The Sewing Place

Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?

Giotto

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #30 on: November 12, 2018, 17:49:50 PM »
Maybe Giotto, you'll have a grand weekend out next August and come along to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham.

You could then try all the brands of machines you wish before making a decision (I know this seems a long way in the furture, but your Pffaf is good to go now its has it service!!) and also experience the overwhelming wonder of 3 great halls chock full of lovely quiltiness.
I mooted this possibility to my husband this afternoon, after reading your post to him.  Best to let the idea ferment in his brain for a while, I think!  :angel:  I'm up for a trip to a sewing exhibition, even if there's no machine purchase in the offing and perhaps we could combine it with a scenic/photograpy trip to keep us both happy!

Giotto

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #31 on: November 12, 2018, 17:51:09 PM »
On my Brother, it just happens, naturally. It detects the thickness and you can see it adjust. I don't have to do anything  :)
What kind of Brother do you have, @Lowena?

Lowena

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #32 on: November 12, 2018, 17:51:39 PM »
Brother Innovis 1800q with SFDS ( that's the feed system ) Mine cost £1200, 2 years ago
« Last Edit: November 12, 2018, 17:57:16 PM by Lowena »
Triumph of hope over experience :D

So Chic

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #33 on: November 12, 2018, 18:48:26 PM »
I agree with those who have suggested contacting Russell.  Also I seem to remember seeing somewhere that Pfaff machines are now assembled in Czechoslovakia and the build quality is no longer as good as it used to be.


So Chic
Bernina Artista 630, Bernina 800DL, Janome Cover Pro 1000CP and an elderly Singer Touch & Sew 720G as a back up

poptart

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #34 on: December 16, 2018, 12:39:24 PM »
This thread is very interesting for me. I currently use a second hand Pfaff 1475 which I've had a couple of years. I'm very impressed with the dual feed function and am wondering about getting a new Pfaff in case the 1475 decides to shuffle off this mortal coil. Does anyone have an Ambition Essential or a Select 4? Would you recommend either of them? I'm not a quilter or a pro dressmaker, I just want a reliable machine that will make decent curtains and the occasional dressmaking project.

Ploshkin

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #35 on: December 16, 2018, 13:02:05 PM »
I have had a Pfaff Ambition (1.0) for 7 years and loved it.  It sewed beautifully and never let me down.  It was a bit temperamental with a particular thread recently for some FMQ  but that is common to many machines.  I have just part exchanged it for another Pfaff.  I hadn't intended changing it but was offered a deal on an upgrade that was too good to turn down.
Life's too short for ironing.

WendyW

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #36 on: December 16, 2018, 14:25:47 PM »

What I miss on the QE is the ability to lower the foot by hand, which would make it easier to position over a new foot or a button.

I got a QE 4.2 for Chirstmas last year, and I agree with this statement! I love the auto when I'm pausing during a seam, and at the end. Really miss the lever for starting. I have found thought that I can usually use the needle to judge my positioning before engaging the foot.

Overall, I still miss my older 1467. Even just the simple job of threading the machine sounds like there is cheaper quality. The bits and parts that "twang" as I'm running the thread through the path give me an impression of cheapness. It's probably all in my perception, but there it is. There are several things that were perfect on the older machine that were "improved" on this one, and I'm not happy with their supposed upgrades. 

Ploshkin

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #37 on: December 16, 2018, 14:58:54 PM »
I'm finding it odd getting used to the lack of lever on the Pfaff QE but I like the way the foot lifts slightly when you stop and I always use the handwheel anyway to lower the needle when I am doing something precise.  Overall though I'm liking the machine more and more.
Life's too short for ironing.

Ohsewsimple

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #38 on: December 16, 2018, 22:34:36 PM »
@Ploshkin it won't take long to get used to it.  I have a Husqvarna with the same feature and it drives me crazy when I have to use another machine with the lever. 

Giotto

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #39 on: January 30, 2019, 10:53:52 AM »
OK. I had just about come round to thinking that I might buy the Pfaff Performance 5:2 when I now find out that it is being discontinued and superseded by something called a Quilt Expression 720.

Would you advise spending all that money on a new machine which is now a discontinued model?

Part of what attracts me to the 5:2 is that it seems to be more of a sewing machine for someone who might want to embroider rather than a specialist embroidery machine - please correct me if I'm wrong about that. 

As I said earlier in this thread I live in Northern Ireland where there's only one actual shop to go to and the dealer there didn't seem too keen to sell/source me a Pfaff so if I buy online I can't have access to any personal one-to-one in store lessons on how to use the machine. So, the other part of what attracts me to the 5:2 is that Sewing Mastery has lots and lots of great videos on how to use the 5:2 and I imagine these would be almost as good as any in store help. Do you think/know if the newer model 720 would be similar enough to the 5:2, that it's supposed to be replacing, that the 5:2 videos would still be useful to me?

I do wonder if the fact that the newest model is called the Quilt Expression means that it's really geared more towards quilters than dressmakers. I have never quilted - though who's to say that I might not try it now that I've retired?

Any thoughts on this, please?

Acorn

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #40 on: January 30, 2019, 10:59:19 AM »
I can't say anything about this specific machine, but my Pfaff (10 to 15 years old) is called a Classicstyle Quilt, and I have yet to figure out why it is deemed a quilting machine!  It is a very nice machine in general though.
I might look as though I'm talking to you, but inside my head I'm sewing.

KayK

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #41 on: January 30, 2019, 14:03:30 PM »
I think in general quilting machines have a larger 'harp' - the bit to right of the needle so you can get a large quantity of material through it.  They sometimes provide them with an extension table, to support more weight of fabric.  Sometimes they supply them with a walking foot as well.  I had a Pfaff Performance 5 and have to say that I personally didnt get on with it particularly well, and sold it to someone who loved it.  The do have a lot of 'embroidery' stitches, but are not an embroidery machine per se.  You can make up your own stitch patterns with them, but it requires the patience of a saint!  If you want a sewing and embroidery machine combined, the Brother V5 is a good bet.
I have learnt by my mistakes: Sewing machines now are Bernina 720, Bernina 1008, Bernina 801 from 1981, Brother overlocker, ancient but works well

coffeeandcake

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #42 on: January 30, 2019, 14:05:50 PM »
Hi @Giotto.  I was looking at the Performance 5.2 at the end of last year but it just didn't seem right that it was being sold at the same price as its successor, the QE720.  I also had some reservations about the P5 as while there are some good reviews it appears that some people have had issues with their machines.  That said, I did hanker after one for some time. I've actually ended up with a QE4.2, which I'm really pleased with. It's a solid, powerful machine with a plethora of stitches including 12 buttonholes. I do dressmaking, household stuff and am trying my hand at some P&Q.

Giotto

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #43 on: January 30, 2019, 16:42:10 PM »
Actually, @coffeeandcake, your kind of sewing is just like mine, so perhaps I don't need to buy a machine with all those embroidery stitches.  I mostly make clothes or do some home decor stuff and want a good Pfaff for that purpose - maybe get into quilting but not embroidery.

After much consideration, @KayK I've decided I'm too used to the Pfaff IDT just always being there and only taking a second to engage or disengage that I want to stick with Pfaff. I shall have to look at the other offerings available.

Ploshkin

Re: Dealer says Pfaff aren't good any more. Should I believe him?
« Reply #44 on: January 30, 2019, 22:35:25 PM »
Can you not get a good deal as its being discontinued?
I recently got a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 (also being discontinued) with £500 off the list price plus part ex of £400 on my 7 year old Ambition.  I hadn't intended changing my machine but it was too good an offer to refuse.
Life's too short for ironing.