What type of machine do you use?

[Judy M.]

I use my two Berninas (435 & 210) exclusively. The 210 is wonderful and not too heavy for taking to classes. One of my friends was having trouble with her Janome at our friendship group. After she had tried everything she could think of to get it to turn on, another friend told her to give it a "love tap"--she slapped it real good and the machine turned on and worked!!! :lol: Thought you all might enjoy a little machine humor!

[Jo H.]

I test drove the new Janome Horizon yesterday. I'm not looking for a new machine but the salesman knows me and wanted (PUSHED) me to try it out. I must say that it was pretty cool and Very Quiet even when free motioning. One of the coolest things is that the needle plate moves automatically when you are piecing or free motioning to the single hole and then it will move back to the standard opening when you want to zig zag or use a decorative stitch. It has an 11 inch opening, which was cool too. Thank goodness I'm happy with my machine or I would have had to try and figure out a way to upgrade.

I did, however, dream of that 11 inches last night! LOL

[Barbara L.]

I have heard that they are having a bit of trouble with the plate.

[Charae H.]

I have my grandmother's feather weight. My go to machine is my Bernina Virtuosa 153QE; a birthday present from my husband 9 years ago. I love it, but wish it had a wider harp. I did a test drive of the 830 last week end. Heaven! But, I figured I should be getting at least 30 mpg for something in that price range. I need to practice more and become a far better quilter to justify spending the $$$$. So, I'm practicing, practicing, practicing...

[Charae H.]

I piece and quilt with a Juki tL98Q. I LOVE my Juki! I have a BabyLock Zigzag for buttonholes, and applique, but it's just a good friend.

[Laura L.]

I own three machines and use them all. If I could only keep one, I would keep my Bernina 1260. I like it best for stitching, however I prefer my Viking Saphire for machine quilting since the presser foot automatic lifts just a little when you stop with the needle down. This helps in turning the fabric. Last fall I purchase a Baby Lock Grace, a machine to travel with . I am very satisfied with it, especially since it was a very reasonable price. I too, would like a Bernina with the BSR but one thing I think they need to improve on is the length of space under the machine. I am not interested in embroidary and that seems to be the emphasis with many of the newer machines.
One thing to consider when buying a machine is what kind of customer support you have. The Bernina dealer that I bought my machine from is about a 3 hour drive away - but they are excellent and luckily my machine has never had any major problems and I just take it for a tune up when I can.
Someone once advised "to buy the best machine you can afford" - I think that is reasonable and I think most of the major companies have good machines and it is just a matter of matching the machine features with what you want. Good luck!

[Laura L.]

I have 3 a phaff 7570 and 2 baby lock one is a surger

[Laura L.]

A Bernina 165 and a Singer 533. Love them both! My next purchase will be a featherweight Singer for classes.

[Barbara L.]

I have my Mom's featherweight & she is now 90 & she got it used in the 40s. It is the best for straight stitching. Anytime you have the opportuity to get one pick one up. They are gold. My 830 is terrific, a real work horse.

[Barbara L.]

I have a Brother Quarttro. Have only had it for about 6 months, but love it. Prior to that I had a used Brother for about 9 months and a Singer before that

[Barbara L.]

I have a new 830, bernina 730, and a quattro. Each one has features that I love but all in all, each of them are great machines.
Phyl

[Barbara L.]

You are a lucky girl aren't you!

[Betty J.]

I have a new 830, bernina 730, and a quattro. Each one has features that I love but all in all, each of them are great machines.
Phyl

Phyl, Do you find you need both the 830 and the 730? I've been thinking of selling my 200E/update730 and buying the 830. I also have an older 1240 that I love.

[Sharon E.]

I have a Janome 6500 and love it. Had two Bernina's before, but just couldn't afford a new one, so looked at the Janome and so far so good. Had it for about 5 years now.

[Sharon E.]

Although I love the 730, I've been thinking of selling it. I originally thought I'd keep it to take to classes but our local store provides machines if you ask and it seems like a waste just having it sitting there. I'd keep the Quattro of course for a back up for when the 830 has to go in for service and maybe get an inexpensive smaller machine if I ever need to take one to a class. Funny how we form a relationship with these machines and find it hard to part with them. HMMMMMMMMMMM.....Phyl