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Second machine saga this is a hard decision!
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2189	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/16/12 11:17 AM So, I have been reading and reading and researching, really considering a second machine. I went to some of the other boards here on PR and YIKES! There are some cranky attitudes on other boards, our little quilters group is so FRIENDLY and nice to each other!! I'll stay here I want the machine for quilting anyways, so you all are better to talk to about machines for quilters. SO....I went to look at Janomes Saturday, (had a weird experience at the store, just reinforced why I prefer to shop online!). I still haven't looked at Babylocks yet, but that is next on my list. The closest Bernina dealer to me is a vacuum cleaner store that sells sewing machines.....I will stick to my sewing machine store that ONLY deals with sewing machines. Plus Bernina's are so uber expensive, I don't want to spend more money for less features on a machine intended for travel and as a backup. First of all, I am still reeling from sticker shock. WOW. With my other machines, I had trade ins, I wanted ALL the bells and whistles, so I expected them to be expensive. I stupidly thought that since I only wanted a FEW bells and whistles it would be inexpensive. WRONG. I REALLY REALLY wanted a brand other than Pfaff. There are SO MANY wonderful machines, I wanted something different. But I can't find a machine that has the Pfaff's features that I LOVE in a price range that's less than $3 or $4 thousand!! It never ever occurred to me to have 2 sewing machines! My recent issues with my one and only made me start to think that yes I do want 2 machines, but now I am back to MAN machines with features I want are EXPENSIVE!!! After looking and looking and looking at brands and machines and features and reviews, I will most likely end up getting another Pfaff. My one and only, Princess's issues all seem to happen when I overload the motor. Yes she is a bit more sensitive than any other machine I have ever had, but I am using her heavily, I LOVE her features and her gorgeous stitches, and I have no desire to replace her. I need to get to the dealer to see what he has. I still want to look at the Babylocks. The Janome was a GORGEOUS machine, but to get the features I want, dual feed and large harp space for starters, the least expensive model they have with it is expensive and WAAYYY too heavy to be a travel machine. Still looking.....the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4 is looking better and better every day to me. ------ Cathryn
AminaHijabi Advanced Beginner Member since 10/22/10 Posts: 838	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/16/12 11:29 AM I got an email from Viking that their Saphire 835 would be $799 for a limited time. It doesn't have dual feed, but their walking foot is really nice and has interchangeable soles.
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 12/15/02 Posts: 5201	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/16/12 12:28 PM Cat go look under machines on this board and you will find out just about every machine out there. I personally like the Brother new Dreamweaver embroidery machine and the new Janome horizon. I'll keep dreaming lol ------ quiltingwolf.blogspot.com
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 8224	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << 2 members like this. Date: 12/16/12 2:13 PM Most of us have been in your shoes in the last couple of years. Yikes is right. You should try every brand and see what you think. Of course, we want you to report back and tell us what you are finding and so forth. ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
jannw   Intermediate WA USA Member since 9/3/06 Posts: 7394	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << 1 member likes this. Date: 12/16/12 2:40 PM As you know, I'm new to quilting but if you find a Babylock you like..check out the equivilent machine in Brother. They are now made by the same company and Brother does seem to have more features for less money. A vintage machine might be a good choice for what you want but most are very heavy so wouldn't be portable for classes without some difficulty.. ------ 2009-113.25 yds 2010-115.5 2011-80.25+30+donated 2012 86.3 yds.. 2013 21.0 Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1667	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/16/12 2:45 PM Someone just posted about Pfaff perhaps making a new 4.2 in the spring - I like the Pfaff dealer here - and I like the Janome dealer here .. Im lucky the Janome dealer now sells Elna/brother also! Have fun shopping and keep us updated on what you are shopping for -- For some reason i thought you already had the Pfaff 4.0? Was it you who a few weeks back had some timing issue come up? I cant remember - Have fun shopping ------ Drag queen quilter!
TailorsDen   Advanced ON CANADA Member since 12/25/04 Posts: 42	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/16/12 3:07 PM Have you narrowed down/defined in your mind what stitches you want your second machine to have? That might help make the decision making a bit easier by narrowing the field a little. If you want it just for quilting and just for good straight stitch, for example, a featherweight or even a old black 201 might be better priced. edited to add: oops, sorry, upon re-reading I see that you are looking for a full featured machine. Pls ignore my previous post -- Edited on 12/16/12 3:11 PM --
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2189	Login to reply to this post In reply to AminaHijabi << Like this post Date: 12/16/12 3:14 PM Quote: AminaHijabi I got an email from Viking that their Saphire 835 would be $799 for a limited time. It doesn't have dual feed, but their walking foot is really nice and has interchangeable soles. I really have to have dual feed! Thanks though for the info. ------ Cathryn
TessKwiltz   Intermediate TX USA Member since 9/21/07 Posts: 1337	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << Like this post Date: 12/16/12 3:16 PM Cat, is Princess's problem that she is overloaded, or that she gets full of linty gunk where you can't get to it? I was thinking you might consider a machine where you can access the whole drive shaft and clean it out? Maybe a straight-stitcher just for those heavy duty times. Then you could keep using that bamboo batting you love. I looove my Berninas, I have three of them, but I also dearly love my vintage machines especially my Featherweight and 201. User serviceability of these older machines is terrific - there was no expectation of hauling the machine in for annual maintenance. I also have a Brother PQ1500S (my Quilters Dream for it is in - woohoo!) but I'm not sure if the drive shaft can be user-accessed for cleaning. I'll have to pull it out of the corner and look at it more closely. Edited after... Quote: I really have to have dual feed! Nevermind! -- Edited on 12/16/12 3:18 PM -- ------ Tess On threadpainting flowers: "How many colors are in a flower? ... How many do you have?" - Ellen Anne Eddy
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2189	Login to reply to this post In reply to quiltingwolf << Like this post Date: 12/16/12 3:18 PM Quote: quiltingwolf Cat go look under machines on this board and you will find out just about every machine out there. I personally like the Brother new Dreamweaver embroidery machine and the new Janome horizon. I'll keep dreaming lol I have been looking for a few months now, and I really was so excited about the Janome, but it weighs a ton! It is expensive too, to get one with their accufeed. I already have an embroidery machine, more equivalent to the Horizon, so I don't need another one with THAT many features. I am looking for a lighter second machine I can take to classes. ------ Cathryn

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