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  • Pfaff vs Babylock opinons please

  • Pfaff vs Babylock opinons please

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    Old 12-19-2009, 01:17 PM
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    I went downtown to run an errand for my husband this morning and made the mistake of going into our local sewing store. I came out with my head spinning and stars in my eyes. I was looking at the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 ($2299), and the Babylock Espire ($2499) and Quest ($1899). They also had a used Pfaff 4872 serger for $595. This would be a big step up for me but I just retired and have lots of time to indulge my sewing fantasies. Any opinions on the pros and cons of any of these machines? Thanks!
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    Old 12-19-2009, 02:23 PM
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    Wow!! I never see questions about Quest! I bought one a year ago and after an initial adjustment period when I wanted to throw it out the window...I now LOVE it. When I researched new machines, my top priorities were a larger throat area and a clear 1/4" marking. I only wanted/needed a few stitches. The Quest came with so much more than I wanted, but I love it. The trouble in the beginning was finding the thread it likes. If you happen to decide on the Quest--start with Gutermann polyester thread and it should be happy.

    PS I bought the machine from a Pfaff dealer, but didn't try Pfaffs because they were more expensive. I paid $1000 for the Quest--special promotion last year for the older models as new ones came out.
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    Old 12-19-2009, 02:48 PM
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    I actually own both, Pfaff 7550 (older) and a Babylock Ellure. I must say I love my Babylock, my Pfaff is a back up. Both are exceptional and I checked out the one you mentioned, the 4.0 and fell in love but not in my budget at all. I'd go Pfaff since their engineering and IDT foot are great!
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    Old 12-19-2009, 03:16 PM
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    Select the one you like and don't second guess your choice. Congratulations on having a choice! Post and let us know which one you decide on.
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    Old 12-19-2009, 03:19 PM
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    I have 3 Pfaffs, an older Quilt and Craft for backup and classes, a 2056 that I got an awesome deal on, and a GrandQuilter.

    When I got the 2056, I also looked at the Expressions, and did not like what I read in some of the reviews. It's one of those try it and buy it decisions.

    If I were in the market again, I would give Janomes a closer look.

    Have fun with your purchase.
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    Old 12-19-2009, 03:42 PM
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    Janome is what I suggest to folks, too. I tried one when I was shopping and loved it!! It's quieter than the Babylock, but the one with the same "stuff" as the Quest was $500 more, and the throat wasn't any bigger than the machine I had... so that's why I went with the Quest. I did love the feel of that Janome... it was a tough decision.
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    Old 12-19-2009, 03:54 PM
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    Go to www.patternreview.com and look over the reviews on the machines you are interested in. I know the Pfaff hasn't gotten very good reviews and the Quest Plus and the Espire do. I am saving my pennies for the Espire!
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    Old 12-19-2009, 04:10 PM
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    I did go to patternreview and was surprised that the Pfaff didn't have particularly glowing reviews. Unfortunately, the nearest Janome dealer is about 50 miles away and I want to deal with someone closer. I have a call in to a friend of mine who has a Quest so I'll be interested to hear what she has to say. BellaBoo you are right; in the end you just have to choose and not second guess. I'm lucky to be in a position to buy any of these machines.
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    Old 12-19-2009, 04:17 PM
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    Okay, since you're still researching, here's more I like about the Quest: the even feed foot is automatic. You can lift it up, but other wise it's always there. The 1/4" seam line is marked so clearly in many ways and on both sides. All other seams allowances are marked as well. I just finished two ragged with 1/2" and what a piece of cake! My quilts have never matched up as well! My first machine didn't have one at all, so I relied on a magnet to hold it, but it had to be taken off every time I changed the bobbin! So, you can see why I get so danged excited about this feature. The bobbin is easy to change and you don't have to unthread your machine to do it--it's separate. I love that there are two needle plates--one for quilting and one for everything else.

    I'd suggest you go try all the machines you want before you decide. ON the day I had to choose, I drove all over the place. I tried Berninas--loved that machine, but the throat was shorter than my machine! I tried Janomes--loved them too. But, overall, I'm 100% happy (now) with my Babylock.

    It's a hard decision... good luck!
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    Old 12-19-2009, 04:35 PM
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    I have 2 Pfaffs and really like them both. I use the older one that is 30 years old the most. I think the model is 1471 and it has the IDT. I couldn't live without that. I have a Pfaff Embroidery 2140 and I liked that too. I had a bit of a problem with the presser foot not wanting to stay up when I lift the leaver. My dealer fixed it but it's going the same way. I've had it for about 8 years now.

    I agree with one of the replys about buying a used machine. My next machine will probably be a used Pfaff with IDT.

    I think babylocks come with IDT - the integrated walking foot now.
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