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Sewing Machine
Posted by noeleen
Sewing Machine October 31, 2004 08:46PM |
Being told I am to be a 1st time Nana has brought my sewing skills to the fore and I am going to make a bright Numbers Patchwork quilt to go on the floor for baby to roll around on. Will back it with Polar Fleece instead of the usual.
However my sewing machine is as ancient as me and only has zig zag stitch so I am looking around to buying a good 2nd hand one with blanket stitch and satin stitch on.
My problem is I am getting confused with the brands. Does anyone out there do patchwork and what machine do they like. I have been told Bernia is the best but need other opinions.
Thanks. Noeleen
However my sewing machine is as ancient as me and only has zig zag stitch so I am looking around to buying a good 2nd hand one with blanket stitch and satin stitch on.
My problem is I am getting confused with the brands. Does anyone out there do patchwork and what machine do they like. I have been told Bernia is the best but need other opinions.
Thanks. Noeleen
Raewyn G
Re: Sewing Machine October 31, 2004 08:56PM |
Re: Sewing Machine October 31, 2004 10:25PM |
Hi Noeleen, I am a keen sewer and I have a Janome sewing machine and a Bernina overlocker. My sewing machine also does embroidery and I am very happy with it. I think both Bernina and Janome are very good brands so it will most likely boil down to how munch you want to spend and what features you want to have. Happy sewing:}
Ali
Re: Sewing Machine October 31, 2004 11:10PM |
Yes, I run a Bernina, just the basic model that I bought 15 years ago. I can't justify spending several thousands on a new machine just to get some added features. I would love to have the hand quilting stitch, the blanket stitch etc, but cope. I believe Brother do one with all sorts of features, including a 1/4" foot for under $2000. It depends entirely on what you want to spend.
The other option is that many ladies who do patchwork like to update their machines as new ones come out, you may get a trade in from a dealer.
Enjoy that patchwork, hope you get as much fun and relaxation out of it as I do!
Alison
The other option is that many ladies who do patchwork like to update their machines as new ones come out, you may get a trade in from a dealer.
Enjoy that patchwork, hope you get as much fun and relaxation out of it as I do!
Alison
Re: Sewing Machine November 01, 2004 03:53AM |
Congrat Noeleen - what an exciting time for you all
I am a proud owner of Bernina sewing machine and a Janome overlocker.
Don't do quite as much sewing as I used to but would never be without either.
I love my dependable Bernina and wouldn't change to another.
However, I suggest you actually go into the shops and try them out. Some are more user friendly than others. You will also find that the agents have good secondhand ones that have been traded in. If you buy from them they should give you good after sales service too. - and you'll get a guarantee.
Best of luck
I am a proud owner of Bernina sewing machine and a Janome overlocker.
Don't do quite as much sewing as I used to but would never be without either.
I love my dependable Bernina and wouldn't change to another.
However, I suggest you actually go into the shops and try them out. Some are more user friendly than others. You will also find that the agents have good secondhand ones that have been traded in. If you buy from them they should give you good after sales service too. - and you'll get a guarantee.
Best of luck
Re: Sewing Machine November 01, 2004 06:20AM |
I have had a top of the line Elna for the last 20 or so years, and 10 years or so ago bought a secondhand Bernina as an extra (kids wanting to sew and also I was sewing for a small business I had). I think Elna and Bernina are pretty much on a par, but the Elna is much lighter if you are putting it away all the time.
I think the choice should be made based on the back up service you are likely to get in the area you live. The Bernina I bought was one advertised in the paper. I asked if I could have it checked, and the Bernina agent in Gisborne (I believe it is one of the top agencies in the country) was happy to check it over and give me an idea what I should pay and what they would charge to service it (I had it serviced so it was in the best possible condition when I started using it). We don't have an Elna agency in town now, which is why I bought the Bernina. They usually have four or five trade-ins available, and although you may pay more, you could expect them to be operating efficiently.
I'm sure, like cooking appliances, there are many sewing machines out there which were used initially, but now just take up space.
Hope that helps, Janet
I think the choice should be made based on the back up service you are likely to get in the area you live. The Bernina I bought was one advertised in the paper. I asked if I could have it checked, and the Bernina agent in Gisborne (I believe it is one of the top agencies in the country) was happy to check it over and give me an idea what I should pay and what they would charge to service it (I had it serviced so it was in the best possible condition when I started using it). We don't have an Elna agency in town now, which is why I bought the Bernina. They usually have four or five trade-ins available, and although you may pay more, you could expect them to be operating efficiently.
I'm sure, like cooking appliances, there are many sewing machines out there which were used initially, but now just take up space.
Hope that helps, Janet
Re: Sewing Machine November 01, 2004 11:21AM |
Hi Noelene
I currently have a Janome which I have been happy with for the requirements I have had up until now. But would like to get into patchwork so have been doing some research on the net. My mother has a Pfaff and loves it, and the research I have been doing seems to back this up. Here are a couple of web sites you may find helpful.
[www.creationsunlimited.co.nz]
[www.consumersearch.com]
Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
Regards
Linda
I currently have a Janome which I have been happy with for the requirements I have had up until now. But would like to get into patchwork so have been doing some research on the net. My mother has a Pfaff and loves it, and the research I have been doing seems to back this up. Here are a couple of web sites you may find helpful.
[www.creationsunlimited.co.nz]
[www.consumersearch.com]
Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
Regards
Linda
Re: Sewing Machine November 02, 2004 11:19PM |
I have a Husqvarna,sewing machine, bought new about 25 yrs ago and a Bernette overlocker. Thsewing machine has been used for a wide variety of things, sewing for the family, curtains, through to some upholstery jobs, whatever we have needed to stitch. Likewise the overlocker has done whatever was needed, lots of sweatshirting and knits when the kids were smaller.
2 yrs ago though when I bought my daugher a machine for her 21st I opted for a Bernina, as I felt that they had the best service centre in our area, and I knew of someone who worked there. I think you have to choose according to where you are likely to get aftersales service.
I do think now on reflection that some of the fancy stitches etc are grossly over rated.... you never use them as much as a sales assistant will try and have you believe. But as for a blind hemmer, good zipper foot etc, yes they are a must if you want to produce some decent results at home.
Good luck with your new grand child and the sewing machine search.
Kaye
2 yrs ago though when I bought my daugher a machine for her 21st I opted for a Bernina, as I felt that they had the best service centre in our area, and I knew of someone who worked there. I think you have to choose according to where you are likely to get aftersales service.
I do think now on reflection that some of the fancy stitches etc are grossly over rated.... you never use them as much as a sales assistant will try and have you believe. But as for a blind hemmer, good zipper foot etc, yes they are a must if you want to produce some decent results at home.
Good luck with your new grand child and the sewing machine search.
Kaye
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