sewing machines which one?

Janner: It is exciting to anticipate a new sewing machine, but a bit daunting making the selection, eh? I have been a Pfaff Pfan for well over twenty years. I like the brand, and find it user friendly. You need to test drive a few different brands, then a few models in the brand that seems comfortable for you. It sounds like you want a SM with at least a few bells and whistles, so there will be a computer monitor and prompts on the machine. I will also point out that you consider the language built into the computer of the sm. My Pfaff has at least two languages (German and English) and I guess most SM in Europe will include several languages. You need to make sure the SM and the accompanying literature 'speaks' the language you prefer. Good luck!

I won't give you any specific suggestion, except to say that I would not buy online - I like to have my dealer handy, for any after sales issues. I would also like to have a good try on any one that I was testing for my main machine. Read up about those available in your price range, check out the 'facilities' they each offer, make a list of those you know you want (plus a few that you might like!) and see which machines fill your bill best. Then set about the testing. . In message , Janner writes

I am a Pfaff fan and probably will always have one. However, the other day, when looking at the new machines in my LQS, I tried out a Baby Lock Quest. It was reasonably priced and had many wonderful features including a dual feed (built in walking foot similar to the Pfaff) and a vertical spool holder which works great for thread cones. I think my next machine - even a backup machine - will have the dual feed. I think this is essential for quiltmaking and dressmaking. Easy buttonholes, too!!!!!

Good luck! Laurie G. in CA

This test is already a few years old, but might be helpful. Haven't bought a machine online, but I did buy a flatbed table and they delivered as ordered. (Site in Germany: Make sure you test drive a lot of machines before deciding! Roberta in D

"Janner" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:48343d6f$0$26364$ snipped-for-privacy@news.free.fr...

Janner, I'm a Bernina gal through and through, but I know that not everyone is. I'd recommend trying out several different brands and machines to see what "fits" you best. I certainly don't think buying online, unless there's absolutely no other choice, is to be recommended. You won't have tech support and lessons from an online dealer, and repairs could also be a huge problem, if any were ever needed. Good luck with your machine shopping! :)

The best advice I will offer is to NOT buy a model that is new on the market. Buy one that's been in production for at least several years and then all the little bugs and quirks will have been addressed and taken care of. That goes for autos, washing machines and anything else. A first year model may give you a thrill to own one of the first ones available, but..... better to buy a model with a proven track record.

Good luck in finding the 'perfect for you' machine!

Leslie (loving my Janome 6600P) & The Furbabies in MO.

Janner,

You don't mention how much you are able to spend, or if you might want to try embroidery or not.

The Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 USBs are marked down quite a bit right now because the line has been discontinued....but you can still buy them new at the dealerships and they won't be available for much longer.....they are made in Sweeden and have a 20-yr warranty. I got mine about a month ago, at a great price, and am thrilled with it.

I admit to being a Husvqvarna Viking fan, also have a 10-yr old 1+, a

6-yr old Rose, and a 1980s era 6570 and a Viking 936 serger (I won't mention the other 100 or so vintage machines in my collection.....)

-Irene

That was fun. I went to Janner's online site and couldn't imagine what a 'paspoppen' could be. Apparently, it is a dress form. Janner, you just Must do some test-driving. Not only do you want a machine that is comfortable to you but you may need a dealer who is decent. It's been surprising and disappointing to see reports here of dealers that are dismal. What if you buy a machine from the online site and it goes crazy? Will they give you a full money refund? Will they repair it after you ship it back but perhaps take 6 months to get around to it? Will they replace it? What if you hate it? Who is going to answer your questions? (We'll be glad to help if we know.) I couldn't figure out how to remove the throatplate from the Bernina. If we had not had Theresa here in our group, I guess I'd still be wondering. Polly

Thanks, you've given me a lot to think about. Locally there are dealerships for Pfaff, Janome and Brother. However, when I say locally I mean up to 200 miles from here. The problem is that there aren't that many quilting machines available to buy here in France and none of these stores have websites :( I am not up to telephoning with my broken French to see what they have in stock.... LOL

I know that Pfaff have a European wide guarantee, ie if I buy online in the UK and it goes wrong here, I can at least take it to someone in France to be repaired. There is a dealership in Toulouse, but the prices are about 25% cheaper online, even with including shipping. The only general local repair shop closer to me is soooo expensive that it is untrue, they are currently selling second hand basic sewing machines, at least 25 years old for about £300 ($600) no warranty included! I found similar new ones for only about £100 ($50) online!

As for budget, less than £800 ($400) or whatever I can save, hence shopping around for an offer. If I could find a traded in model with some warranty, that might be one way around it. In the meantime, I am going to email Janome, and see if there warranty will cover France as well. The Janome quilting machines look nice, but according to Janome France website, they don't sell them in France! They're sold in the Netherlands and UK, so I can't see that parts would be an issue, they're European as well!

I have an awful feeling that this could take some time, if only because the choice is vast. France seems to be a little behind on the quilting front here, and it can at times be difficult to source some of the simplest things locally, hence I rely on the www.

I'll keep you posted, but I have a great checklist now.

Thanks

Janner France

Polly Esther wrote:

I would say to look for a used machine for sale by a private party rather than buy a less expensive new machine. Be sure to test drive it thoroughly with fabric samples of your own and doing the things you will be using it for- like FM quilting- and see how it does.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.