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Here is my wish list, what I'd like a sm to do is it possible to find this in just 1 machine?
Pamlyn   Beginner IL USA Member since 2011 Posts: 34	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 0:54 AM Hi everyone, I purchased my first sewing machine around 6 months ago, and prior to that I had only used one a few times. I actually have 4 machines atm ~ a Kenmore 158.330 my m-i-l gave me like 20 years ago - which I just had cleaned & repaired. It can handle thicker seams but it is straight stitch only. It also seems to really run the fabric off to one side as you sew, and that drives me crazy. I also have my grandmother's Singer 301a, it needs to be serviced, in fact I don't even know if it runs. Then there is the Janome Magnolia 7318, and a Brother Innov-is 80. I am willing to trade the Brother for sure, in order to get something else. I am a new sewer, but I am already finding certain things that I'd like my machine to do. While making an advent calendar over the holidays I wished I had had the ability to customize decorative stitches. Specifically, I wanted to change the size and density of the stitches. I don't think I want to fuss with full embroidery, but I do want quite a bit of deco stitch options. What machine(s) would fit this bill? I would also like a machine that has a better feed system than what my current machines have. I've encountered some issues with fabrics feeding evenly. Adjustable foot pressure might be helpful too? The main reason I am becoming unhappy with my Brother is because the darn thing cannot sew thicker seams at all. So far I am sewing mainly home decor, make bags of all sorts, and hem a lot of pants. Just tonight I was trying to use the twin needle to hem a pair of athletic/track pants (poly-cotton blend) and the machine could not handle it. That is ridiculous imo. Let me say that I have Viking, Pfaff, Brother, Janome, and Juki dealers in my immediate area. There are Babylock and Bernina dealers w/i 1.5-2 hours of me. I am not very keen on the idea of using a dealer so far away, I don't have the extra time nor the inclination to drive that distance for classes or machine help/repairs. However, I'd love to try a Bernina so I might be willing to make an exception. From everything I've read they appear to be sturdy, high quality machines, and I want to invest in a quality sm at this point because I know sewing isn't just a passing hobby for me. I have looked at and tested a Brother Innov-is NX2000, Janome Horizon 7700, and a Viking Sapphire 875. They each had their pros and cons. The dealer where I purchased my Brother and Janome is good, they have knowledgeable staff and are very helpful. In summary, what I would like is a machine with customizable decorative stitches, better fabric feeding, and the ability to handle thicker seams. Is it possible to find all of that in one machine?? I am attending a Sewing and Quilting Expo in March, and I'd like to have a list of machines to check out and hopefully 'test drive'. Thanks so much for reading my rambling post! ~Pam
biochemistress   Advanced VA USA Member since 2005 Posts: 107	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: Here is my wish list, what Id like a sm to do Date: 1/17/12 7:30 AM What's your budget lookin' like? I'm hoping like 2-3k based on what you're already considering. I haven't had too many machines, but I would recommend a Janome MC11000. I know you didn't think you wanted embroidery, but I haven't met a seam/fabric I couldn't handle with mine, and the stitches are very adjustable. It is probably within your budget now too, as they are no longer TOL.
sewfrequent Intermediate TX USA Member since 2003 Posts: 2596	Login to reply to this post In reply to Pamlyn Like this post Date: 1/17/12 8:00 AM Most computerized home machines will have difficulty sewing over home-dec fabric AT TIMES where there are opposing seams, added interfacing, lining, piping, straps or what have you. But to get the decorative stitches you want, you will need to go with a computerized model and yes, for the type of sewing you describe, adjustable pressure would be very helpful. You really can't get it all in one machine so very often. The closest would be the NX2000 and Horizon you demo'd. Viking/Pfaff have had issues and are improving, but still hit and miss if you read the reviews. I personally went for a heavy-duty wide-harp machine for tougher jobs and free-motion/piecing. I have a second loaded computerized machine for the fancy stuff. This might be an option for you also. I don't know if your kenmore can handle your home-dec weights with ease or not. Sometimes, the vintage models do not have a very high lift but some do. The Juki 98, Janome 1600p, Brother 1500s and similar would be good choices and then add a 2nd machine for your embellishing and lighter-weight tasks. It would cost probably the same or less than a TOL sewing only model. Bernina is excellent and to get adjustable pressure you have to go up the line quite a bit but if you have a dedicated machine for the heavy work, you could do fine with any Bernina plus a walking foot. I have and use Janomes but do not rate piercing power chief among their attributes even though I've been able to deal with heavy fabrics with my Elna 7300 (twin to Janome 6600) without incident. I do experience some hesitation at times...when I expect to. But hemming jeans (acid test for me) has not been a problem.
