alright peeps. it's high time i get my own sewing machine. problem is... i have NO idea where to start. i've been stealing my mom's 1980's singer that is a tank, but i love it. do you have a favorite?
I am a bernina girl through and through! My Mom had one, all my schools had one- even college! Now I am a home ec. teacher in a middle school and we still use good old Bernina!!
I have a husqvarna viking...apparently they make chain saws as well? Anyway, I really like it--it's very easy to use and I've never had any problems with it.
I have to recommend Bernina! I grew up sewing on my moms trusty old Bernina Record (which is still going strong) and when I was ready for my own, I found a great slightly used one on eBay. I love it! I think you really get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines so just figure out what type of projects you will need it for and go from there. Good luck!
Bernina, definitely! My mom bought me a Bernina 1080 about 13 years ago (before I was married)--it is a pretty basic machine, but awesome! Sews great. I have had a few people borrow it/use it and everyone comments on how nice it sews.
Bernina is the only way to go! They are amazing machines and will last forever! I bought mine last year and my mother-in-law has had hers for over 30 years.
i am with ya, i need to get myself one too :) here's a list from martha herself: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/which-sewing-machine-is-right-for-you
i agree, just bite the bullet and get a bernina. I got a brother a year ago and sent it back within a month and finally got a bernina for Christmas. I plan on having it for 20 years.
I'm not a hard-core sewer...throw pillows, kids' halloween costumes, etc. So I enjoy my Singer Simple machine. Gets the job done, user-friendly, not too pricey.
Get a Bernina, for sure! I grew up using my mom's 1960s Singer, which was awesome, but they don't make them like that any more, and the old ones have very few functions. Working in costume shops, all of our non-industrial machines were Berninas. They aren't cheap compared to the Singers and such sold at major retailers, but they are completely worth it. My 1994 Singer (which cost $200 at the time) broke once - the timing was off - and it cost nearly $100 to get it fixed. It broke again and I decided not to bother with it. Instead, I bought a used-but-recently serviced Bernina 1080 on eBay for about half of what a new one retails. I have been really beating it up lately, and it is still going strong.
The wonderful thing about Bernina is they are always there for you (sounds cheesy) but once you buy one, they include a class about how to use and care for your machine, plus teach you the different uses for all the feet (plus more that you can buy in addition to what it comes with.) If something goes wrong, you can take it to the dealership knowing you can trust them with it.
Sewing on a Bernina is like playing the piano on a Steinway & Sons.
Like most everyone else has said, I love my Bernina! I learned to sew on one in sewing classes at BYU and love having my own Activa. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for something small and simple (and don't need an elaborate digital screen and crazy embroidery cabapility).
I just took my off brand machine in to be repaired and asked the aging repair man what a good machine to buy would be...he said an old "metal" machine like an old Kenmore from a garage sale...but after reading all these comments...I'm ready to shop for a Bernina!
I just took my off brand machine in to be repaired and asked the aging repair man what a good machine to buy would be...he said an old "metal" machine like an old Kenmore from a garage sale...but after reading all these comments...I'm ready to shop for a Bernina!
Just want to back up the Bernina voices with my own :) I LOVE mine, and I do love the service Bernina provides. My mom does a ton of sewing on her Bernina and loves it as well. I have the Active 210 and it does everything I could ask for from a machine. My mom has the 230 and also swears by it.
I've heard that buying used and then getting it serviced is the way to go. Save lots of money plus you usually get a little higher quality in the "they don't make 'em like they used to" kind of way.
Pfaff is an excellent brand as well as Bernina. Singer machines are good if you get an order model that has metal parts. Baby lock is also a good model. ( I have that brand and also an old pfaff they are both great!)
THREE generation Bernina family - One 4-H teacher, two home ec. teachers, one aunt worked for Bernina U.S. corp office.
Try to find a used model on Ebay or other sites. I bought an early 70s Bernina on Ebay 8 years ago, still cost me $300, but it's all metal and I have worked it hard and long!If you buy one used, take it to a Bernina dealership and have it tuned up and cleaned before you start.
It's definitely worth the investment all around. Do your research online about specific models as some of the Bernina versions are move loved than others.
love the Bernina Activa's. New they are around $1,000. Sometimes you can find one on Craigs' List. My friend found a Bernina serger on there for $200 that someone bought and never used.
i've gotta say, my $100 kenmore from sears got me through design school (sewing through denim, leather, sequins, paper...) and is STILL going strong! if you just want to do some home dec projects or some simple clothing projects, don't spend an arm and a leg. if you DO want to spend a bit more, i'd scour craigslist for an all-metal singer or bernina. make sure you know a good sew/vac fix-it guy and you can get it all tuned up and running strong!
