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To shop or not to shop One last try on the old machine? Or time to start shopping? If so, when?
annegirl81 Advanced Beginner Member since 11/12/12 Posts: 7	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 1:47 AM After borrowing my mother's Pfaff Varimatic for an embarrassing length of time, it's time to do... something. Either try to get my machine fixed (again), or shop for a new one. My old machine is a 15-year-old White 1866 (an entry-level machine IMO). I always had problems with fabric snarls being pulled down on the first stitch or two, and sometimes w broken needles. Last time I took it in, it worked for half an hour before it started snarling again. I didn't bother taking it back in since I hadn't sewn much. Fast forward seven years and two kids, and I want to do something... but what? Is it even worth trying to fix my machine again? I'm wondering if a cheaper machine with bad timing can ever be fixed. There's an independant repair guy near me that sells used machines--I figure if a free estimate is involved it can't hurt, but at this point I'm not sure how I feel about trying to rescue a machine I've already given up on. Then again, it could be worth getting it up and running just for the presser feet; the White ones were so cheap that I collected quite a few. I've done some shopping BC I love my mother's Pfaff, and am majorly hankering to get back into sewing, but realistically, with a toddler and a newborn, I don't have the time. I might in a few months though, so I'm debating whether to get a machine now while there are sales on, or wait until spring when I have more time to sew (and hopefully more gift money). Does anybody know when the spring flyers will come out? Will the same machines likely be in them? Will the flyer prices be the lowest the dealer goes? DH was shocked to find that TOL machines don't go for $300, so he's still suffering sticker shock after I showed him the latest flyers. If you're curious, I'm looking at the Pfaff Select 150 or Ambition Essential (which I test-drove while nursing, so I think they need a second look with both hands :winkgrin:), or Viking Emerald or Opal (which I have yet to test-drive). Or a really great used machine, if I can find a dealer I trust enough to sell me one. I'm leaning towards computerized bc I hate 4-step buttonholes, but I could also see myself using some of the decorative stitches. Expected uses: sewing clothing and gear (ie baby carriers)for myself and the kids, home decor (curtains, pillows, maybe upholstering); could see myself getting into quilting/decorative stitching in the future but not a priority right now. I want something that will handle all kinds of fabric (from lightweight to denim or upholstery fabric, but nothing more adventurous like leather). Also, if you're going back to a dealership, do you always have to talk to the same salesperson? The guy at the Pfaff dealership I went to knew squat and had to refer half my questions to the owner, who was busy when I went in. Sorry, this is a brain-dump of a post... I don't know where to start!
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7110	Login to reply to this post In reply to annegirl81 << Like this post Date: 11/22/12 1:58 AM From your well thought out post, I can truthfully say, "Get a machine", and get it soon. Sure, you might be busy with children and all, but we all have been there too, and some of us have made our children's clothing. You sound like you'd seriously set some time aside to sew. Get it soon because other things in your life might crop up and you'd regret not buying one. I'm not familiar with the machines you mentioned, but I can see what you're thinking; you just need someone to tip you over the edge. As to whether or not you should go back to the salesperson you saw previously, I'd say no. If that person doesn't know 'squat', then why waste your time? Salespeople are sometimes paid a commission, maybe on top of an hourly rate, and to me, that's what the commission is--service to the customer. Try another dealer if you have to. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
Julkane   Intermediate PA USA Member since 9/14/07 Posts: 446	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 7:40 AM Yes it is time for a new machine for you. Get the best machine you can afford because good tools make the job so much easier and pleasant. That being said, decide which features you must have and which are on your wish list. Some 30+ years ago when I had small children in tow, I splurged for a $600+ electronic sewing machine. I actually paid for it by appliqueing children's clothing for a small clothing company. I did not get another machine until 26 years later; what a great investment. If you see quilting in your future consider a machine with a dual feed such as the Pfaffs. I just test drove a new Pfaff and I