SandiMacD
 
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 2/8/09
Posts: 1046 |
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Date: 10/20/12 7:04 PM I have an Ellisimo Gold and want the lightest weight machine I can get that sews a good quality stitch over denim jeans seams.
I plan to take it to ASG meetings, teach young family members that visit and eventually pass it on to one of them.
I sort of like the mechanical aspect of the Molly.
I had a Bernina 430 and it was very hard for my aging eyes to read the small display. I am drawn to the Molly's dial and buttons but from the PR reviews available, the Grace may operate a bit quieter and be more stable on the table.
I will be sewing straight seams and winding bobbins so I have no need for a variety of stitches or buttonhole options. I also would like to turn tight curves so I don't want wide feed dogs (5mm or less if fine). And I would like a small free arm for those baby clothes I find myself making for the next generation!
I am only looking at the BL brand because I want to be able to use the same feet, attachments, bobbins, needles, screwdrivers, etc that I already own and I like my local BL dealer. She recommended the Sofia but I don't want embroidery, I just a solid, quality straight stitch and top stitch. She didn't have a Molly in stock but I did try out the Grace today. The display screen was hard to see, the icons were tiny and when I make a W/L adjustment I couldn't always see what was on the display very well. I suspect I can better see the dial position on the Molly so an accidental turn of the dial won't land me into trouble because I can see where it's pointing.
I did consider the Anna but I really need the needle threader.
Does anyone have experience with either of these?
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re-living my youth through sewing... |
Sewmissy2
Advanced
MO USA
Member since 12/5/10
Posts: 94 |
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Date: 10/21/12 9:26 AM Hands down go for the Grace! It is quiet, has a speed control and the numbers are so easy to dial in to choose the stitches. It tells you which foot to put on for the stitches. It also has a button for setting automatic reinforcement for the beginning and end of the line of stitching. Grace is lightweight, comes with more feet. Needle up/down button is handy as well.
Molly is mechanical as you know and the feet are different. I don't know for sure that the same feet will fit on Molly as your Ellisimo. It is not as user-friendly and I believe it is a bit heavier. You have to set your width and length for stitches as well as tensions, where on the Grace it sets them for you..though you can easily change them if desired. |
Sewmissy2
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MO USA
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Date: 10/21/12 9:28 AM Oh forgot to mention, Grace has a foot (the J foot) that has a button on the side that will make the foot level when going over a jeans seam. It goes over denim very very well. |
SandiMacD
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 2/8/09
Posts: 1046 |
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Date: 10/21/12 1:57 PM Thanks. I will look more closely at the feet. It was a very smooth machine when I tried it out so I may come to like it. ------
re-living my youth through sewing... |
karen149
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 3/4/05
Posts: 2511 |
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Date: 10/21/12 3:34 PM The Molly has adjustable foot pressure, if that is important to you. I would consider it the sturdier of the two. I've sewn on the Grace and it is a smaller machine, but still nice for what it is. |
SandiMacD
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 2/8/09
Posts: 1046 |
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Date: 10/21/12 7:51 PM Do you find the Molly foot pedal responsive? I couldn't find SPM online at the BL site. I don't need excessive speed but would like something that responds to my foot pressure other than an "all or nothing". ------
re-living my youth through sewing... |
karen149
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 3/4/05
Posts: 2511 |
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Date: 10/22/12 4:51 PM You may want to check out this video demonstrating jeans construction. The sewer is using the Brother twin of the Grace so it might give you a good idea of how it works. |
SandiMacD
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 2/8/09
Posts: 1046 |
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 1 member likes this. Thanks! ------
re-living my youth through sewing... |
SandiMacD
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 2/8/09
Posts: 1046 |
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Date: 10/25/12 4:09 PM I just got back from my BL dealer. I had already used the Grace when teaching a 4H group so tried out the Molly. Was quoted $400. Also wanted to try Sophia2 and Elizabeth. No Elizabeth- on back order. They did have the Sophia and the harp size was about 1.5 inches smaller than Molly so I didn't even try it. I actually liked Molly. I grew up on a mechanical Singer 301- Molly's foot pedal response was like that- very easy to use. I liked the basting stitch and needle threading and weight. She feels solid yet light enough for travel. I liked her better than Grace.
I want to wait until they get restocked with the Elizabeth model before committing but I think my gut says go with Molly.
-- Edited on 10/25/12 4:10 PM -- ------
re-living my youth through sewing... |
Artsewer
Intermediate
NY USA
Member since 3/2/11
Posts: 1236 |
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Date: 10/29/12 2:36 AM I tried the audrey, sophia, and elizabeth. I dont know what your max budget is but I really like the elizabeth. I know you only want to take it to retreats and things but this machine has so much going for it at a very reasonable for its features price. I thought the the Sophia 2 was very smooth and quiet. The audrey to me, was not as smooth or quiet and I didnt like the feel of it. All is just my opinion, Never tried Molly. ------
Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC |
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