Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sewing Machine Advice

I don't really know where to turn or who exactly would have the right answer for me.  I'm not just a rag quilter anymore and while I'm not as incredibly awesome as some of the other quilters who blog, I am branching out and feeling comfortable with my t-shirt quilts and my little floral quilts and my baby scrap quilts.  So I am finally ready to call myself a quilter.

 For over 29 years I have been sewing on my old workhorse, amazing all-metal Sears Kenmore Ultra Stitch-12.  It's been remarkably reliable.  My repair man said never to part with this excellent machine but I think it's time to move it to the back of the table.




I'm looking for a quilter's sewing machine.  I've tried to google which machine would be best for what I do but it's so confusing.  I need advice from people with experience.  I've heard that Pfaff,  Janome, Bernina and Husqvarna were the machines I should look at.

I don't want all the bells and whistles but I'll take some.  I still just do straight seam quilting so I don't want anything complicated.  I don't think I want electronic/digital/computerized.  I want a good straight forward machine that will make quilting easier with consistently beautiful stitches.  Can anyone point me in the right direction based on personal experience?

6 comments:

  1. WEll, you will get as many answers as there are quilters out there. :) If you want a basic work horse machine, you might be happier buying an older model/used one.

    Personally, I'm of the 'Nothing Sews Like a Bernina' persuasion. :)

    Linda

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    1. Linda, I'm hoping that one name comes up more times then that's the machine for me. So far I'm leaning toward Bernina :)

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  2. You sound like you're describing a Bernina! Personally I use a Janome Memory Craft 6600 but that night be more than you want! I wanted a Bernina but it was four times my budget!

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    1. Okay Bernina - expensive. Janome - too much machine?

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  3. I went from a Viking Husqvarna 105 (since 1987) to an Elna Excellence 740 this past November. I will never part with my Viking, it's all metal inside and will sew over anything. Also does nice free motion quilting. I just wanted a larger throat and maybe a "few" decorative stitches. I could not be happier with my Elna. It does have more stitches than I will ever use though... :)

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    1. Thank you Mary! I have not heard of Elna. I will check into that brand.

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