Bernina all the way! I currently have a Brother and I hate it. It may just be prejudice since I grew up sewing on a Bernina. But honestly, a Bernina is far more sturdy and will last a lot longer. I would also say that you should keep it simple. I would stick with a mechanical machine because the new fangled computerized machines tend to have a problem maintaining the right tension, etc. You also don't need all the fancy stitches unless you're looking into some hardcore crafting. Happy hunting!
All HAIL the Bernina. Before I got it I would argue that for that cheddar you should get an espresso function as well--but I am a true convert. It is a workhorse--and no matter how much I try to screw it up it never binds thread or magically goes funny right at the tail end of the project.
I whisper sweet nothings in its ear and it never does me wrong.
I love my Pfaff and think they are the best, but hear amazing things about Janome.
I think it really depends what type of sewing you plan to do, and how much cash you want to lay out. Prices vary widely and can go astronomically high. If you want to make clothing, I would consider a higher end computerized machine, with features like an adjustable button hole that you can repeat over and over. If you plan to do simpler things like piece quilts, or make curtains and pillows a simpler machine is perfect. My mom has a high end Pfaff and I have a pretty simple Pfaff. I love my machine, but borrow hers pretty frequently. Oddly, my favorite feature on hers is the ability to move the needle from right to left into about 10 positions. It comes in really handy.
I've been starting this search as well, so very interested to see what you end up getting. :) I'm learning a lot from the other commenters! I've always heard Berninas are the best though!
My Grandma bought me an old Singer at a yard sale and I've been sewing on it since I was 12. Like your mom's, it's a tank. I've tried spanking new machines and they just don't make them like they use to!
My mom loves her 18 year old Kenmore. I have a Janome (it's ok) and a Singer Heavy-Duty, which I LOVE, but it doesn't do anything fancy. I'd like to get a Bernina and/or a fancier Brother or Singer model someday.
I had a Brother for 2 years, and it was a great starter, but after awhile I just wanted a nice machine. It's like trading in the high school beater that runs fine for a car that will get you to college and back without breaking down. I have a Bernina 230 PE, which I love deeply.
I think it depends on what your projects are (PE, patchwork edition since I quilt a lot). I second the test drive approach. Just take something you are working on to the store and have a go at a few different machines. Pfaffs and Viking/Husqvarnas also got good reviews when I was researching.
I am disappointed to see that no one commented about Pfaffs yet. I absolutely love my machine. You have to be prepared to spend some money though. A $200 machine at Target or even the bottom line Bernina's (Bernettes they are called I think) are crap! You have to get one with metal parts. Your best bet is to go to lots of sew/vac repair shops and ask them to give you their advice. Every store will say their brand is the best...but basically Bernina, Pfaff, and Husqvarna/Viking are all similar in quality - it just depends which features you prefer. Expect to pay around $800-1000 for a decent starter machine.
After following your blog and knowing that you would only recommend the very best camera equipment to get the very best results, I have only one thing to recommend. BERNINA.
my friend is a quilter and is a bernina fan, I make clothes and love my Pfaff. we have a running argument about which is best. looking at the comments bernina is winning.
I am a bernina girl through and through! My Mom had one, all my schools had one- even college! Now I am a home ec. teacher in a middle school and we still use good old Bernina!!
ReplyDeleteI have a husqvarna viking...apparently they make chain saws as well? Anyway, I really like it--it's very easy to use and I've never had any problems with it.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest getting a machine with all metal parts. It will hold up better and is most likely going to sew more like the "tank" that you mom has.
ReplyDeleteI have to recommend Bernina! I grew up sewing on my moms trusty old Bernina Record (which is still going strong) and when I was ready for my own, I found a great slightly used one on eBay. I love it! I think you really get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines so just figure out what type of projects you will need it for and go from there. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBernina, definitely! My mom bought me a Bernina 1080 about 13 years ago (before I was married)--it is a pretty basic machine, but awesome! Sews great. I have had a few people borrow it/use it and everyone comments on how nice it sews.
ReplyDeleteBernina is the only way to go! They are amazing machines and will last forever! I bought mine last year and my mother-in-law has had hers for over 30 years.
ReplyDeletei am with ya, i need to get myself one too :) here's a list from martha herself:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.marthastewart.com/article/which-sewing-machine-is-right-for-you
The people are right. If you want a good investment in a quality machine get a Bernina.