think they have worked out their issues that cropped up in 2008-2010. The Quilt Expression 4.0 has a big harp, Dual Feed, auto snips plus more features you may or may not want. The most important in my book is the Dual Feed. Whatever price level, be sure to sew on your options. I take a piece of jeans to see how easily it will sew over heavy seams; a great test. Also take a quilt sandwich; if you want to free motion be sure to have the clerk attach the freemotion foot for you to try. It is amazing how differently machines handle and how they sound. I do not like a tinny sounding machine; may not bother others but it is a dealbreaker for me. Good luck in your hunt because it is so much fun auditioning machines. let us know what you get. -- Edited on 11/22/12 7:44 AM -- ------ Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Quilt expression 4.0, Janome 300E, Brother 8500D, Janome 900CPX CoverPro, Brother 5234 Project Runway Serger, Singer Treadle http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/
Maia B   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3510	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 9:05 AM How about a used Pfaff? Where abouts do you live...there's Brubakers in PA, AccuSew near Milwaukee and other Pfaff shops that offer refurbed machines, usually with a warranty. Test drive other brands, too, but if you are used to IDT, I'd expect you favor it. ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 7005	Login to reply to this post In reply to annegirl81 << Like this post Date: 11/22/12 9:10 AM The Pfaff Ambition Essential is on sale right now until Nov 30, $200 off, priced at $599. Happy sm hunting! ------ 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.
Marie367   Intermediate OH USA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 1466	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 10:09 AM I think I am going tomorrow to look at the Pfaff. I just bought a Janome in the spring but I looked at the Ambitions before. I keep thinking about that IDT system and that new Essential is so similar to the other Ambitions that I looked at. That price is hard to beat. I won't be coming home with one but I want to see it. Happy hunting! Let us know what you decide!
TamNearPDX Beginner WA Member since 1/16/08 Posts: 203	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 11:21 AM I had my mom's old bernina but bought a sewing embroidery combo when dd was almost 1. Although I couldn't sew as much as I wanted, I really think that it helped me sane!
annegirl81 Advanced Beginner Member since 11/12/12 Posts: 7	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 11:03 PM I'm in Ottawa, Ontario. There's a dealer for just about everybody except Juki or Elna within an hour of me; in the case of Janome and Pfaff, there are three or four. The dealership with the salesperson I didn't care for is the closest of course; I could still go back there and try to deal with the owner rather than the guy I saw, but I'd rather not. I'm also trying to talk myself out of a used Bernina I saw on Kijiji; not sure if I'm brave enough to buy a computerised machine directly from the owner. There aren't many dealerships around that sell used machines for some reason. Also tempted to go try a floor model Viking Sapphire 830 (or 835? not sure); at $800 it's a great price but it may be too much machine for me. I'm trying to keep it under $700 if I can. Man, price differences really bother me... why is theAmbition Essential $649 in Canada? I found a 2012 spring flyer online, and it was on sale then too.
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 7005	Login to reply to this post In reply to annegirl81 << Like this post Date: 11/22/12 11:17 PM Pfaffs are quite a bit lower in price in Canada than they are in the US, or at least in BC they sure are. Berninas usually are, as well. My Pfaff dealer has the Essential at $599. If yours doesn't, bargain them down. ------ 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.
annegirl81 Advanced Beginner Member since 11/12/12 Posts: 7	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/22/12 11:40 PM Or ask them to throw in a couple extra feet right? The irony of all this is that after chatting with my mom and DH I'm leaning twds not getting a machine now. Realistically, I was determined to sew this spring when I had Mom's machine, and I got in maybe six sewing sessions. Of course, DH begging me to finish the mending pile before tackling any projects didn't help my motivation. (Don't be too hard on him--he's starting to get the creative urge thing--I don't think he did before. Also he was trying to protect my pregnancy sleep.) Now I just need to decide if I can wait until spring sales, whenever those are. All I know is that I really can't handle testing another machine while breastfeeding a cranky newborn. LOL

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