Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Sewing Machine Advice

One of my Christmas presents this year was combined monetary funds from my husband and parents for a new sewing machine. I'm finding the decision a difficult one without talking to any other crafty ladies about these particular models. I wanted a Bernina but, after speaking with the NY sewing machine store that sells Bernina's their lowest end model is for very occasional sewing and is still out my my price range and I haven't seen any used models. Another sewing center that I went to has the Janome 3050 and the Pfaff Tiptronic 2010 which is their older model on sale. It does not have the IDF system like the others. Another thought in the back of my mind is possibly a Viking. Does anyone have experience with either models listed or the difficulty in use and quality? I'd love to hear your opinions.
I will be using this for various projects over the years. I would like a machine that does all kinds of sewing projects, dressmaking, quilting (as I hope to get into this in the coming years) and can handle various weights of fabrics. Quality of course is important to me as I want to be able to use this machine for years to come.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would check on overstock.com as they tend to have machines for very good discounts.

Sarah and Jack said...

I have the Huskystar C20, and I love it. I quilt with it, do random projects with it, sew through a bazillion layers with no issues.

My only complaint is that all parts and service HAVE to go through the dealer (you cannot get them online) and my local dealer is crap. They are so slow about everything.

Anonymous said...

I have the Pfaff Tiptronic which I bought new and it has been a real workhorse for around 9 years now. I love it. I've found it will handle anything you can get under the presser foot (with the dual feed dogs) with no trouble at all. The only complaint I have is the buttonhole stitch. I never mastered it. I still go back to my old machine when its time to make buttonholes, but maybe thats just me. Have you looked at the Kenmore machines at Sears? I had one for years and years until I finally just wore out. It was a very well made, reliable machine and as I recall they are very reasonably priced. Maybe they are even on sale after Christmas? Good luck!!

Kerry said...

I bought an older-model Pfaff (the Tiptronic 2040) and I love it! It does have the IDF, which seems helpful but probably not necessary. Does your sewing center offer support? I bought mine at a Pfaff dealer, and they have the same warantees and support with used machines as they do with new. I can also upgrade to another machine within a year and get my full purchase price back. Just some things to think about...

Anonymous said...

I had the Janome 3050 and LOVED it - it is a GREAT machine. The only reason I changed is because I traded in for an upgrade when I realized that quilting was more of ummm... an obsession and as a pre-twins arrival gift to myself:)

Get it - you'll love.

Anonymous said...

I have a Janome 3500 (which is really very similar) and I honestly can't rave enough about Janomes! I love my machine so much (I used a Singer for years, and have tried various other brands)... It makes sewing such a pleasure and has so many wonderful features that I simply take for granted now (when I use my sister's machine I always realise how good I've got it!)
I have made myself so many clothes as well as a complete wardrobe for my nieces and bub-to-be... I have also made 3 quilts on it and it's a little beauty! I really don't think you could be disappointed with a Janome!