Thursday, January 17, 2008

Need sewing machine model advice







Last weekend, I was playing with my camera and trying to take some pictures of the ice on the trees because it looked so nice. I was playing wih my camera, trying different settings and I never really noticed the sunset until I uploaded the pictures to my camera. I didn't tweak the color at all in these, the sky really was that color.

Today I went and picked up my sewing machine from the dealer. After a lot of thinking and debating about it's fate, I have decided NOT to send Bernie on a trip to the Swiss Alps for refurbishment. Instead of spending a huge amount of money to repair him, I will use that money towards a new machine. Now I just have to figure out what I want.

Here are the things that I want:
excellent quality straight stitch
ability to drop the feed dogs
s stitch (it is a wavy line of straight stitches, I use it for straight quilting so my wobbly-ness doesn't show).
ability to easily sew thru layers of denim when I do the denim raggy quilts
that stitch that does three straights then a zig-zag
ability to use a straight stitch throat plate
button hole stitch (and the ability to mirror-image it)
overedge stitch (that looks like fake-serger stitching)
knee lift
needle up-down
low bobbin indicator
easy to find 1/4" seam position (I'd prefer to be able to move the needle position)

That's most of it, I think. I'm not overly worried about price, I'm not picky about what brand it is. I have an excellent dealer that sells most all the major brands, I just wnat to have some ideas of which direction I want to go in before I go looking and picking her brain.

Can anyone suggest a make/model for me???????????
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 comments:

Sandy's Quilter's Block said...

I love my Bernina. Over the years I have tried lots of different machines, but overall my favorite is the Bernina. I currently have the 160 Virtuosa, however I would upgrade to the 440QE in a heartbeat. It sounds like you love your bernie as you were ready to send it off to its homeland. Since you have a shop that sells all major brands, why not go there and test drive all of them? Take your wish list and a pile of scraps and play until you find one you love. Good luck and have fun in the process.

Tanya said...

Gorgeous scenery and pictures! I thought you'd taken those with a sepia or black and white setting!

I'm afraid I know nothing about sewing machines (even though I use one daily) Hope you can find one that suits all your needs.

Joyce said...

I have a Pfaff but have been told by someone who sells both that the Bernina is stronger. I think Sandy's advice is best. Try lots of them and see what fits. Most people don't have that kind of option. you are lucky.

SandyQuilts said...

I'm a Janome woman ... own 5 of them so that's my recommendation .. specifically 6600. I have a 6500P and I love it. They have excellent stitch quality, rarely need repair and it will love you for many years to come. Now I admit my opinion is very bias. LOL

Tina said...

Great pictures & composition. I'm sorry that I don't have any suggestions for you, but I'm hoping you could give one to me.

I noticed that you live in Wallingford, CT...I live in North Haven. I have always wanted to learn how to quilt and I've been doing a lot of research on how to get started. You said that you have your sewing machine dealer picked out. Can you tell me the name of the store and where it is? And if you have any suggestions for the type of machine a complete beginner should get, that would be great too! Thanks so much!! Good luck with your search.