The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: SkoutSews on December 13, 2019, 12:04:23 PM
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All of my sewing has been on mechanical machines. When I started out, that’s all there was. I first sewed on my Mum’s Singer 401g, then I was given a machine of my own for my 21st present, a Singer Capri 163. I had that for decades until I got a Janome Décor Excel II back in 2010. I had always hankered after another Singer 401g and eventually managed to buy one, so I sold the Capri.
So, now I have the 401g and the Janome, both of which have a very ‘hands-on’, operator-is-in-charge-at-all-times, nothing-happens-unless-you-make-it-happen, style of use. I am in the habit of cutting and trimming threads at the beginning and end of each seam, easing the flywheel where necessary (particularly on the 401g, both those machines I have used could be reluctant starters – I was told this is due to the direct drive), using the flywheel for needle up/down as required, raising and lowering the presser foot when I want to. Using reverse stitching, changing stitch width, length or tension with levers or sliders, changing cams for patterns manually, adjusting presser foot pressure, all these are done manually with knobs and levers. I was even bowled over by the one-step buttonhole foot on the Janome when I got it. Automation!
From time to time I look at the modern machines and I am beguiled by their bells and whistles, shiny lights and general all-round cleverness. At the Harrogate show I saw a very quick demo of some of what the Juki DX5 can do. It cuts the threads and fastens off (in a choice of ways) with a nudge of the foot pedal; it can be set to stop sewing with presser foot up, needle up or down; there are far more stitch patterns and fonts than I will ever use; a choice of buttonholes in various widths and styles; stitch patterns can be pre-programmed and stitches selected at the touch of a button etc. etc. It has a high quality feed mechanism, a slide-adjust straight stitch plate and has a ‘float’ function for thick and tricksy fabrics. It runs smoothly and quietly and is no doubt an excellent machine. It is also very expensive.
Now I know very well that a new machine, no matter how clever or pricey, will not turn me into a better sewer. It’s operator skill that counts. Boo. I can’t buy that.
Putting price considerations to one side for now, a major concern is that if I ever bought a modern machine I wouldn’t like not being in charge. One of these machines would demand a whole new sewing style. I would need to learn new ways of doing things. Reliability is also something I worry about. Simple things can usually be mended if they break. Computers, not so much.
I would love to hear your comments and experiences, good or bad, of using these bossy computerised machines of any make or model, not necessarily the Juki.
What adjustments did you have to make to your way of sewing? Did you find it easy to change the habits of a lifetime?
Is it the case that you can’t turn the flywheel (forwards or backwards) on these machines? If so what happens if you do so out of force of habit? Do you damage the machine?
Is there still a manual lever for the presser foot or do you have to rely on the electronics?
I have read that the threads can form a slight nest at the start of a seam, given that you don’t have to hold a few centimetres of thread to the back when starting to sew. What happens if you pull out a few centimetres of thread? I do that to knot off the points of darts, for example. Does that risk damaging the machine?
I won't be at all upset if you put me off, I think that's what I'm looking for in truth....
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I'll be following this with interest as I also keep wondering if I should go computerized. My biggest concern is how reliable are they and how easy is it to find someone to fix them.
Also, I wonder how quickly I would adapt , as I struggle to understand the TV remote control let alone anything more complicated!
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I was concerned about buying a computerized machine. And when I did I only bought a simple one. I still hold threads or mostly use a piece of fabric as a starter. It does have a foot lift lever, I think most do anyway. I can still and do, turn the balance wheel. It will stop with needle up or down at my choice. It doesn't have an automatic thread cutter but a cutter on the side although I still use snips to cut thread. I do pull out as much thread as I want after stopping. I don't think that would matter. No ill effect on the machine. Some more highly computerized may be different but I like what I have and it has a good few decorative stitches on it. All said, I still can't wait to use one of my old singers, especially the hand-crank. Old habits die hard :) :vintage: Oh and one thing I do like is the speed limiter :)
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Well you did ask so I'll tell you what I found...... I bought the Janome DKS 100 and hate it, so much that it has sat in the cupboard for at least 3 years.
If you stop sewing half way through a garment or whatever and switch off the power any changes to the 'standard' settings ie stitch length, width or anything else will have been lost and you have to remember what you had changed..... That really annoyed me.
My Janome 4618 is just about the same as your Janome so I think I know where you are coming from, and I think changed for similar reasons too. I'm sure there are other things but for now I can't recall them.
Be wary!! If my mechanical gave up the ghost I'd search the earth to replace it!
