It's sewing machine month at Sew mama Sew. I think it's a fantastic idea. I have two sewing machines right now and they are fairly new. Since I get questions about them from time to time I think I should add my grain of salt to the pot. They are going to put everyone together and create a really great resource page with lots of reviews for all kinds of machines, old and new, cheap and pricey.
Machine #1
What brand and model do you have?
Bernina Aurora 440 QE
How long have you had it?
A bit over 1 year
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
(hum) $3500-4000
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I sew all kinds of everything, but on this machine garment making is especially wonderful.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew everyday thus the machine gets used a lot.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love this machine, LOVE IT. I am ambivalent because it's not really mine but a loaner from The Sewing Republic. I don't know how long it will be with me and that makes me nervous ; )
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
This machine is full of features, but the most unusual is the BSR. It's a stitch regulated foot for free motion quilting. This machine also topstitches exceptionally. That is why I favor it for garment sewing.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Yes, the bobbin case has to be placed in just so, and then 'click'. If not it drops out with the consequence of having to start again.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
This machine was a surprise. The Sewing Republic found me through my blog and offer me a trade, patterns and tutorials for the loan of the Aurora. At first I wasn't sure but now I can't imagine life without it!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would, it's not for you first timers of course but it's a true winner if you are trying to upgrade. It's the ultimate upgrader too because there is an attachment for embroidery that can be bought later. I covet....
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
In my opinion: where it's made. Anywhere in Europe or Japan is gooood. China, not so much. The number of stitches it comes with is completely irrelevant, no matter what the sales person tells you.
I think it's good to have a machine that has such essential as "needle up/down" and " side by side movement of the needle". The rest is less important to me. If the stitches are good when the needle is at it's extreme position ( for topstitching thick things) you are good to go.
Do you have a dream machine?
Yes! this one with the embroidery module added. ( I am so greedy....)
Machine #2
What brand and model do you have?
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 855.
How long have you had it?
About 2.5 years.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
About $1500
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Everything!
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
Lately I use this machine on the weekends.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I like this machine a lot bu it's not my favorite, I used to have a Viking Platinum quilting edition and that was my favorite of all times...
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
A sensor foot determines the amount of pressure the macine should exert on the fabric. It lifts the foot automatically when you stop sewing which is fabulous when sewing curves, or stop and pivot. It works very well. The arm is extra long and there is plenty of light all the way along it.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Yes, and that's why it's not my favorite any more. It's hard to get the tension right when topstitching because of the very large hole on the needle plate. The hole is large to allow very wide embroidery but it is a problem. I fixed it by buying a strait stitch plate and a left topstitching foot. The dealer said they are going to come up with a solution to this problem and I sure hope it's true.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Nope! this is just one of many Vikings I have owned... Vikings were the first really good machines I ever owned.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
No quite yet, just because of the tension glitch. But if you are a quilter then it's very very nice.
Ooh, I was pleased to read that your favorite of all time was a Viking Platinum quilting machine - that's what I have! What happened to yours?
Posted by: Cathy | June 10, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I wish I had had a resource like this when I was in the market for a new machine 6 years ago. :( Glad it is being put together now!
Posted by: Lisa | June 10, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Did you see Viking is coming out with a new Sapphire 855. I hope it fixed the tension problem. I have been looking at the 875 and really like it.
Posted by: Charlie | June 13, 2009 at 05:37 AM
a question and answer portion on how will the customer will buy this type of sewing machine.
Posted by: computerized sewing & embroidery machine | November 17, 2009 at 12:44 AM
are you sure this is a Sapphire 855 and not the 850? I'm curious because I thought that the Saphire 855 just came out as a response to all the tension issues.
Posted by: jacquesmama | December 10, 2009 at 01:28 PM
My Sapphire is 850 I think. I need to talk to the dealer about the 855 then!
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Posted by: Juliette Lanvers | December 10, 2009 at 03:45 PM
I like to read about different sewing machines, I like to thank you for your post.
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