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Post by blythwhimsies on Apr 20, 2017 13:15:46 GMT
Hi everyone
It's finally come to it, I have to admit that my Toyota sewing machine is misbehaving in all sorts of different ways now. It's probably time for a new sewing machine.
I like to do free machine embroidery on felt, and some quilting, and very very occasionally, dress making......
what would you recommend (in the UK)?
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Post by koffipot on Apr 20, 2017 13:59:47 GMT
Mine's a Bernina, it's about 25 years old and is a fairly simple model, suitable for heavy domestic use - no computerised gizmos to go wrong. I've use it for allsorts: curtains, loose covers, quilting, dressmaking, FME into felt - even re-corded an awning for the caravan several years ago! Had to have a lot of help to take the weight of the huge bulk whilst I sewed!!  |
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Post by tracey on Apr 20, 2017 16:23:40 GMT
Judith, what an excellent little workhorse to cope with the awning!
Marian, mine is a Frister + Rossmann Cub 7. I was very very lucky to have it given to me, it is also a good machine and old, no bells and whistles on mine either. I only FME with it. My point is I don't know if it's longevity is down to the excellent make or it has been looked after, as with a lot of things are the oldies the best?
Look for a reconditioned one maybe? There are lots of sites in UK, some with a 30 day trial.
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Post by MTRuth on Apr 20, 2017 17:38:26 GMT
I really like the Pfaff I have. Can't remember the model at the moment. I assume they are available in the UK too.
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Post by lyn on Apr 20, 2017 19:49:22 GMT
Mine's a very old Bernina similar to Judith's - no bells or whistles - and it suits me.
Are you near any sewing machine shops that stock new and used machines? Some large department stores have in-store shops but they're usually dedicated to one brand. The sales staff are keen to let you have a go on a few.
Is there a sewing fair coming up in your area where you could try a machine?
Do you have any aquaintances that would let you try out their machines?
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Post by Shepherdess on Apr 21, 2017 1:40:59 GMT
I like my Pfaff. An older non computerised one. I think Ruth's is computerised. Before that I had an old White Jeans machine. It worked great until it was stored in a damp place for a few years. The only ones I hear bad things about are the modern Singers, real old ones are good.
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Post by tracey on Apr 21, 2017 5:47:21 GMT
By the way Judith, regarding the workhorse comment, I meant the machine - not you!!   |
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Post by zed on Apr 21, 2017 9:38:46 GMT
I got a Janome off Amazon, a J3-18, about £120ish, maybe less. I went to our one and only local machine shop and they weren't very helpful, so I just searched until I found one I could drop the feed dogs on. I don't have the darning foot so haven't tried it for FME yet, but it's been great for everything so far, straight lines, sewing stacks of felt, zig zag, adding cords etc.
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Post by koffipot on Apr 21, 2017 14:52:05 GMT
By the way Judith, regarding the workhorse comment, I meant the machine - not you!! I didn't think you meant me Tracey. lol Though I was something of a workhorse heaving the awning through. |
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Post by penguin on Apr 23, 2017 14:08:01 GMT
I've got an absolutely basic Brother - cost £120 new a few years ago, and for free machine embroidery it does all I need it to, but the one thing it won't deal with is VERY heavy fabric. Fine with felt and leather - but wouldn't cope with say slipper thickness. It's fine provided I remember to clean/oil it!! Have heard lots of good things about Berninas though ...and they might be better 'work horses' and less fuss and bother to keep happy!
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 23, 2017 14:25:39 GMT
I have an electronic Pfaff which handles most everything, but I also have a cheap Singer Heavy Duty I actually bought for the free motion. It has some bells and whistles but not as fancy as the Pfaff. I'd say a basic machine should handle most everything. If you have a sewing store nearby you could go in and try a few out. Good luck! Let us know what you decide on.
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Post by blythwhimsies on Apr 26, 2017 19:16:17 GMT
I bought one today! It's a Bernina 910. I tried it in the shop and fell in love. It literally purrs. I decided against buying on eBay, as I wanted the security of local maintenance and warranty.
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Post by lyn on Apr 27, 2017 15:19:21 GMT
I hope you enjoy your new machine Marian - good idea to buy locally so that you can have instant help/repairs/maintenance.
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Post by Pandagirl on Apr 27, 2017 16:52:03 GMT
I bought my Pfaff locally for that reason. Then when I bought the Singer online I know I can bring it into the shop as well since they are very knowledgeable about all machines. I had a Viking previously that died after about 35 years. But I'm happy with both the Pfaff and Singer. I think you made a great choice Marion. Part of my reasoning is I wanted something light and Berninas are made of metal. But they are great machines and will last a long time. Enjoy!
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Post by molliehuper on Sept 6, 2018 15:10:12 GMT
I use Brother SE600
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