topic Re: does anyone know about sewing machines? in Community Spirit

does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 02:34:07 GMT

particularly pfaff like this http://www.sewingmachinewarehouse.com.au/product.asp?id=358&pid=22

Is it overkill for an L plater?

How large are the alphabet letters?

Thanks, for any info.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

fourandsixpants — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 05:09:32 GMT

IMO.....ask your local Bernina service agent if they have any good quality 'older' machines........solid, heavy, stitch well, parts are swiss made from precision cut steel etc not plastic from Asian factories. Only cost you a couple of hundred.

Each to their own but this is what I would spend my $150-$200 on for a first sewing machine.

You can pick up a new 'plastic' sewing machine for a bargain price ANYWHERE.........but if it's affordable QUALITY that you want?.....Bernina or Elna from over 40 years ago-so long as has history of being serviced &/or low use imo.

Like a car....the more 'whizz bang' whistles n bells like computer electronic windows....the more chance it will bleep up, then cost big $'s to fix or replace. K.I.S.S. principle is best imo.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

fourandsixpants — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 05:12:01 GMT

If you are wanting a sewing machine that is my opinion , as above.

If you want an embroidery/sewing machine then I cannot advise.

I would say that a great affordable quality sewing machine would be my first choice. You can spend up to $20,000 on a great embroidery machine btw.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 05:44:42 GMT

That looks like a great machine, I have a pfaff but it is an entry level one, just basic stitching.

You can see this one you have linked here, the owner's manual, for all it can do. Not sure about the size of the lettering though you might find that in there.

http://new.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/ambition_manual_EN.pdf

Personally, for an L Plater, I would look at Janome for a similar machine. I think they are easier to understand, myself. The most important thing is back up service and maybe free lessons if you think you might need them. I would visit a store and see what they have that does what you want it to do and try some out.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:03:58 GMT

http://www.sewersdelight.com.au/janome-mc5200-sewing-machine/

This is comparable but has 3 fonts, not 4.

I am looking for an embroidery machine atm, to do just embroidery as I have a Janome 7700 for sewing and quilting, I am planning to test drive this one first though, before I look at dedicated embroidery machines.

http://www.sewersdelight.com.au/brother-nv950-embroidery-machine/

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:07:45 GMT

The Brother is cheaper on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brother-NV-950-Computerised-Sewing-Embroidery-Machine-Brand-New-in-Sealed-Box-/371130197302?pt=AU_Sewing&hash=item5669156536

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

katydidthat — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:12:33 GMT

I feel so feeble ... I was tempted the other day by a $13.50 sewing machine and I already have one that cost $2.50.

If I wanted to buy a more expensive one, though, (and this is just me), I'd go for one of the old Singers on a wooden stand. They are just PRETTY.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

fourandsixpants — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:20:11 GMT

Brother make very affordable and good quality sew'g machines too.....I have seen some tempting offers on great machines over the last few years. For $400 you can get a lovely Brother sewing Machine when they are having their 'special' PROMOS. I personally prefer Brother machines to the Janomes.....quieter when running and do not 'hop' and 'bounce' when being used.

One of my overlockers is a Janome though! I use it as a back-up as I prefer my BabyLock o/locker (serger machine).....which is imo a DreamMachine o/locker!

One of my sewing machines is a cheapie 'entry' Bernette....that I leave permanently set-up to do button holes and is an emerg back-up if anything goes wrong with any of my other sewing machines/others in for a service. Bernette is 'clunky' imo but does the job.

I have other s machines too that are used for diff tasks and projects. I love an old Elna machine:).....my favourite sewing machine is a 50+ year old Bernina 'Record'. I also love my ancient Singer Treadle machine.....for quilting projects and free machining.

As az wisely suggests.....visit some sewing machine centres and start trying a few.......as often and as many times as you can, until you are pretty sure about the brand, uses you require it for etc. Don't overspend. Most importantly DO have your machine serviced AS RECOMMENDED and ...have FUN!!

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:35:03 GMT

I have an Elna Lotus, it is now 45 yo.