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2864	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: Here is my wish list, what Id like a sm to do Date: 1/17/12 8:41 AM I would recommend the Horizon as well if you have the budget for it, Designed with quilters in mind it's a great all around machine and if I was in the market would definitely be in my top 3 if not buying an embroidery machine. If considering the option of embroidery then the Janome 11000se. It's one step below their TOL so should be good deals on them.
Pamlyn   Beginner IL USA Member since 2011 Posts: 34	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 10:11 AM Thanks for your suggestions! I was wondering if I'd need to have a heavier duty machine and then another for the fancier stitches. I am ok with that, I have the room for 2 machines to be set up all the time. I have been able to save a good amount of money to get the machine(s) I need to do the jobs I want to do. I should add here that I am hoping to get into minor alterations and repairs once I learn to sew better. My in-laws own a dry cleaner, and I'd like to help my m-i-l out with the pile of sewing she gets each week. She has terrible arthritis, and I want to eventually do all of it for her. Sewfrequent, that is one of the issues with my Kenmore. The presser foot does not have a very high lift. I am terribly hesistant to try a Viking or Pfaff due to the issues so many talk about, and because I am a new sewer I don't want a machine that is fussy about tension. Biochemistress, I have actually thought about testing out the Janome MC11000. I think I will definitely add it to my list now. Sewwolf, I will have to look up the MC11000se, I don't know what the differences are between it and the MC11000.
tgm and Kittys Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 2010 Posts: 5051	Login to reply to this post In reply to Pamlyn Like this post Date: 1/17/12 10:29 AM Oh for a dry cleaning business I highly suggest a good mechanical. My sister worked for dryer cleaners for 45 years & they always went back to a mechanical for repairs & alterations .... just need ... really NEED the sturdiness & toughness a mechanical can give you. ................ This may not make allot of sense but a good straight stitch & walking foot may be the better route for dry cleaning sewing. I notice our dry cleaners has a basic Juki & a Brother 1034D serger (2 of them) for their sewing needs. The Juki is an industrial size straight stitcher. I cannot advise on the higher end sm... they are just not something I could ever afford so not looked at them (much...). Have you seen the Babylock Symphony? It is loaded with features. ------
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2864	Login to reply to this post In reply to Pamlyn Like this post Date: 1/17/12 10:53 AM It had a special thing for quilting that is the main difference. But it is heavy on features for embroidery so if you aren't interested in that might not be the machine for you. But definitely try it. -- Edited on 1/17/12 10:54 AM --
PortlandMaine Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 2011 Posts: 612	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 1:20 PM i think those 1100's r still around 4999.99 im nuts for stitches - there is the "smarter by pfaff" that is a good strong.. work horse machine with 9mm stitches. i still might buy one at some point.... i would try to stay away from the expression line, though they make really great deco stitches (when they work.) the babylock symphony does 8mm stitches. those machine r kinda alike w a front load bobbin and so many high end toys at a low price. i dont know berninas the way others do, just too exensive for me. but, they have a few w 9 mm stitches. i bought a ambition - i thought that the 799.00 price tag was right... and there are all the stitch options, a bigger harp, full power. 7mm stitches. i feel like i gave up a knee lift and thread cutters. but, if your crazy for stitches - look at some machines w 9mm stitches -- they are very nice and have impact.
SouthernStitch   Advanced USA Member since 2002 Posts: 5858	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 3:28 PM Are you interested in embroidery too? My Bernina 730 has great ability to glide over thick seams, and it has hundreds of customizable deco stitches, but comes with embroidery too. I got mine new for $6700. Those are being replaced this year with a new 700 series machine(s). You might be able to get a floor model, or close out special, if you are also interested in embroidery. Otherwise, I'd look at the Bernina 820. It's sewing only, 9mm, super large harp area, and all the customizable deco stitches that you would want. It is just a tad less expensive than the 730 I believe. All that said, I am intriqued by the Pfaff Smarter that PortlandMaine talks about. That might be worth looking into as well. ------ Bernina 730E, 350PE Babylock Audrey Singer 201, 221FW Viking 6570 When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 2011 Posts: 593	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch Like this post Date: 1/19/12 1:27 AM Southern Stitch, Have you heard good things about the Smarter Machine. Is it reliable? They sent my Pfaff Ex.4 to the company and declared it a lemon replaced it with a new one, but I said Im not sure I want it. They can not give money back but are willing to trade it for an entirely different machine. They carry Janome and Pfaff. I also need a sewing table so I could do that and a travel machine. Eventually buy another Bernina for my second. I was looking at the Janome but it had problem going over a thick seam. Wierd, its so heavy and solid. Only thing its missing is that and the auto pivot would be nice for 3000! Would love to get your take on these.

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