn't pass it up... but now I gotta sell more machines to pay for it. Shouldn't have a problem, though; that's how I financed my Viking 936 serger last year.

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

I "get" not using a blade tucked away somewhere, it's not always an easy angle, sometimes it snags etc. but not using a thread cutter if you have one, you've just got to try that one, the biggest bonus I've found is reduction of thread tails, I'd cut them out with a lot of piecing, by chain piecing and leaders and enders, but stuff like y- seams, foundation piecing etc the thread cutter really comes into it's own, I didn't notice how much I loved it until I was using a machine without one!

Anne

Reply to
Anne Rogers

Sorry Anne, can't do it! Tried it once and the sound of those blades made me cringe >g< - and so near to my fabric ... I'm not being a Luddite - you should see me shudder, when my husband opens a Coke can! Ugh! It's the same sort of thing - the noise. (I don't do chain-piecing either - perhaps I should buy shares in Aurifil?) . In message , Anne Rogers writes

Reply to
Patti

John, you are so right, but with all the sales pitches out there trying to make us believe differently, we have a hard time! Roberta in D

"John" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@2g2000hsn.googlegroups.com... What is the old saying, "Give and infinite number of monkeys, and infinite number of typewriters, and one of them will eventually write King Lear"? I guess I have come to the same conclusion about computerized embroidery machines. I know that if I added all the features such as design software and threads and whatnot, to the Bernina Aurora 430 that I never use, It would cost me an additional $2000. I guess in the most perfect of all worlds, you have all the money to get all the possible permeations of equipment you could use, you would have a room or house full of stuff, but would you still produce the same level of finished product that you do now. Probably it would be a bit more complex, but would it go to the next level of artistry. I am not so sure, as it is very hard to increase your artistry by throwing a lot of money at yourself. It would have to come from within. Lots of people think that if they just get that next most expensive machine with all the bells and whistles, they could produce items just like Ricky Tims, Alex anderson, or whom ever they are enamored of. But you know what, those artists could produce what they do on the simplest of machines, because what they have inside them is what produces the artistic excellence, that you are so enamored of, not the machine itself. Yes, a fancy machine can sometimes make things easier, but it can't make the choice of design or color choices, which is what really makes the design pop with excitement. I guess it is the driver not the car that will get you there.

John

Reply to
Roberta Zollner

I worked summer school (100 degree weather and no AC) to get my Innovis. It was worth it. I love that machine and what it can do - both the embroidery part and the sewing part. I also love my Brother

1500 for the perfect straight stitch, the wide harp, and the fact that I can adjust the bobbin thread without ruining the case.. Of my newer machines, my least favorite is the Bernina 440, which I bought on a whim. I sold the embroidery unit because it was slow and cumbersome to use. I rarely use the BSR, also because of speed. That is probably the next one to go, since it mostly sits there except when I want to do the "handlook" quilting stitch on something. What I am yearning after now is a true longarm frame - - maybe one of these days.

L>I have to confess I was very bad and just bought a new Viking Designer

Linda PATCHogue, NY

Reply to
WitchyStitcher

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