julstech
 
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 10/23/09
Posts: 24 |
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Date: 12/29/12 8:43 PM I need a better sewing machine for taking to classes and sewing guild meetings. I thought I found the perfect machine but then I became concerned about durability since the machine will likely get knocked around quite a bit.
For my travel sewing machine I would love the following features:
- Memorized needle up/down
- Start/stop sewing button
- Sewing speed slider control
- Automatic thread cutter
- Weighs less than 18 pounds
For my travel sewing machine, I MUST have these features:
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Twin needle sewing
- Adjustable foot pressure
- Adjustable needle position (preferably both right and left of center)
- Low shank compatible so I can use all of my current feet and buttonholer
- Decent free motion quilting
I found all of these features on the Bernettes and the Janome 8050 (sold at Hancock Fabrics). I would like to purchase a Bernette because the stitches are better quality and I could support a local small business owner.
In the Bernette line there are both mechanical and computerized models. The computerized model is $75 more but includes all of my wishlist features.
What are your experiences with computerized sewing machines that you take to classes? Have they held up well or did some of the computerized features break due to all the jostling that occurred during your travels?
Please help. I'm really torn on this. I don't want to spend the extra money and risk an expensive repair later but I REALLY want those extra features. I'm pretty careful with my machines but I'm also a klutz so an accident is bound to happen at some point.
Thoughts on this??!! |
anne123184
Advanced Beginner
USA
Member since 9/29/10
Posts: 110 |
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Date: 12/29/12 9:12 PM I am also interested on your search!
I found this model PC-420PRW from brother. It is the same as the new simplicity models.
I think it is also the same as the babylock elizabeht.. check it out.
Anne ------
Live what you preach |
Maia B
Advanced Beginner
IL USA
Member since 10/27/10
Posts: 3406 |
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Date: 12/29/12 9:22 PM If I had any excuse, I'd get a Bernette 20. ------
🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸 |
HDWen
Advanced Beginner
AZ USA
Member since 12/26/11
Posts: 1240 |
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Date: 12/29/12 9:34 PM  Got to keep my eye on this -- We take our 5th wheel and travel from June - October, miles and miles on the ROAD
since I'm going to be buying a new computerized, you have me a bit worried about taking it with.
Hope someone posts that travels with theirs
:-Debbie ------
I have great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great.
2013 |
ilesliemy
Advanced
TX USA
Member since 2/25/05
Posts: 740
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Date: 12/29/12 9:38 PM I have traveled with a 230 Bernina Activa for a number of years. Sturdy, heavy duty motor, knee lift and heel tap foot pedal plus a very nice stitch selection too. Before that I had a 135s but was talked out of it!
Leslie ------
Bernina Gal |
PattiAnnJ
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OH USA
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 5000
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Date: 12/29/12 9:54 PM If you should take a quilt class you want to use the same machine for class and at home as the accuracy of the piecing may differ when using two different machines. |
julstech
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 10/23/09
Posts: 24 |
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Date: 12/29/12 10:05 PM Quote: ilesliemy
I have traveled with a 230 Bernina Activa for a number of years. Sturdy, heavy duty motor, knee lift and heel tap foot pedal plus a very nice stitch selection too. Before that I had a 135s but was talked out of it!
Leslie
That helps. Thanks.
anne123184--
I found the Brother 420 here:
Brother PR-420W
Nice machine! Hmmm, more to consider.
Maia B--
Yes, I definitely like the Bernette 20. Also, it might be even more travel friendly because it is so sleek; no buttons or handles out in the open to be bumped and damaged. |
julstech
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 10/23/09
Posts: 24 |
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Date: 12/29/12 10:09 PM Quote: PattiAnnJ
If you should take a quilt class you want to use the same machine for class and at home as the accuracy of the piecing may differ when using two different machines.
Funny you mentioned that. I took my first quilting class a month ago and that is what prompted my travel sewing machine hunt. I was taking a mechanical Singer to class and trying to finish the blocks at home on my Janome 7700. NONE of my blocks ended up being the right size and some were very hard to match seams on. I figured I messed them up by using 2 different machines to make them. So I started hunting around for a better travel sewing machine since I chose to finish blocks on the Janome because I hated my Singer machine that I took to class. Oh well. Lesson learned...and now I have an excuse to buy a new machine! |
anne123184
Advanced Beginner
USA
Member since 9/29/10
Posts: 110 |
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Date: 12/29/12 10:18 PM Quote: PattiAnnJ
If you should take a quilt class you want to use the same machine for class and at home as the accuracy of the piecing may differ when using two different machines.
I agree to this. However, my laura ashley nx2000 which I will mostly use for quilting is just too heavy to bring. The class is also at the 2nd floor of the quilting shop.. (STAIRS!)
If the OP uses a Janome, then I think use the smaller size Janomes..
Anne ------
Live what you preach |
Scrnme007
Beginner
USA
Member since 4/5/11
Posts: 60 |
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Date: 12/30/12 0:58 AM Id like to know about babylock Sophia 2 ------
SewWannabe-SewReady |
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