Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Pfaff creative sensation vs BL ellisimo
Zaffy Intermediate WV USA Member since 9/23/07 Posts: 22	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/27/12 11:28 AM I need some guidance to compare the CS with the Ellisimo. What are the advantages/disadvantages of one to the other? I have a Viking Ruby that I'm not particularly fond of. I use it only for embroidery and garment/quilt sewing on my Pfaff 7570(which I love). Any comments are appreciated.
KPM   Advanced HI USA Member since 1/18/07 Posts: 668	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/27/12 1:38 PM You simply must sit and sew to make this decision. The Ellisimo is an outstanding machine, with the best embroidery placement feature on the market. It uses a little paper snowman sticky to orient the embroidery design - so simple to use. The built in camera scans for the snowman to determine the x and y axis of where the design should stitch out. So you can have the fabric hooped all wonky and still get the grain direction, or any other variable, just the way you want it. Threading is fully automated and works very well. It comes with an excellent inspirational guide in case you are too far from the dealer for classes. It does everything else well too, except I prefer to sew a patch on with my Viking - the E makes a funny chugging motion when stitching directional stitches east/west. My major complaints about the E are the overwhelming size (the Diamond has about the same opening but is a much sleeker machine), and how far away from me the needle is located. I prefer the intimacy of a machine with the needle closer to the sewer. Also, you need a screwdriver to switch out the throat plates. This can become annoying if your sewing requires you to switch back and forth frequently. As for the CS, I think this would be my personal preference even though embroidery placement isn't as simple. For one thing, the walking foot feature is built in - nothing to screw on. I just love the way these machines stitch, and their stitch selections, both in sewing and embroidery mode. The hover feature is superior to the E in that it doesn't confuse you with having to toggle icons - the presser foot lowers automatically like the Designers, no matter what. Yet you also have the knee lift. Check to see if it has directional sewing - my PCP does not or else I haven't found it yet, and I don't see it on the Sensation feature list on the website. I'm referring to a menu where you can switch easily from straight or zig-zag stitching oriented north, south, east or west as well as diagonally. So, for sewing on a patch for example, you can begin sewing the top edge from left to right, hit an icon and it will sew down the right side, hit another icon and it will sew from right to left along the bottom edge, hit another icon and it will sew up the left edge to where you began. All without turning the fabric. My Diamond does this beautifully so is my go-to machine for sewing on patches and labels or anything like that, say, in the middle of a quilt. So depends upon whether this is an important feature for you, as the E definitely does have it (though funky). There are a zillion posts here about what to take with you when trying out a sm, but it boils down to trying all the types of sewing/fabric you use most on both machines as well as going through the basics of setting up (including switching back and forth from sewing to embroidery). I would also add that, if you are not in a hurry, you might test the Bernina 7 series once they have them sorted out later in 2013. If they haven't totally destroyed their reputation and shot themselves in the foot again as with the 830. Good luck! ------ Let's just say all modern sms are well represented in my studio.
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6735	Login to reply to this post In reply to KPM << 2 members like this. Date: 12/27/12 3:33 PM Your PCP has directional sewing. Ok I'm back, had to go find the manual page; it's "Four-Direction Sewing", page 4:21 of the manual. Sew north, south, east and west to your heart's content. And I gotta tell ya, it is seriously WEIRD watching your sewing machine stitch sideways! -- Edited on 12/27/12 3:39 PM -- ------ 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.
Zaffy Intermediate WV USA Member since 9/23/07 Posts: 22	Login to reply to this post In reply to KPM << Like this post Date: 12/27/12 7:58 PM Thanks so much for the insight and comparison. It's the Ruby that I will trade/sell for a new machine. I am leaning towards the CS as I have had such a good experience with the old Pfaff. The embroidery placement of the Ellisimo is what attracts me to that machine. Again, thank you for the help.
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2500	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/27/12 9:28 PM Let us know which one you decide to get!
RipStitcher Intermediate Member since 5/28/12 Posts: 1401	Login to reply to this post In reply to Zaffy << Like this post Date: 12/28/12 2:21 AM Quote: Zaffy I need some guidance to compare the CS with the Ellisimo. What are the advantages/disadvantages of one to the other? I have a Viking Ruby that I'm not particularly fond of. I use it only for embroidery and garment/quilt sewing on my Pfaff 7570(which I love). Any comments are appreciated. Hi.... I took classes on the CS & CP before I wound up buying a Janome for construction and the EG primarily for embroidery. For doing heavier work (crazy purses, tote bags and other crafty stuff)... the Horizon rocks with the dual feed. I like it much better than using a walking foot. If you don't do heavier stuff, then the EG is such a very sweeeeeet machine to sew on. So smooth you won't believe it. I've used the EG to sew just a little - I've been using it mostly for embroidery. It's an amazing machine. For the prices, I got both machines for what the CS would have cost me... and I wound up with more quality and versatility this way than going down the Pfaff road, IMO. ------ nightowlsally.com On my radar someday: Babylock Serger, and some machine for travel. My dearest wish is to have Bernina come out with a machine that doesn't give me a reason to *not* buy it. 2012: New Elna Lotus (mostly for granddaughter), Red Elna Press, Horizon 7700, Gidget 2 Table, Babylock Ellisimo Gold 1970's: Elna SU62 & ElnaPress
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1040	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/28/12 5:57 AM I moved from a Singer to a Bernina to the EG. I love my EG. So quiet. Handles every thread type- no adjustments. Haven't owned a Pfaff but the PC sounds like a gem. I haven't used my walking foot once on the EG- just haven't needed it. I made a lined tote bag and potholders, crafts, etc. No problem with the fabric shifting using regular foot. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
Lucy in Virginia   Advanced Beginner VA USA Member since 12/20/07 Posts: 264	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/28/12 1:48 PM I can't speak to the Pfaff, but I do own an Ellisimo (for 2 1/2 years now). I still love it, even though I don't embroidery on it as much as I thought I would (because I'm constantly sewing on it!). I am constantly finding "new features" on my machine that delight me. And it is so reliable. I love not having to use a foot pedal and to be able to sew at a snail's pace (which is what I usually do). I agree that you should try them because depending on whether you quilt, embroidery, or sew the most, you'll develop preferences. Also, you just may like the "feel" of one over the other. If you are balking at price, don't forget to also consider the Ellisimo's less expensive "twin", the Brother Quattro. Also a wonderful machine and both are made by Tacony; bobbins are interchangeable; and much is the same between them. I don't know why Brother's are so much cheaper, as I can see no difference in performance. I chose the Ellisimo because I fell in love with my dealer and all the classes she brings to the area. ------ Total Stash at end of 2011 -- 700 yds. ??... 2012 Total Items Sewn -- 14 2012 Total Stash Used -- 28.125 (yay!) Remaining stash, including new purchases -- about 708.38 yds 2012 Goal: 700 yds. or less for Dec. 31, 2012. Machines: Babylock Ellisimo; Viking Platinum 770; Brother 900D Serger: Baby Lock Evolve

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.