ReplyDeleteMy LAST choice would be Brother. Then Singer.
i agree, just bite the bullet and get a bernina. I got a brother a year ago and sent it back within a month and finally got a bernina for Christmas. I plan on having it for 20 years.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a hard-core sewer...throw pillows, kids' halloween costumes, etc. So I enjoy my Singer Simple machine. Gets the job done, user-friendly, not too pricey.
ReplyDeleteBernina, hands down. It will last forever!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else, bernina! My mom is a seamstress and she wouldn't choose anything else :)
ReplyDeletei loove my bernina 1006. my serger is also bernina. love both.
ReplyDeletebernina! they do a free check up every year! mine is a bernina bernette. it's quiet and simple, just what I need.
ReplyDeleteGet a Bernina, for sure! I grew up using my mom's 1960s Singer, which was awesome, but they don't make them like that any more, and the old ones have very few functions. Working in costume shops, all of our non-industrial machines were Berninas. They aren't cheap compared to the Singers and such sold at major retailers, but they are completely worth it. My 1994 Singer (which cost $200 at the time) broke once - the timing was off - and it cost nearly $100 to get it fixed. It broke again and I decided not to bother with it. Instead, I bought a used-but-recently serviced Bernina 1080 on eBay for about half of what a new one retails. I have been really beating it up lately, and it is still going strong.
ReplyDeleteThe wonderful thing about Bernina is they are always there for you (sounds cheesy) but once you buy one, they include a class about how to use and care for your machine, plus teach you the different uses for all the feet (plus more that you can buy in addition to what it comes with.) If something goes wrong, you can take it to the dealership knowing you can trust them with it.
ReplyDeleteSewing on a Bernina is like playing the piano on a Steinway & Sons.
i've never used a bernina, but that sound like the majority winner.
ReplyDeletei do a lot of quilting, and i use a pfaff. love it. i think viking bought pfaff recently and i hear good things about them too.
BERNINA
ReplyDeleteI have one of the cheapest Brothers...it was like $120. I LOVE it, but I don't do anything fancy on it.
ReplyDeleteLike most everyone else has said, I love my Bernina! I learned to sew on one in sewing classes at BYU and love having my own Activa. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for something small and simple (and don't need an elaborate digital screen and crazy embroidery cabapility).
ReplyDeleteI just took my off brand machine in to be repaired and asked the aging repair man what a good machine to buy would be...he said an old "metal" machine like an old Kenmore from a garage sale...but after reading all these comments...I'm ready to shop for a Bernina!
ReplyDeleteI just took my off brand machine in to be repaired and asked the aging repair man what a good machine to buy would be...he said an old "metal" machine like an old Kenmore from a garage sale...but after reading all these comments...I'm ready to shop for a Bernina!
ReplyDeleteJust want to back up the Bernina voices with my own :) I LOVE mine, and I do love the service Bernina provides. My mom does a ton of sewing on her Bernina and loves it as well. I have the Active 210 and it does everything I could ask for from a machine. My mom has the 230 and also swears by it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that buying used and then getting it serviced is the way to go. Save lots of money plus you usually get a little higher quality in the "they don't make 'em like they used to" kind of way.
ReplyDeleteI have my mom's hand-me-down Kenmore. I love it!
Pfaff is an excellent brand as well as Bernina. Singer machines are good if you get an order model that has metal parts. Baby lock is also a good model. ( I have that brand and also an old pfaff they are both great!)
ReplyDeleteI have an old Baby lock that works pretty great.
ReplyDeleteTHREE generation Bernina family - One 4-H teacher, two home ec. teachers, one aunt worked for Bernina U.S. corp office.
ReplyDeleteTry to find a used model on Ebay or other sites. I bought an early 70s Bernina on Ebay 8 years ago, still cost me $300, but it's all metal and I have worked it hard and long!If you buy one used, take it to a Bernina dealership and have it tuned up and cleaned before you start.
It's definitely worth the investment all around. Do your research online about specific models as some of the Bernina versions are move loved than others.
love the Bernina Activa's. New they are around $1,000. Sometimes you can find one on Craigs' List. My friend found a Bernina serger on there for $200 that someone bought and never used.
ReplyDeletei've gotta say, my $100 kenmore from sears got me through design school (sewing through denim, leather, sequins, paper...) and is STILL going strong!
ReplyDeleteif you just want to do some home dec projects or some simple clothing projects, don't spend an arm and a leg.
if you DO want to spend a bit more, i'd scour craigslist for an all-metal singer or bernina. make sure you know a good sew/vac fix-it guy and you can get it all tuned up and running strong!
HAVE FUN!
we have a new bernina but honestly i wish we had my mom's 1980's singer.
