Which one to get rid of
#11
If you have one that has a hard carrying case could you cut out a square (or circle) of wood & put it on top & put a pretty table topper on it to make a short end table? Then when you need it you could bring out. I'm sure others have more unique ideas for stashing a machine. I would keep all three for at least several months. Maybe there is something else you could get rid of that is not as important as your machines.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
As others have said, it depends on the condition of each machine & the accessories you have for each. All other things being equal, I'd pick the Babylock Unity & the Bernina 1530. Here's why:
Bernina 1530: Bernina machines are workhorses. They rarely break or need special service. They are the leader in their class at straight stitch designs -- which is super useful both for piecing & FMQ. I personally could do everything I need to do with just this one machine because I don't do embroidery (if I want a name or something, I partner with an embroiderer in my guild). I also like that it has the knee lift, as that is something I use all the time (didn't notice that on the Janome you mentioned). The accessories cost an arm & a leg, though, so if you don't have all the accessories you want for the Bernina, I'd seriously consider choosing the Janome instead.
Babylock Unity: I don't do embroidery at the moment, but I could see myself doing more of that in the future. When I discovered the Hemstitch needle, my desire for more embroidery style options than what came with my basic Bernina 350 jumped substantially. Besides that, I see people who enjoy programming computerized quilting motifs with their embroidery machine. But there are a lot of different bells & whistles on this machine (which means more could break & it won't be as great at that all important straight stitch) and it therefore seems like a great companion to the reliability of a Bernina. But even if you pick the Janome, I'd still pick the Babylock as my second choice for all the automated features, embroidery, decorative stitch patterns, and larger harp space than the Bernina.
I am not suggesting those are the right two for you to pick. I'm only sharing my reasoning in hopes that it will help you think through your own interests & priorities. Really, they're all great machines & you would do well even just picking any one of them.
Bernina 1530: Bernina machines are workhorses. They rarely break or need special service. They are the leader in their class at straight stitch designs -- which is super useful both for piecing & FMQ. I personally could do everything I need to do with just this one machine because I don't do embroidery (if I want a name or something, I partner with an embroiderer in my guild). I also like that it has the knee lift, as that is something I use all the time (didn't notice that on the Janome you mentioned). The accessories cost an arm & a leg, though, so if you don't have all the accessories you want for the Bernina, I'd seriously consider choosing the Janome instead.
Babylock Unity: I don't do embroidery at the moment, but I could see myself doing more of that in the future. When I discovered the Hemstitch needle, my desire for more embroidery style options than what came with my basic Bernina 350 jumped substantially. Besides that, I see people who enjoy programming computerized quilting motifs with their embroidery machine. But there are a lot of different bells & whistles on this machine (which means more could break & it won't be as great at that all important straight stitch) and it therefore seems like a great companion to the reliability of a Bernina. But even if you pick the Janome, I'd still pick the Babylock as my second choice for all the automated features, embroidery, decorative stitch patterns, and larger harp space than the Bernina.
I am not suggesting those are the right two for you to pick. I'm only sharing my reasoning in hopes that it will help you think through your own interests & priorities. Really, they're all great machines & you would do well even just picking any one of them.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
Depends -- if you have a place that you can keep the bigger machines always setup, then by all means keep them all - but those suckers get heavier as we get older and moving them around can be a pain. If you are going to have to always be putting the machines away, then maybe the 3160 (which is only 12 pounds) would be the one to keep.
If you can keep one setup, I would pick the Babylock , but tuck the 3160 in a corner somewhere in case the Babylock has to go in for servicing.
If you can keep one setup, I would pick the Babylock , but tuck the 3160 in a corner somewhere in case the Babylock has to go in for servicing.
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
#19
I agree - keep all three since YOU LIKE THREE!!! I'll bet you can figure out a place to store the third one out of site. IF you find out after 'a certain time' that you really don't use or miss the third one...then sell or give it away.
Nancy
Nancy
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
This was certainly food for thought. I have several machines and love them all. However, when I purchased the last one, a BERNINA B530 I kept my 30 year old BERNINA 1130 (did not trade it in) because I had all the attachments for it that I had purchased over the years and I was not about to buy new ones for the new machine because of the cost and the fact that I used them only occasionally like the ruffler, etc. So, If I had to trim down 'my stuff' to move to smaller quarters I know my newer machine would be the first to go. I also have other machines that I would hate to part with It is the fabric stash that would be a problem!
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