Question for quilters with multiple sewing machines
#121
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,060
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I have an old Singer in a cabinet that I got when i first got married and can't bear to part with. I don't ever use it. I have a Janomne 6500 that's my main machine and a Janome 720 for classes. I have a treadle and a featherweight that I also don't use but don't want to part with. Once you get them you can't bear to give them up. I do intend to use the featherweight. It's so handy to carry with the tiny case.
#122
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I have 4:
vintage 1950's Singer 401A for piecing/straight line quilting/general sewing
vintage 1970's Bernina Record 830 for FMQing
1951 Centennial Singer Featherweight for classes/retreats
1889 Singer 27 treadle in non-working condition. I intend to get her up and running some day when I have time.
vintage 1950's Singer 401A for piecing/straight line quilting/general sewing
vintage 1970's Bernina Record 830 for FMQing
1951 Centennial Singer Featherweight for classes/retreats
1889 Singer 27 treadle in non-working condition. I intend to get her up and running some day when I have time.
#123
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I have two sewing machines and a serger. The nice part about having 2 is that I can set one up for embroidery and sew with the other or serge. Also the newest one is lighter weight. So she'll be going to classes with me in the fall.
#124
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I had one heavy Kenmore for more than 30 years, but when something went wrong with the tension and I had to take it to a repair shop half-way through a project I realised that one machine is not enough. Not only is the Kenmore too heavy to cart to classes, but having a backup machine is wonderful. I bought a $65 newer Kenmore at an estate sale; all of my accessories fit the new machine and it's great to take to classes. Then a friend bought a hugely expensive embroidery machine and I was envious, so I bought a combo sewing/embroidery machine from Craigslist for less than $200. Now I wish I had an actual sewing room so that I could have them all out at once.
#125
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Minnesota, USA
Posts: 396
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I have 3 that I use all the time. My Bernette serger that I got when I was in high school about almost 30 years ago. It sews as well today as it did then (knock on wood). I have a Kenmore that I use most every day for general sewing, piecing, etc. I have a Nolting Fun Quilter that I use for quilting and I love it.
There are a few that I don't use as often. I have a Viking/Husky for embroidery and decorative stitching that I bought thinking I would enjoy embroidery, but I really don't love it. It's a good sewing machine, but it may have to find a new home. I have a treadle machine I acquired a couple of months ago for $5 and my daughter just used it to piece her first quilt top. It was fun taking a machine that was old and neglected and turning it into a usable machine. I also have a Necchi that will be my downstairs machine. It's nice to have one close to my quilting machine for issues that pop up. It also has a lot of cams for decorative stitching, so I think it will be fun to use. I have a vintage Kenmore that I bought for my daughter at Goodwill for $4 in the cabinet. I've since realized that it's an awesome machine! Oh, and there are two in the garage that don't work quite yet. I may have to give up on the Singer, but she's a newer machine with plastic gears and I may donate her to someone who has the interest in fixing her. The New Home treadle...now that one I WILL fix and move into the house. It's pretty and when it works, it will be a joy to use...so...8. I agree, it's hard to part with them.
There are a few that I don't use as often. I have a Viking/Husky for embroidery and decorative stitching that I bought thinking I would enjoy embroidery, but I really don't love it. It's a good sewing machine, but it may have to find a new home. I have a treadle machine I acquired a couple of months ago for $5 and my daughter just used it to piece her first quilt top. It was fun taking a machine that was old and neglected and turning it into a usable machine. I also have a Necchi that will be my downstairs machine. It's nice to have one close to my quilting machine for issues that pop up. It also has a lot of cams for decorative stitching, so I think it will be fun to use. I have a vintage Kenmore that I bought for my daughter at Goodwill for $4 in the cabinet. I've since realized that it's an awesome machine! Oh, and there are two in the garage that don't work quite yet. I may have to give up on the Singer, but she's a newer machine with plastic gears and I may donate her to someone who has the interest in fixing her. The New Home treadle...now that one I WILL fix and move into the house. It's pretty and when it works, it will be a joy to use...so...8. I agree, it's hard to part with them.
#126
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I have 5.... 1.)old pfaff that embroiders 2.)Singer featherweight (just cuz and maybe a class if I ever take one.)