I have a Pfaff that is now 25 yo

I have a Janome 720 (old old, simple basic, maybe 30 yo.

I have a Janome 8000 that has passed away but still lives here. (I am attached)

I have a Janome 7700QCP that is 1 yo

I have a Janome 8002DX overlocker.

I have a Bernina Overlocker, maybe 20 yo.

I also have a few other little things, a bias and piping machine , a rotary cutting machine, a Brother scan n cut......................

I might need an intervention....................

Never settle for less than what you WANT............... buy the best you can afford, to do the job you want it to do.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

fourandsixpants — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:38:56 GMT

LOL az! ....I was too embarrassed to mention the 'deadens' that I cannot part with! I have others..... it is an addiction OP, be warned LOL!......but a great addiction imo.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:19:39 GMT

The reason I asked is because I've been offered the pfaff one for half price and it seemed like good value.

The one I've been using is mum's old one and it recently started to behave very badly and now attacks as soon as it's plugged in.

Thanks for your answers.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

*elizabeths-mum* — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:34:07 GMT

At half price if you want a modern computerised machine and can afford it, go for it. With some if the money you've saved though, get mums machine looked at because it might be a great standby for things you don't want to risk ruining your new machine on.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:42:39 GMT

@*elizabeths-mum* wrote:
At half price if you want a modern computerised machine and can afford it, go for it. With some if the money you've saved though, get mums machine looked at because it might be a great standby for things you don't want to risk ruining your new machine on.

Yeah, she's a bit attached to it and won't let it go in the rubbish.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

***super_nova*** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:43:49 GMT

I bought something like that about 30 years ago; it was the top dollars and I ended up using my friend's Elnina(?), which was tine little thing that went forward, backwards (I think) and did simple zig zag. LOL Then I sold my Pfaff, losing about 1/2 what I paid. Unless you really want to do some of the tricky stuff, do not waste your money.

Few years back I bought Elna for about $500, it was the worst piece of junk; it leaked oil everywhere, and had all sorts of problems; the shop replaced it but the second one was the same. friend who knows a lot about sewing (as a dressmaker all her life) told me to get Janome; I paid less than $200 and am very happy with it. It still has more functions than I need.

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:11:39 GMT

@karliandjacko wrote:
The reason I asked is because I've been offered the pfaff one for half price and it seemed like good value.
The one I've been using is mum's old one and it recently started to behave very badly and now attacks as soon as it's plugged in.

Thanks for your answers.

BUY IT!!! you won't be sorry if it is half that $1000 price tag! and don't forget to come back and show us what you make 🙂

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:50:15 GMT

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know when I decide. If I leave it too long it will be gone and I won't have to decide 😄

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:44:09 GMT

@azureline** wrote:
@karliandjacko wrote:
The reason I asked is because I've been offered the pfaff one for half price and it seemed like good value.
The one I've been using is mum's old one and it recently started to behave very badly and now attacks as soon as it's plugged in.

Thanks for your answers.
BUY IT!!! you won't be sorry if it is half that $1000 price tag! and don't forget to come back and show us what you make 🙂

Well, I decided to buy it and it's very nice. There's so much space in the area that is usually quite crowded and a very good light on the sewing area. Best of all it sews over the thick seams in jeans without missing stitches. I kept turning the hem until it got too think and that was on the 5th turn over. 😄

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:14:33 GMT

I am sure it will do lots of things you never expected! Lovely machine.

How big does the lettering go to?

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

karliandjacko — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:56:37 GMT

@azureline** wrote:
I am sure it will do lots of things you never expected! Lovely machine.
How big does the lettering go to?

It's not large, maybe a bit over a cm high. I'm going to see if I can make them smaller by adjusting the stitch size tomorrow if I remember. Or else I'll be making huge labels for the kids school clothes. 😄

Re: does anyone know about sewing machines?

azureline** — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:00:20 GMT

Huge might be good, lol. My old Janome 8000 could do 4 sizes I think but there may be a smaller script for that labelling? as in text, not monogramming.

I have been sewing all day, making lap pillows. Can't believe how much I got done!