ReplyDeletenew sewing machines are so confusing!
Bernina all the way! I currently have a Brother and I hate it. It may just be prejudice since I grew up sewing on a Bernina. But honestly, a Bernina is far more sturdy and will last a lot longer. I would also say that you should keep it simple. I would stick with a mechanical machine because the new fangled computerized machines tend to have a problem maintaining the right tension, etc. You also don't need all the fancy stitches unless you're looking into some hardcore crafting. Happy hunting!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.berninausa.com/product_detail-n2-i18-sUS.html
All HAIL the Bernina.
ReplyDeleteBefore I got it I would argue that for that cheddar you should get an espresso function as well--but I am a true convert.
It is a workhorse--and no matter how much I try to screw it up it never binds thread or magically goes funny right at the tail end of the project.
I whisper sweet nothings in its ear and it never does me wrong.
Bernina, Bernina, Bernina!
ReplyDeleteI love my Pfaff and think they are the best, but hear amazing things about Janome.
ReplyDeleteI think it really depends what type of sewing you plan to do, and how much cash you want to lay out. Prices vary widely and can go astronomically high. If you want to make clothing, I would consider a higher end computerized machine, with features like an adjustable button hole that you can repeat over and over. If you plan to do simpler things like piece quilts, or make curtains and pillows a simpler machine is perfect. My mom has a high end Pfaff and I have a pretty simple Pfaff. I love my machine, but borrow hers pretty frequently. Oddly, my favorite feature on hers is the ability to move the needle from right to left into about 10 positions. It comes in really handy.
This is a helpful link:
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2007/05/11/your-first-sewing-machine/
I've been starting this search as well, so very interested to see what you end up getting. :) I'm learning a lot from the other commenters! I've always heard Berninas are the best though!
ReplyDeletein case you are not convinced, yet. get a bernina, i love mine. it was a huge investment, but it runs like a new smooth car, it's so nice!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma bought me an old Singer at a yard sale and I've been sewing on it since I was 12. Like your mom's, it's a tank. I've tried spanking new machines and they just don't make them like they use to!
ReplyDeleteMy mom loves her 18 year old Kenmore. I have a Janome (it's ok) and a Singer Heavy-Duty, which I LOVE, but it doesn't do anything fancy. I'd like to get a Bernina and/or a fancier Brother or Singer model someday.
ReplyDeleteI bit the bullet and got a bernina but don't love it like I thought I would. Be sure to test drive before you buy! =)
ReplyDeleteI had a Brother for 2 years, and it was a great starter, but after awhile I just wanted a nice machine. It's like trading in the high school beater that runs fine for a car that will get you to college and back without breaking down. I have a Bernina 230 PE, which I love deeply.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on what your projects are (PE, patchwork edition since I quilt a lot). I second the test drive approach. Just take something you are working on to the store and have a go at a few different machines. Pfaffs and Viking/Husqvarnas also got good reviews when I was researching.
PS, wish I had seen this when I was looking:
ReplyDeletehttp://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=828
I have a Baby Lock and I love it. It is made with metal parts (which is a must), and it was affordable. :)
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed to see that no one commented about Pfaffs yet. I absolutely love my machine. You have to be prepared to spend some money though. A $200 machine at Target or even the bottom line Bernina's (Bernettes they are called I think) are crap! You have to get one with metal parts. Your best bet is to go to lots of sew/vac repair shops and ask them to give you their advice. Every store will say their brand is the best...but basically Bernina, Pfaff, and Husqvarna/Viking are all similar in quality - it just depends which features you prefer. Expect to pay around $800-1000 for a decent starter machine.
ReplyDeleteAfter following your blog and knowing that you would only recommend the very best camera equipment to get the very best results, I have only one thing to recommend. BERNINA.
ReplyDeletemy friend is a quilter and is a bernina fan, I make clothes and love my Pfaff. we have a running argument about which is best. looking at the comments bernina is winning.
ReplyDeletehusqvarna all the way. you can't beat a swedish tank!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Thank you so much to everyone who gave their opinion --I've switched brands now thanks to you!
ReplyDeleteI bought my wife for our anniversary last year a Brother Quattro 6000D. That thing can do it all, and then some.
ReplyDeleteBerninas are the best. They last forever and are really easy to use. That was my first machine and I love it!!
ReplyDeleteI used to use my mom's super old Singer too. It gave me problems! I got a Viking for Christmas about 8 years ago and LOVE it. They are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a Janome Memorycraft 6500...I love it...it weighs a ton, so it's not great for moving around, but it's a tank.
ReplyDelete