3.)pfaff 4.0 for sewing and 4.) juki straight stitch for stippling and putting smaller quilts together 5.) just got a 18" tin Lizzy long arm for putting quilt tops together
3.)pfaff 4.0 for sewing and 4.) juki straight stitch for stippling and putting smaller quilts together 5.) just got a 18" tin Lizzy long arm for putting quilt tops together
#127
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I don't think most quilters are that concerned with how many machines or which machines other quilters use. Although we do ask for advice about different machines when we are buying a new one. When members of this board share pictures of their recent quilts, I've read comments about the beauty of the quilt, and some members might ask about the pattern but I've never seen them ask what machine was used to piece it. To me a persons quilting ability has nothing to do with how many machines you own or use. That said I have 8 machines; 7 vintage and a babylock. 7 of my machines are used on a regular basis.
#128
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 381
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You know, when I first joined the board, and I would look at the pictures of everyone's sewing rooms, I used to wonder why on earth everyone had more than 1 machine. Ahh, well now I see lol. I have 3, a cheap Brother SQ9050 that I do all my piecing on and thought was all I needed. Then, I tried quilting my first quilt on it, which was a crib sized and decided that the small throat was not going to cut it for anything bigger. So, Viking Tribute 140 to do my quilting on, and I recently purchased a Brother PE770 just for embroidery. I do also love the look of the vintage machines, and now am thinking maybe I would like to add a 201 to the mix. Yes, very addicting hobby--machines and all; but having so much fun with it!
#129
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I have 5 sewing machines, 3 that are set up and used.
The 3 that I use are a vintage Singer 15-91 - for piecing and FMQ. Love to FMQ on this one! She's my favorite.
I also have a Singer 401, which I use for piecing, binding and decorative stitches. She sounds and feels powerful! No slipping around of fabric here, and no tugging to get multiple layers through.
Lastly, a Janome MC 4800, which I have to admit to using the least. I prefer the mechanical machines. Though last weekend I used all 3 machines on 1 project (a first!). Piecing on the 15-91, decorative stitches on the 401, and I needed the free arm on the Janome.
My 2 unused machines are a New Home (my first very basic sewing machine, it is 22 years old - still stitches just fine, does straight stitch and zig zag, has dials to turn for the stitches). And a Japanese Clone (needs electrical replaced, found it for $40 at an antique shop, was very intrigued with the badge that indicates it was made in Occupied Japan. Came with a cabinet to boot. Believe it is called a Bel Air).
Would have never thought I would have this many machines - but honestly, the 3 that I bought this year (2 Singers and the Bel Air) - cost me less than the straight stitch only machine I was looking to buy for the bigger harp space. I enjoy them each for a different reason.
The 3 that I use are a vintage Singer 15-91 - for piecing and FMQ. Love to FMQ on this one! She's my favorite.
I also have a Singer 401, which I use for piecing, binding and decorative stitches. She sounds and feels powerful! No slipping around of fabric here, and no tugging to get multiple layers through.
Lastly, a Janome MC 4800, which I have to admit to using the least. I prefer the mechanical machines. Though last weekend I used all 3 machines on 1 project (a first!). Piecing on the 15-91, decorative stitches on the 401, and I needed the free arm on the Janome.
My 2 unused machines are a New Home (my first very basic sewing machine, it is 22 years old - still stitches just fine, does straight stitch and zig zag, has dials to turn for the stitches). And a Japanese Clone (needs electrical replaced, found it for $40 at an antique shop, was very intrigued with the badge that indicates it was made in Occupied Japan. Came with a cabinet to boot. Believe it is called a Bel Air).
Would have never thought I would have this many machines - but honestly, the 3 that I bought this year (2 Singers and the Bel Air) - cost me less than the straight stitch only machine I was looking to buy for the bigger harp space. I enjoy them each for a different reason.
#130
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Indiana
Posts: 450
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Since Friday morning I have used six different machines. I did not use the treadle but probably will this week just because I enjoy it.
It is a HUGE luxury for me to have different machines set up for different tasks. Among the machines I used were a quilting machine, an embroidery machine, a serger, two vintage machines and my main machine - a Janome 6600. I got the vintage machines to travel with but I just love using them.
It is a HUGE luxury for me to have different machines set up for different tasks. Among the machines I used were a quilting machine, an embroidery machine, a serger, two vintage machines and my main machine - a Janome 6600. I got the vintage machines to travel with but I just love using them.
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