New sewing machine for graduation!
05-10-2011, 09:51 AM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: In the Panhandle of Texas
Posts: 1,091
Originally Posted by Prism99
Go to more than one sewing machine dealership to try out machines in your price range. You may be surprised to find that you "bond" with one brand more than the others.
If you can, try out Janome, Bernina and Pfaff brands; they are three of the top brands right now.
Also ask at a dealership if they have used machines in these brands in your price range. You get more "bang" for the buck with a used machine; some people trade up every year, similar to cars.
Instead of going for a machine that can both sew and embroider, I would get one machine dedicated to sewing and another machine for embroidery. Embroidery takes time to sew out; with two machines you can still be piecing while one machine works for you on embroidery.
I would add that, for me, the sound of the machine is important. My Bernina purrs when I sew. Loud machines and clunky machines are annoying to me. However, YMMV!
If you can, try out Janome, Bernina and Pfaff brands; they are three of the top brands right now.
Also ask at a dealership if they have used machines in these brands in your price range. You get more "bang" for the buck with a used machine; some people trade up every year, similar to cars.
Instead of going for a machine that can both sew and embroider, I would get one machine dedicated to sewing and another machine for embroidery. Embroidery takes time to sew out; with two machines you can still be piecing while one machine works for you on embroidery.
I would add that, for me, the sound of the machine is important. My Bernina purrs when I sew. Loud machines and clunky machines are annoying to me. However, YMMV!
05-10-2011, 10:20 AM
#64
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Montana
Posts: 48
I agree with Prism99 and suggest Janome, Bernina or Pfaff. I beleive that if you are going to spend a lot of money on a machine that you get a well know brand with a good track record.
You will want one with needle down, thread cutter, decorative stiches ect..
Bernina's are pricey and so are the accessories but Janome's accessories aren't as expensive and they have excellent machines. I know this because I have a Bernina that I love but wish I knew that info before I bought it. I had a Janome before that. Good Luck with you search.
Judy C.
You will want one with needle down, thread cutter, decorative stiches ect..
Bernina's are pricey and so are the accessories but Janome's accessories aren't as expensive and they have excellent machines. I know this because I have a Bernina that I love but wish I knew that info before I bought it. I had a Janome before that. Good Luck with you search.
Judy C.
05-10-2011, 10:22 AM
#65
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Monmouth, Oregon
Posts: 5,884
I agree. Go out and "test drive" several and see what kind of deal they can give you!! Congratulations!!!
Originally Posted by QuiltnNan
congrats on your graduation! my suggestion would be to go to a sewing machine center and try out the different types. that will give you a better idea of what would be good for you. there are so many great machines out there.
05-10-2011, 11:30 AM
#67
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,712
Originally Posted by cafegold2
Welcome to Nursing. I loved it and was never sorry . Perhaps consider a basic machine and start on your masters degree soon with the rest of your gift.
05-10-2011, 11:42 AM
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Spring Branch, Texas
Posts: 981
Originally Posted by raedar63
Originally Posted by cafegold2
Welcome to Nursing. I loved it and was never sorry . Perhaps consider a basic machine and start on your masters degree soon with the rest of your gift.
05-10-2011, 12:34 PM
#69
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 271
No offense intended in my suggestion to start working on a Masters in Nursing. I graduated from a Diploma program in 1960. Raised the family in a small town. I was a big fish in a small pond. At 47 moved to a medium city. Quickly realized I had become a minnow in a big pond. I agree do bedside nursing to gain footing. BUT start the higher ed before and during early family. It makes a nurse more able to move up. Quilting will be fun . Only the new grad can decide for herself.
05-10-2011, 02:18 PM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
Congratulations on your degree, I just attended my 50th nursing school reunion, I don't think any of us regretted becoming RN's. AT 50 I returned to school & became a nurse practitioner.
Anyway, as to sewing machines, you'll get a different answer from everyone on this board. Go to the different dealers in your area & test drive the different models & brands. the vintage machines are great but I have to admit I totally love the computerized multi stitch & mutli task machines, my favorites are Brother or Babylock (Brother makes the Babylock) In my opinion much more bang for the dollar.
Personally I would stay away from Viking, Pfaff & Singer at this point in time, a couple of years ago those brands were acquired by a holding company and have been going thru growing pains & it is difficult to find parts for the older models which were great machines. Hopefully they will be able to rebound.
When you test drive the machine that is right for you you'll know it, it will call your name.
Let us know what you decide
Anyway, as to sewing machines, you'll get a different answer from everyone on this board. Go to the different dealers in your area & test drive the different models & brands. the vintage machines are great but I have to admit I totally love the computerized multi stitch & mutli task machines, my favorites are Brother or Babylock (Brother makes the Babylock) In my opinion much more bang for the dollar.
Personally I would stay away from Viking, Pfaff & Singer at this point in time, a couple of years ago those brands were acquired by a holding company and have been going thru growing pains & it is difficult to find parts for the older models which were great machines. Hopefully they will be able to rebound.
When you test drive the machine that is right for you you'll know it, it will call your name.
Let us know what you decide
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