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Member since 2/12/09
Posts: 471
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Posted on: 4/2/09 8:00 AM ET
First, I apologize; I know you all are probably sick of my questions and such. I have been talking on and on about getting a new sewing machine now for several weeks. Well, that day is coming upon me quickly - between today and next Wednesday - I will be going 90 miles to Jackson to get a new machine. And I won't come home without one.

I've narrowed down between Janome, Kenmore, and Bernina, and I've decided happiness is the issue, not money but I don't want to just check every machine in each store if it can be helped. I'd like to narrow the machines down. I've decided that I just want a computerized sewing machine, mainly for garments, that can handle thicknesses, do decorative stitches. Embroidery is not important to me. If I get a good deal on a SM, I'll purchase a separate embroidery machine unless I decide to replace my serger.

So here's the question: Yesterday, I called ahead to the Bernina store telling them my name, how far I was coming, when I would be there, and what I'm looking for. They were very helpful and stated that I would probably benefit most from the aurora 450 for my needs. So that's what I'll be trying there. What Janome and Kenmore machines will be compatible to this Bernina to compare?

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Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Posted on: 4/2/09 9:16 AM ET
In reply to dukaqwn
I check the lates review for you and it sounds good. all of the people that had bought this machine liked it. the aurora 450
So if you going to spend 2,000 to 3,000 dollors this is a good machine. Check out the janome in that price range to. you might like what you see. Kenmore doesn't make any high end machines. Look for quilty if your spending the money.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
Member since 2/27/07
Posts: 864
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Posted on: 4/2/09 9:42 AM ET
In reply to dukaqwn
Of course they're going to recommend the Aurora 440, do you know how expensive it is? For the type of sewing you plan on doing, you can get a very good machine for much less $$$. Beware, you will probably buy a machine from the first store you walk into.

Good luck shopping and I hope you do find a machine you will be happy with for many years to come.
-- Edited on 4/2/09 9:43 AM --
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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
  
Member since 2/12/09
Posts: 471
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Posted on: 4/2/09 10:26 AM ET
In reply to diningroomseamstress
She recommended the 450 over the 440 because of the 9mm stitch length on the 450 and 440 only has a 5mm. She said because of the type of sewing that I described to her that I do, she felt that I would appreciate the decorative capabilities of that length rather than the smaller. I can't seem to find any similar machine in a Janome. Do you have any idea of which may be similar? I'm pretty stubborn, too, I'll try as many as I can to be sure I check out all the options before I buy. I know they'll dread me coming. I've already got my interfaced stacks of lengths of fabrics ready - some in long strips so I can get some speed up. Some in layers so I can try out thicknesses. I'm ready.
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Member since 6/24/06
Posts: 2472
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Posted on: 4/2/09 10:34 AM ET
I've never sewn on the Bernina machine so I can't give you feed back on it. I would suggest looking at the Janome 6600, it is a very powerful machine, has a built accufeed (like a walking foot), scissors to cut thread, lots of 1 step buttonholes and sews very fast. You can adjust the amount of pressure on the foot, it is as close to a commercial machine as a domestic gets. I used it to sew a paper pieced quilt that had 8 to 10 layers of fabric with no problem.
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Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
  
Member since 3/4/07
Posts: 510
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Posted on: 4/2/09 12:27 PM ET
In reply to sew2006
I agree, look at the janome 6600. Here that machine comes with a bunch of extra feet. AND you might have enough $$$ left over to get the embroidery machine and a serger!!!

Did you see how many reviews for the 6600 there are?.....lots of happy sewers.


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Member since 12/1/07
Posts: 244
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Posted on: 4/2/09 1:47 PM ET
In reply to dukaqwn
Both Janome & Bernina are wonderful machines. The Janome 6600 if I remember correctly does not have a freearm, so that might be a consideration since you do garment sewing. Also the 6600 has a max stitch width of 7mm & you cannot add embroidery to it if you decide you want that option later. The Aurura 450 has the 9mm stitch width & you can add the embroidery module to it if you later decide you want it. The best part about the 6600 however, is that I think it costs considerably less than the Aurora 450 (like close to half). I think this makes the 6600 a wonderful value.

There are other differences between the Janomes & Berninas so you are wise to check each of them out to see which one floats your boat. For example, the Janomes have snap on feet & the Berninas all have fabulous clip on feet - nobody makes feet like Bernina & IMHO they are the most solid.

I have 4 Berninas & I did a test sew on the Janome 6600 not long ago. The Janome really is a very nice sturdy machine! I was not fond of the drop in bobbin on the Janome though - my personal opinion is that drop in bobbins tend to jam more often than vertical bobbins (Berninas have vertical bobbins). I never get thread jams & I mean never.

Decisions, decisions!! Good luck shopping & we'll all be on pins & needles waiting to hear what you chose!

  
Member since 2/12/09
Posts: 471
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Posted on: 4/2/09 3:17 PM ET
Thanks, everyone!

sewgramma, boy are you right about decisions, decisions! However, I am so excited that I can hardly wait (possibly gonna get to go tomorrow).

I have been mighty tempted to not even try the Bernina's because I have had a Kenmore and an Elna that I've been so pleased with (both by Janome), and I know I would like another Janome and have money left to buy extras, but a little nagging voice just keeps telling me that I really need to experience a Bernina before I make this purchase, and Mama always said to listen to the voice.
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Member since 1/1/09
Posts: 460
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Posted on: 4/2/09 4:12 PM ET
In reply to dukaqwn
My mother has an Aurora 430. I've used it a few times and HOLY COW, is it a nice sewing machine! I didn't get one when I was shopping for a new machine a few months ago because a) the dealer reeeeally put me off b) I found the cost to be absolutely insane c) I feel like the "total cost of ownership" of a Bernina is going to be higher than with any other brand. We don't have a lot of disposable income right now, so cost was important.

But again.....wow, what a fine sewing machine.
  
Member since 5/30/08
Posts: 472
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Posted on: 4/2/09 4:46 PM ET
In reply to dukaqwn
I have a computerized Kenmore that has 110 stitches and does one stop buttonholes that sews like a dream $225 dollars on sale....I have a Brother Innovis 900D that is a combo sew/embroidery machine that sews great...has an embroidery arm that just snaps in...has a ton of stitches and Disney. I got that for $599....Check out the Brother site...great deals...the sewing machine tech said Brothers are one of the best made right now and so easy to use....Just some FYI. The Brother has a lot of built in stitches and has a USB port and a card reader. You can upgrade the computer via the USB port of you want to...
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I sew....I rip....I create.
Kenmore 19110, Brother 1034D, Innovis 900D, Juki Excite HZL G210
  
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