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comparing brands for new purchase (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 11/27/08 7:00 PM ET
I would like to surprise my wife with a new machine to replace a very old Singer. Have looked at Bernina 430 and wonder how it compares to others, such as Pfaff and Viking in similar price range (up to 2000) and capabilities. Also, are these that much better at sewing than Singer since they are much more expensive(ok, but just wondering). For an experienced sewer which would you recommend and why.
Posted on: 11/27/08 7:13 PM ET
In reply to wlk
You might want to list the various types of sewing projects your wife enjoys-
Then the sewers here can help you zero-in on the specific features/models that would be suit her best..
You could also give her a gift certificate for that amount from your local dealer, & then let her "test drive" & select the model that fits her needs exactingly.
Buying a SM is like buying an auto, or new shoes-what is comfortable to one person, may not fit well on another.
just my Very humble opinion.
Very nice DHubby thing to do, she's going to be thrilled:)
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Then the sewers here can help you zero-in on the specific features/models that would be suit her best..
You could also give her a gift certificate for that amount from your local dealer, & then let her "test drive" & select the model that fits her needs exactingly.
Buying a SM is like buying an auto, or new shoes-what is comfortable to one person, may not fit well on another.
just my Very humble opinion.
Very nice DHubby thing to do, she's going to be thrilled:)
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ButtonLady
http://michiganbuttonsociety.org/
http://nationalbuttonsociety.org
http://michiganbuttonsociety.org/
http://nationalbuttonsociety.org
Posted on: 11/27/08 7:23 PM ET
In reply to wlk
To help others answer you it would help to know the model and year on the Singer since post-1962 or so the quality went down a lot. Earlier Singers have a quality that can't be beat, but the newer computerized machines are a lot of fun and have lots of features.
Also what type of sewing does she do (quilting, crafts, children's, fashion)? The dealer could be a tie-breaker as many of these and other brands all have some good machines. Also is your wife the type that loves to choose her own tools rather than be surprised?
Edt: Sorry, I didn't see ButtonLady's entry. Good ideas there! I also like the gift certificate-it could even be homemade with a check or cash bills so she could pick her own brand! That's what I would prefer.
-- Edited on 11/27/08 7:28 PM --
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Also what type of sewing does she do (quilting, crafts, children's, fashion)? The dealer could be a tie-breaker as many of these and other brands all have some good machines. Also is your wife the type that loves to choose her own tools rather than be surprised?
Edt: Sorry, I didn't see ButtonLady's entry. Good ideas there! I also like the gift certificate-it could even be homemade with a check or cash bills so she could pick her own brand! That's what I would prefer.
-- Edited on 11/27/08 7:28 PM --
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Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A, Kenmore Mini-Ultra, vintage Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle
Posted on: 11/27/08 7:58 PM ET
In reply to wlk
I agree with Button Lady. A sewing machine is a very personal choice, though a Bernina 430 is a great machine. It depends on what she sews. A gift certificate for sewing machine shopping so that she can pick her own machine is a good idea.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Posted on: 11/27/08 8:26 PM ET
FWIW, I am in the process of switching from a Husqvarna Viking to a Bernina.
The reasons? I love quilting and to sew that 1/4" seam, the Berninas feed better (no pulling to the left) and have a nicer straight stitch than my lovely HQV D1. The D1 does a lovely job of embroidery and fancy stitches, but for quilt piecing, not so great.
I also want the BSR that Berninas have so I can free motion quilt more easily. This device regulates the stitch length when you are quilting free, without the feed dogs engaged.
If I had to do it all over again, I would go Bernina.
The reasons? I love quilting and to sew that 1/4" seam, the Berninas feed better (no pulling to the left) and have a nicer straight stitch than my lovely HQV D1. The D1 does a lovely job of embroidery and fancy stitches, but for quilt piecing, not so great.
I also want the BSR that Berninas have so I can free motion quilt more easily. This device regulates the stitch length when you are quilting free, without the feed dogs engaged.
If I had to do it all over again, I would go Bernina.
