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Moderated by EleanorSews
Posted on: 7/25/08 4:53 PM ET
Did any of you have trouble warming up to computerized machines? (I have) Did any of you give up? (I did)
I have owned two computerized machines, Bernina and White, and didn't particularly like either of them. Both machines seemed to have a mind of their own and often didn't behave the way I assumed they would.
My biggest irritation is that when you press the reverse button (or the lockstitch button), both machines would usually take an extra stitch or two before reversing. So then I'd "plan early" and it didn't take the extra stitch. I don't have that problem with mechanical machines. They do what I expect them to do.
In knitting, there are great controversies about the relative merits of Continental vs. English knitting (picking or throwing). I haven't noticed, but I wonder if there's any disagreement about the preference of mechanical vs. computerized sewing machines. I have an obvious preference, anyone else?
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I have owned two computerized machines, Bernina and White, and didn't particularly like either of them. Both machines seemed to have a mind of their own and often didn't behave the way I assumed they would.
My biggest irritation is that when you press the reverse button (or the lockstitch button), both machines would usually take an extra stitch or two before reversing. So then I'd "plan early" and it didn't take the extra stitch. I don't have that problem with mechanical machines. They do what I expect them to do.
In knitting, there are great controversies about the relative merits of Continental vs. English knitting (picking or throwing). I haven't noticed, but I wonder if there's any disagreement about the preference of mechanical vs. computerized sewing machines. I have an obvious preference, anyone else?
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Joe in New Albany, iN
Posted on: 7/25/08 5:41 PM ET
In reply to Sewing Joe
Quote:
Did any of you have trouble warming up to computerized machines? (I have) Did any of you give up? (I did)
Did any of you have trouble warming up to computerized machines? (I have) Did any of you give up? (I did)
Nope and nope.
They are different. There are lots of fun things on a computerized machine. I also have mechanical machines. It also depends on the machine. My computerized Viking is very solid and handles anything, as does my mechanical Viking and for the most part my vintage Pfaff. I wouldn't go back to all mechanical now because I love the fun aspects of the computerized, but I do use the mechanicals as well.
I like needle up/down, screen displays, sensor buttonhole foot, all those stitches (don't use 'em all, but love 'em), STOP function, programming sequential stitches, alphabets, one touch stitch selection, easy stitch width and lenth selection, mirroring, etc., etc.
:)
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 7/25/08 5:44 PM ET
In reply to Sewing Joe
I really like my computerized Janome, but I know what you are saying. It seems that I have to make a conscious decision to use it or I will automatically use my 30-year old mechanical Kenmore. I really really love making buttonholes on the computerized machine though. But the Kenmore always made nice buttonholes.
I won't give up on it. I'll just keep deciding to use it until I automatically choose it. I like having it because of the assortment of stitches and it's embroidery capability, but I would probably look for another mechanical machine if my Kenmore ever gives up on me. You know, just for a backup.
I won't give up on it. I'll just keep deciding to use it until I automatically choose it. I like having it because of the assortment of stitches and it's embroidery capability, but I would probably look for another mechanical machine if my Kenmore ever gives up on me. You know, just for a backup.
Posted on: 7/25/08 5:54 PM ET
I've had limited experience with computerized but I'm discovering that I'm a simple sew-er - I like my machines just one step above a straight-stitch. My perfect machine would be fully mechanical, let me choose between left/middle/right needle positions, and have variable width zig-zag and stitch lengths. I really could do without even the reverse stitching (and have, for many years).
For me it's all about having full and complete control - I'd probably fall in love with a treadle machine given the chance. I do a lot of hand stitching because of the control and would rather do my embroidery by hand than by machine.
I'm the same way with cars - give me dials and a manual transmission and I'm happy. Probably why I love my 18-year-old car! I might be the same with computers, to a point - I love my mac but hate Windows because it's like I can see it thinking for me (and doing a bad job of it). Linux is just too much work for me, though I understand the appeal. Oh, and I'd rather use the oven or stove than the microwave. And cook from scratch rather than a box. And sew a full garment rather than do a little alteration.
Anyway, that's who I am and since it means my machines are cheaper I go with it. I have friends who wouldn't trade their fancy machines for anything and I'm thrilled for them - especially when they help me by doing button holes!
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For me it's all about having full and complete control - I'd probably fall in love with a treadle machine given the chance. I do a lot of hand stitching because of the control and would rather do my embroidery by hand than by machine.
I'm the same way with cars - give me dials and a manual transmission and I'm happy. Probably why I love my 18-year-old car! I might be the same with computers, to a point - I love my mac but hate Windows because it's like I can see it thinking for me (and doing a bad job of it). Linux is just too much work for me, though I understand the appeal. Oh, and I'd rather use the oven or stove than the microwave. And cook from scratch rather than a box. And sew a full garment rather than do a little alteration.
Anyway, that's who I am and since it means my machines are cheaper I go with it. I have friends who wouldn't trade their fancy machines for anything and I'm thrilled for them - especially when they help me by doing button holes!
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Kit
"Never underestimate the power of the right dress!" - drsue
"Hyu gots to know how to sveet tok de costumers, dollink" - Girl Genius, 11-24-08
"Never underestimate the power of the right dress!" - drsue
"Hyu gots to know how to sveet tok de costumers, dollink" - Girl Genius, 11-24-08
Posted on: 7/25/08 7:18 PM ET
In reply to Sewing Joe
for me i just figure theres too many things to go wrong in a computerised one and that it will also get dated and not last like a mechnical machine.
But then my hubby bought me a singer that was older than me for my 40th birthday haha.
But then my hubby bought me a singer that was older than me for my 40th birthday haha.
Posted on: 7/26/08 1:41 PM ET
I had no trouble warming up to a computerized machine -- I love mine for its power, convenience and ease. In contrast I intensely dislike sewing on a mechanical which I regard as "roughing it."
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
Posted on: 7/26/08 2:19 PM ET
In reply to nancy2001
Quote: nancy2001
I had no trouble warming up to a computerized machine -- I love mine for its power, convenience and ease. In contrast I intensely dislike sewing on a mechanical which I regard as "roughing it."
I had no trouble warming up to a computerized machine -- I love mine for its power, convenience and ease. In contrast I intensely dislike sewing on a mechanical which I regard as "roughing it."
I feel the same way. There is no way I'd go back to the olden days when I had to actually turn the hand wheel to put the needle up or have to change the settings for each part of a buttonhole.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
Posted on: 7/26/08 2:26 PM ET
In reply to Sherril Miller
Quote:
...have to change the settings for each part of a buttonhole
...have to change the settings for each part of a buttonhole
Oooh, thank goodness I never had to do that. My 30-year old Kenmore has a gizmo that makes the buttonholes in one step. It's not a presser foot, it actually attaches to the machine. You have to preset the size of the buttonhole with a dial, but it has all the standard sizes, plus a keyhole style.
If I had to change the settings for each part of a buttonhole, I would never have made buttonholes. yech I can certainly see why you prefer a computerized machine.
Posted on: 7/26/08 7:46 PM ET
I had a mechanical White for many, many years before buying a computerized Janome about 4 or 5 years ago. I'd NEVER go back
! I love my computerized machine.
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! I love my computerized machine. ------
Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
Posted on: 7/26/08 8:02 PM ET
I had a post in progress and we got a power outage (we always do when we get wind and rain.) I'll just say that I like computerized machines and electronic machines and some mechanical machines. They all have points in their favor and I do have one of each, plus a serger. And I use them all.
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