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Elna Grasshopper Pros and Cons vs Singer Featherweight?
NhiHuynh   Advanced CA USA Member since 1/4/11 Posts: 593	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 2:44 PM In my search for a nice straight stitch machine, I can across the Elna Grasshopper. It's was made as a response to the Singer Featherweight. I was so intrigued. I have done plenty of online research on it and have read the machine reviews on PR. What are the pros and cons of these two machines. Will I have problems finding parts, service, accessories etc for the Grasshopper?
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6770	Login to reply to this post In reply to NhiHuynh << 1 member likes this. Date: 4/9/12 3:10 PM Cute Factor: Grasshopper: Cute Featherweight: OMG SO CUTE!!! Elegance of Appearance factor: Grasshopper: not so much. Featherweight: OMG SO ELEGANT!!! Not that I'm biased or anything, but really, why go for a "response" to the Featherweight when one can go directly to the Featherweight? ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
NhiHuynh   Advanced CA USA Member since 1/4/11 Posts: 593	Login to reply to this post In reply to LynnRowe << Like this post Date: 4/9/12 3:24 PM I see your point about a me-too product. But wait! The Grasshopper has a free arm, perfect for sleeve and leg hems. And the case slips around it creating a flat sewing surface much larger than the Featherweight. How neat is that? I kinda like the industrial look of the Grasshopper. It maybe a psychological thing because I first learned to sew on an industrial Juki which was green, only does a straight stitch and was built into a flat table. hmmm...
lisalu Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 10/5/08 Posts: 1786	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 4:45 PM All I know is that I want a Grasshopper because they are SO cute and SO green...and did I say SO CUTE??? I've already got a FW and it sews like a dream and I can't imagine any improvement on that. But yeah, I really want me a Grasshopper and unlike FW's I've never seen one in person - I've never seen any on CL after looking for more than a year. :( PS...out of curiosity, I just looked on eBay and saw only two listed (at least under the keywords "Elna Grasshopper sewing machine"). So the answer to your question about whether parts would be hard to find, I'd think that the machine itself would be hard to find. On the other hand FWs and all their parts/accessories are fairly easy to find and seem to be priced in the same range. -- Edited on 4/9/12 4:52 PM -- ------ Margaret (Singer 201-2), Betty (Singer 15-91), Bud (Singer 503), Kathy (Singer 221), Liz (Singer 221 Centennial Edition) http://runningstitches-mkb.blogspot.com/
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1531	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 4:56 PM The Featherweight 222 has a freearm.
Soolip Advanced CA USA Member since 6/18/08 Posts: 1995	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 5:14 PM I think the Grasshopper is way cuter.
Jennifer Hill Advanced AB CANADA Member since 4/11/02 Posts: 1479	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 5:15 PM Grasshoppers are really neato machines. They sew a great stitch, and are very green. One big advantage they have over any other machine of its era (or most eras) is their gear reducer, which is a true low gear for plowing through heavy stuff, with no power loss. I have heard that their belts aren't all that common, so I stocked up on them last time I found an SMG with some. I don't really sew much on either of mine, but I'm thinking they need some quilting time soon. Jennifer in Calgary
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1647	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/9/12 5:54 PM The Bernina dealer here has a few of the grasshoppers on display and some of the singers - I also think the grasshopper is way way cuter. ------ Drag queen quilter!
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1531	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 4/9/12 6:07 PM You might find this blog useful: Elna Grasshopper Blog
Yarndiva   Advanced NV USA Member since 3/28/06 Posts: 360	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 4/9/12 9:12 PM I have both and find them each really cool. The Grasshopper is the more interesting looking of the two, in my opinion. The free arm is handy. The Singer is better at sewing in my own view. It just has a little more power, despite it's tiny size. It could be just my machine so I am not sure about how others find they compare. Each one has a handy case and each is quite light and easy to carry. If you travel with a Grasshopper, you will not be able to take it out without it causing a stir- they are that interesting. FYI I wrote about my Elna#1 Grasshopper here and on my blog. ------ http://silkmothsewing.blogspot.com/

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