Finally finished my red, white, and blue feathered star for the patriotic quilt. :) Compared to all these folks who seem to be doing a new quilt top every week, I'm so slow! Maybe when I retire, I'll have time to do more... but then, I probably won't be able to afford fabric. Is that an excuse to go out and buy now?
I'm seriously looking at sewing machines, new ones. Right now, I'm researching the big names, Bernina, Pfaff, Janome. At first, I was considering one that I saw online that was the machine, quilting frame, and a choice of either a speed control OR a stitch regulator. The price was right and everything, but... then I found out that the machine only stitches straight. My current machine won't do a blanket stitch that I like for applique, so I was kinda thinking I might get one that had more stitches.
Anyone have a version of one of those three that they really like?
Opinions welcome and especially pros and cons too!
7 comments:
Love the block - it looks wonderful.
I would love a machine that only does straight stitch - you know it does it really really well. I rarely zigzag and don't do any other fancy stitch.
I've decided the next machine has to have the ability to always stop with needle down and really good light - the new Berninas have full-spectrum light which is gorgeous and not so yellowy.
That's what I've been saying for years - I'm buying fabric, books and patterns for my retirement. Works as well as any other excuse. It won't matter if I can't afford to buy fabric after I retire - I have enough for at least 100 years of retirement LOL!
I really love my Janome 6500. They have a 6600 now that has the integrated walking foot - but I can't justify to trade in my 6500 and pay almost $800 just to get it. So, you can get good deals on the 6500 - I paid almost $1300 for it 2 years ago. It has lots of stitches, needle up/down, thread cuttter, etc. Good luck in your search. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Oh - reading the above makes me think that one might read the 6600 is over 2k. They are not, they are around $1500 - just the trade-in on the 6500 isn't very high.
I have a Pfaff that I love. I got it last year and am just beginning to know it. It stops either needle up or down. The best thing is if you have it set on needle down and need the needle up, you just touch a button and the needle moves up. My old one had to take one more stitch for that.
I have a Bernina Activa 145 and it has about 55 stitches. I use about 2 of those. Straight and the blanket/button hole thingy. I got it used and I really have enjoyed it. I am getting a new one later on this year...a Brother PQ1500, to use for quilting because it sews extra fast and has a bigger arm space to push the fabric under.
Love the feather star Jane, but no 0pinion on the sewing machines...LOL. I have a mid-level Pfaff since 1994 and I like it just fine. The needle up/down is great, comes with a walking foot.
Drawback, bobbin doesn't hold much, and not a very good light.
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