Date: 2/11/03 5:46 PM

Hi ho...

Can I get some advice on brands/models for a secondary sewing machine?

I have a gorgeous old (1953) "Woodcrest" machine (solid metal, weighs a million pounds!) that my mom bought just after she was married...it sews like a dream and I don't have any intention of replacing it...

BUT...being as old as it is, it doesn't have a couple of features that I'd really like - like the ability to use a twin needle for finishing knits or a good stretch stitch (although my mom did "Stretch-and-Sew" for decades!).  Buttonholes that aren't 100% manual would be nice too *grin*.

I don't want to spend a whole lot on this, since it's not going to be my primary machine (I really love my existing machine and while I've tried a number of others, none 'feel' right for long sewing sessions! *g*)

I've got no real brand preferences or prejudicies, so I'm open to suggestions...

TIA!

------
what if the hokey-pokey really IS what it's all about?

Date: 2/12/03 7:21 AM

Hi! I'm sure a lot of people have their favorites. I hope you can indulge yourself in the pleasure of trying them out to see what you personally like. Having said that, here are two suggestions. Pfaff has a great thing going with its integrated dual feed system, and they have some lower priced models that include it, plus other good features. You could ask for the Freestyle (I think it is Pfaff 1540)  When I was shopping I found nothing that could compare in number of features (including number of 1 step buttonholes and alphabets) to my Babylock Espire. The Brother PC6000 is a cheaper version of the same machine. A really great feature, too, is the automatic thread cutoff. Good luck!
Mary Beth

Date: 2/12/03 8:17 AM

Given that this is my only sewing machine ever, I don't have a lot to compare it to.  But I have been pleased with my Kenmore (Sears).  I think it is actually made by Janome, although I am not positive.  The Kenmore line has many models, with varying quantities of stitches, and are reasonably priced.

------
With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Fabric = clothing (some assembly required) (from Re Becca's DH)

Date: 2/13/03 10:58 PM

Thanks Mary Beth and AnneM!

I've been doing a whack of surfing, and I'm inclined towards a Janome that I can only find offered through Sears - the Harmony 2049.  It's got the basic features I'm looking for (stretch stiches, 1-step buttonhole, twin needle capability) and it's really well priced.  

I'm not an impulse shopper by nature, plus I'm not working right now, so it'll be a while before I buy, so I've got lots of time to "test drive" other makes and models!

In the meantime, I think I'll borrow a friend's 10 year old Janome...she's too busy knitting to want to sew anything...*grin*

------
what if the hokey-pokey really IS what it's all about?

Date: 3/10/07 12:15 PM

I want to purchase a sewing/embriodery machine without spending all my savings. LOL What do you think of the BabyLock Ellure and/or their other models? It's very confusing. I want to be able to embroider names, etc. on my line of doggie outerwear, my SO's name on his lab coats, things like that. I have looked at a Singer but you have to be hooked up to the computer to use the embroidery function. Thanks a lot.

Reply to BostonMom
Date: 3/10/07 12:31 PM

I am a Babylock fan. I own the Imagine serger and the New Esante combo machine. My first BL product was the stand alone Espree`embroidery machine. I think BL is a very good product. Brother makes their sewing/embroidery machines but does not make their sergers. There is very little difference in the options on the two brands but there are some. Price seems to be the major difference with Brother's being a bit less expensive. BL has excellent customer service/relations through their distributor, Tacony. When I say that, I am not referring to any local dealer. I am only referring to Tacony and BL. I have a local dealer that is great at selling machines but not so great with his after-market service. So, don't confuse the two! Dealer vs distributor! BL does offer a stand alone emb. machine with a 5 x 7 stitch field. Personally, I am not at all impressed with having to keep the machine, i.e. Singer, connected to the computer. If you have room to keep a computer and the sewing machine side by side then that may be great. My computer and my sm are in two different rooms and no room in either to place them side by side. Have you checked here for info on the BL products? http://www.babylock.com. There is a wealth of information there on every machine they sell. Good luck and hope this helps!
-- Edited on 3/10/07 12:34 PM --

Reply to Jules/Vancouver BC
Date: 8/22/07 8:40 AM

I second getting a Pfaff with IDF. My quilting friends may long for Berninas, but once you get hooked on the dual feed you can't go back. :-) I have two Pfaffs an older mechanical 6122 and a computerized 2040, which I purchased on ebay last year. They are both great, but the 2040 has additional features. Pfaff is coming out with a new model in September which will surely command big $$$$, but maybe you can find someone willing to part with an older machine.

Subject: Kenmore Elite 19005 Date: 3/9/08 2:55 PM

I am considering upgrading my Kenmore 19233 for a Kenmore 19005. Does any know if you can elongate all of the stitches or just some of them? If the embroidery arm is one motion like the Janome 10000. How well does the touch screen work in terms of editing the designs. How well do the embroidery patterns look and stitch and any other information on this machine. I also looked at the Janome models and like the features but some of their pricing is more than I want to spend. Also can anyone give me suggestions on an embroidery machine in the 2000 or under range. What I really want is a machine that I can elongate the stitches. and an adjustable pressor foot pressure. Thanks

Reply to purplepeach
Date: 3/10/08 11:44 AM

You might want to start a new thread in the Sewing and Sergers area with your question! I know there are a few people who would see it there and be glad to help! Use the machine number as your subject and your question - elongation of stitches - as your second line.

------
"Begin each day as if it were on purpose."
--Mary Anne Radmacher

"No one should ever feel bad about buying a sewing machine."
--Sewwolf

Date: 3/11/08 0:27 AM

How much are you wanting to spend? That is a good place to start.

------
John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV