the sewing machine shortlist

Anne,

I have the Quilt Designer II from Husqvarva. It has only gone into the shop because I had it regularly tuned up when it was under warranty. Other than that, it has been an absolutely wonderful machine, even after

6 years! I did not get the Designer I because I only quilt-- hate to sew so did not need all the other bells and whistles. I wanted the embroidery unit with both the 6X6 hoop and the 5X7 hoop. At the time, the Rose only had the 6X6 so I had to go up one step.

Debbi in SO CA

Anne Rogers wrote:

I thought about trading my Viking Designer II in for the Sapphire 850, but after getting used to the automatic scissors on my machine, I didn't want to trade for a machine that doesn't have the automatic cutter. They've now come out with the Sapphire 870 that does have the automatic cutter and also has the self adjusting thread tension.

Donna in Idaho

Anne,

I understand your husbands concerns. I have had a Bernina 1130 for years and only had to have it serviced 1 time. This is the only time it was serviced because of something wrong with it.

I just bought the Babylock Quest Saturday. I love the features but most importantly I love the stitch. It is exactly what I was looking for when I piece and free motion quilt. It also has the knee lift for the presser foot and needle down.

Gen is the one who recommended the Quest to me and I checked out some of the other machines.

As for how long will it last, probably not as long as my older mechanical machine but I'm pretty sure it will be around until I'm ready to buy a different machine.

Just my thoughts. :-)

Piece,

Marsha in nw Ohio

I have a Pfaff 2030 and it is a real workhorse! The built-in walking foot is wonderful. After hearing praise after praise after praise -- I also invested in a "new to me" Pfaff 7570 embroidery machine... and so far it works wonderfully!

The Pfaff 2040 is the same as mine -- but with a low bobbin indicator.

These machines are easy to use -- and you can occasionly find them on ebay -- or at a local Pfaff dealer (result of a trade in).

But many people I know who have either machine -- keep them even when they "buy up" -- because they are such workhorses!

I have a Janome that is nearly 20 years old and has given me no trouble. I also have a 2 or 3 year old Janome 6500 (predecessor to the 6600) which has also been trouble free. I kept my older one because there is nothing wrong with it, but bought the new one because I wanted to upgrade to the 6500. You may have just got a bad machine with your current one. There are certainly many very satisfied Janome owners out there, with quite a few on this group.

As for any other machines, I can't comment as I haven't used them. I guess you just have to keep trying out the machines in your price bracket and decide which one suits you the best. Have fun playing. :-)

I second all of the above! I've had my Quest now for 4 days and love it! The even feed feature works with nine of the presser feet...I think there are a total of 14...all included. The extra large, clear acrylic extension is a new feature for me too, and seems to work well. I don't know how long it will last, but seems to have a decent warranty. Of course, my old machine, a Singer 6267, is 25 years old and has never been serviced!! I also have a Babylock serger, 15 years old, and it's never been serviced either. I just try to keep them clean and in regular use. I have taken my featherweight almost completely apart and oil and lubricate it a couple times a year...it doesn't get used too often. I hope I'll continue to have the same good luck with the new machine.

I've had my Husqvarna Lily since 1999. It gets regular servicing and has only been in once for a 'repair' that turned out to be a thread in the tension innards! It's standing up well to the professional sewing I do. No plans to replace it yet.

I have been a lurker a number of years, and love this ng - have learned so much from all you ladies.

I have the Viking Sapphire, I first started with the 850 but when the 870 came out my dealer took my 850 back with the full price and I paid the difference for the 870. I love the 870's features. Two things I missed on the 850 was the cutter and automatic tension which the 870 has both and lots more features. I quilt and wanted the larger harp area which the Sapphire has10 inches. I have had Husqvarna machines for the last 9 years and have had no problems with them. Try to take them in each year for their annual cleaning etc. One thing I like about the Vikings is you do not have to worry about oiling them period. Wanda from Georgia

On Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:11:05 -0600, Kate XXXXXX wrote (in article ):

I've had my Lily for about as long as Kate. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Every once in a while I'll drool over a new machine for a bit, but always end up deciding I would never like it as well as my Lily.

Maureen