shiborisan
Member since 3/5/12
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Date: 3/11/12 4:02 PM Hi, I am downsizing my studio. Currently have my little Pfaff 4752 serger on eBay. Am thinking about my Bernina 430 and wondering if I need it. I bought it new a few years ago (when the 430 and 440) first came out, upgrading from the 1630. Prior to that I had a 1530, a 1230/1260 (don't remember which one), and my first was a 1090. During most of those years I was a big time quilter. But I stopped quilting 10 years ago. I really only bought the 430 because the lighting was so improved (I could actually see what I was sewing without extra lighting), and the variable speed. It's hardly been used, and recently, only for repairs/small garment changes.
So -- I am considering selling the 430 and either living with no machine or getting something to put in the back closet to have on hand when needed for those minor tasks. I've looked at some of the older Berninas on eBay -- my favorite (wish I'd never moved on, except for the lighting) was the 1230/1260. But it's HEAVY. Millions of years ago my very first machine was a dreadful Brother that I fought and hated for 2 years before buying my first Bernina. I've read here about "3/4" machines but don't know what that means. I'm not a vintage person at all, I like simple/clean/straightforward. I don't want alphabets or embroidery. Needle up/down, the ability to go half speed or slow down the speed, and good lighting are probably the top things. I like the knee lift of Berninas but could probably get used to not having it. I love the clean stitch the Bernina makes. But ... maybe there are better options given my need to downsize. What do you think? Sell and replace? Sell and use the dry cleaners for repairs? Not sell? I would welcome your ideas. And if you have ideas for replacing the 430 with a different machine, I'd love to hear those thoughts too. Thanks so much, Shibo
-- Edited on 3/11/12 4:02 PM -- |
GothDom
 
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Date: 3/11/12 4:13 PM If you want to get rid of everything else and stay with Bernina...
a 930 or 1030 would suit MOST of what you need. You may want to add one of those stick on lights.
------
http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
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Mufffet
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VT USA
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Date: 3/11/12 4:31 PM Since you have a 430, why not keep it. It seems on the way to becoming a real Bernina classic for garment sewers, as far as I can tell. I know people here who have one love it. You won't know the shape of any machine you buy used, or how people have cared for it. You do know your own machine. I wouldn't sell it. I think I would keep the Bernina, and one mechanical machine and a serger if you need one, but really - probably we could live without a serger. I hate to say it, but I probably could. When you say downsize, I hardly think the space taken up by your 430 will differ much from the space taken up by another machine. We always need space to sew on whatever machine we have. If I had a 430, I would probably sell all my other machines, and keep it. Just like if I had to downsize now, the Viking would come out the winner and I would find a place to stash my Pfaff 1222E no matter what - even if it were going into a kitchen cabinet. So many other things in the house could be gotten rid of before those two machines! ------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
--Dalai Lama
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lgrande
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MT USA
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In reply to shiborisan
Date: 3/11/12 5:07 PM My question for you would be; Do you no longer get enjoyment out of sewing? If not, then it would seem you could get rid of all of it and never look back.
But could you really be happy never sewing again?
Linda ------
Linda
Bernina 830LE
Bernina B530
Janome 6600P
Pfaff 1209
Babylock Evolution
Janome 644D |
shiborisan
Member since 3/5/12
Posts: 4 |
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Date: 3/11/12 5:29 PM Thanks for your responses so far. I guess I am trying to figure out if sewing is still part of my life - that's the downsizing part. I guess I was wondering (hoping) that a smaller, lighter but still pretty good little machine might exist that could kind of fit this in-between place I find myself in. A 3/4 machine (whatever that is exactly)? |
andye
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VA USA
Member since 5/9/09
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Date: 3/11/12 5:44 PM I can give you the dimensions of my Bernina 330,as it has been called a 3/4 size machine
13.25 inches wide
11.75 inches tall
6.5 inches deep
(That's without the sewing table.)
The harp size is 6.25 inches to the right of the needle. It weighs about 19 lbs. It has good lighting (better than the Bernina 215, which is cheaper). It's missing a number of features that send some scrambling for the the few 430s that still remain at the dealers.
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dresscode
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Date: 3/11/12 9:43 PM I would keep he 430. Especially if the 1230/1260 was your favorite from past. My taste in machines is very similar to you....but I draw line at the 3/4 machines. |
Twizard
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UT
Member since 2/11/12
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Date: 3/11/12 11:17 PM Put the 430 in your closet, explore your new interests. This is a nice machine, and you already own it. You have had some nice machines, and will probably hate mending on plastic Walmart specials. My opinion! ------
Pfaff 1471, janome 8050, bernina 830e, singer quantum lock 5, baby lock protege, pfaff 794 |
joycea
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USA
Member since 9/26/10
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Date: 3/11/12 11:47 PM I too am in the same position and seem to have lost my passion for sewing. I currently have three machines and a serger. I have a Babylock Ellageo that is the first model, a Janome 10001, and a Bernina 165. My serger is an Elna. I was heavy into all kinds of sewing, embroidery, etc. but just have lost interest. I have thought of selling all but my Bernina. I had a Bernina 130 and sold it to get the 165 at one point. I also bought and sold a featherweight within one year. I am at a loss as to what to tell you as I am in the same position. I've done garments, quilts, heirloom, costumes, doll clothes, purses, etc. but the thrill is gone..it seems so expensive too. Good luck with your decision. A new machine might spark your interest and if you have the cash, give it a try.
-- Edited on 3/11/12 11:48 PM -- |
heathergwo
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CA USA
Member since 11/14/11
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Date: 3/11/12 11:51 PM I think I'd hold onto the machine. Get rid of the rest, but keep the machine. You've already paid for it and it's yours and you know what's been done to it and what hasn't. If you're still feeling this way in 6 mos to a year and you haven't used it, then downgrade. ------
Brother Innovis 1250D
Singer Curvy 8763
Brother 1034D
Janome 385.19606
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