Posted on: 11/27/08 11:51 PM ET
In reply to wlk
Agree that it would be good to know what kind of features your wife prefers in a sewing machine and what kinds of things she sews...but not knowing that at the moment I would just say that many years ago I also did not buy a Bernina (because of an unfriendly dealership) and have also regretted it ever since.
Keep in mind that accessories for Berninas such as presser feet are quite expensive, so to add these later will be more expensive than accessories for other brands.
ETA: My missed Bernina purchase was over 25 years ago and would have cost only $350 during a 50% off sale...so times certainly have changed prices.
-- Edited on 11/27/08 11:56 PM --
Keep in mind that accessories for Berninas such as presser feet are quite expensive, so to add these later will be more expensive than accessories for other brands.
ETA: My missed Bernina purchase was over 25 years ago and would have cost only $350 during a 50% off sale...so times certainly have changed prices.
-- Edited on 11/27/08 11:56 PM --
Posted on: 11/28/08 0:43 AM ET
In reply to wlk
I would love to have a Bernina 430 over a Viking or Pfaff any day. Costly, but as another poster already stated, they sew a great seam and a great stitch. The 430 is computerized, will she be comfortable with that? The feet cost more but I'm sure it will come with several feet to get her going. Heck, the dealer might throw in a couple more if you ask. If so, I'd ask for #57 the 1/4" piecing foot. I have it and I love it!
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Carol - * I always have more time to sew *
Babylock Ellageo, Viking Mega Quilter, Janome MC6600P, Babylock Evolve Serger, Janome FM 725
Babylock Ellageo, Viking Mega Quilter, Janome MC6600P, Babylock Evolve Serger, Janome FM 725
Posted on: 11/28/08 9:13 AM ET
I think it's wonerful you want to buy your wife a new sewing machine. But I think if she really likes to sew and this isn't a machine thats used every so often she would love to pick it out herself. So then she can try the different machines and see which one she bonds with. Maybe make a date of it tell her your going someplace else and surprise her and head to a few dealerships. Not that most of us wouldn't love coming down on Xmas morning to a new machine but I think this is more fun and gives her a chance to pick out something right for her.
Posted on: 11/28/08 10:32 AM ET
In reply to wlk
Give her a budget and take her around to all the sewing dealers on a Saturday morning. Being with her, you can assure the sales people that you are holding to a specific dollar limit (tell them it includes tax "and everything"), and let your wife decide which machine is calling to her.
I can't imagine getting a machine that doesn't have this stitch:
I prefer a drop-in rotary bobbin where the shuttle goes around continuously, not oscillating where the shuttle goes back and forth.
I like a needle-up and needle-down selection, and speed control is nice, too.
I think everyone likes dealers who treat you with respect and don't try to force a sale. This is directly related to voting with your feet, wallet attached! Free lessons and initial training are always good.
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I can't imagine getting a machine that doesn't have this stitch:

I prefer a drop-in rotary bobbin where the shuttle goes around continuously, not oscillating where the shuttle goes back and forth.
I like a needle-up and needle-down selection, and speed control is nice, too.
I think everyone likes dealers who treat you with respect and don't try to force a sale. This is directly related to voting with your feet, wallet attached! Free lessons and initial training are always good.
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from Daytona Beach, FL
http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/
http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 11/28/08 11:12 AM ET
In reply to wlk
Bernina is the very best, in my opinion. However, the accessories are a little pricey.
Stay away from Singer - they are not the brand they used to be.
Instead of buying a machine, why not pick up brochures from the different dealers and put them in a holiday envelope for her. Then, visit the dealers the day after and she can try out the different brands and models AND the dealer.
That way she can choose the brand/model she likes best from the dealer she likes best.
I went shopping for a new Bernina a couple years ago and ended up with a Babylock (great machine) because the Bernina dealer turned out to be a stinker!
Happy shopping.
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Stay away from Singer - they are not the brand they used to be.
Instead of buying a machine, why not pick up brochures from the different dealers and put them in a holiday envelope for her. Then, visit the dealers the day after and she can try out the different brands and models AND the dealer.
That way she can choose the brand/model she likes best from the dealer she likes best.
I went shopping for a new Bernina a couple years ago and ended up with a Babylock (great machine) because the Bernina dealer turned out to be a stinker!
Happy shopping.
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