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With my Pfaff I can choose whether or not to activate the needle up / down, the thread cutter, the tie off, the auto foot lift etc. I never use the auto cutter because I don't like the threads being cut off under the needle plate and the resulting knotty bit when you start off again. I pull the fabric out and leave thread tails just as I have always done. Although things like tension and foot pressure are set automatically for each stitch it is easy to change them. I am unlikely to ever use most of the stitches but they're on most machines these days anyway. I am boss over the handwheel and have never damaged anything by turning it by hand. I can choose whether or not to use the stop start button or foot pedal and the knee lift. In fact I feel I have as much control over my machine as with a non computerised one.
My only gripes particular to my machine are that there is no 4 step or manual buttonhole option and the speed limiter range is nowhere near as broad as on my previous one.
Although the machine has a great many auto functions I can choose whether or not I wish to use them. Some I like, some I don't. And in answer to your question - no, I have not had to change the way I sew.
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I suppose it is a bit like driving fancy new cars. You can choose to use the cruise control or the keep-in-lane function or the automatic wipers, or not. There is more to learn initially, but the features bring some convenience.
I am happy with my basic manual and electric machines, they will do everything I need them to do. Going computerized does not bring a return on investment.
If you are getting an itch to buy new gear, maybe you should look at an overlocker or coverstitcher, they can do things the humble sewing machine can't. My overlocker saves me a lot of time.
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Thank you all for taking the time to give your interesting and varied replies. You’ve given me three very different experiences to think about.
Oh dear @Helen M you really haven’t bonded with that machine at all, have you? This is one of my concerns. I would hate to get a new machine home and eventually find that I was happier with my old one and your mechanical Janome 4618 is indeed very similar to my model. You mention the fact that the new machine loses the stitch settings every time it is switched off. That would drive me nuts too and will be on any list of questions that I shall take with me if I decide to go and look at machines in the flesh. I think that the ones I have been looking at can save stitch patterns in memory, but it helps to know that this is something to check. Thank you for your frank account.
@Lilian yours is a more ‘middle of the road’ experience. I’m interested that you find the machine easy to use and that you still use it just like your mechanical. I’m not sure if I could get into the habit of using leaders when starting every seam. Is that more of a P&Q thing?
@Ploshkin yours is the most positive response and you obviously really like your Pfaff and bend it to your will! You get round the auto-cutter nesting issue by turning the darn thing off and doing things your own way and it’s good to know that is an option. It’s good to know that you boss the machine and not the other way about and that your sewing style remains unchanged. I always used to do manual buttonholes by measuring and marking, then doing a combination of narrow zigzag, pivot, wide zigzag, narrow, wide and then a lockstitch. Phew, no wonder I love my one-step buttonhole foot. Often my buttonholes used to come out banana-shaped. A 4-step buttonhole is unknown to me.
@Radiofan thank you for your input. I largely agree with all you say. I already have an overlocker and a coverstitch, so I'm fortunate to be well set up as things are. There's no pressure for a change, just as you say, it's like looking at shiny new cars in a showroom!
I’m pleased to hear generally that my worries about possibly causing damage to the machine by persisting in my old habits are unfounded and the machines can be controlled and bossed around in the usual manner. I would love the choice of buttonholes and availability of alphabet fonts. The huge number of decorative stitches is probably not something I’d use so much, but as I read elsewhere, once a machine is designed to as certain level the addition of extra stitch patterns becomes a matter of pence on the final cost, so of course the manufacturers add them to the spec.
This is going to be a slow-burner for me. I’m not going to rush into a decision. I had thought that I might trade in my Janome, keeping the 401g as my mechanical back-up. After your warnings @helenm I might hang on to the Janome and sell on Gumtree if and when I’m ready. The Juki DX5 is the current eye-candy and I also have looked at the Janome 6700p, but that is a bigger machine and more money. The nearest dealer with both Janome and Juki machines is 90 minutes’ drive away so this would be a full day’s expedition, for after the holidays, armed with my list of questions and fabric offcuts.
I suspect that it might be like going to view puppies. You never come home without one.
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I inherited my Mum’s Husqvarna #1 which was one of the first all bells and whistles computerised machines of the early 90s.
It has something called Sewing Advisor, where you tell it what you want to sew eg lightweight jersey and it will set tension, foot pressure stitch length and even tell you which foot you need. You do have the option of overriding if you want.
I loved this machine so much that I bought the Husqvarna Sapphire. I love the auto cut, although I still, on seams, don’t use it very often, only through habit. I also love the fix at the beginning and end, up down needle and that the foot lifts with a tap on the foot pedal.
However the overriding positive about my manual Singers is the quality of the straight stitch and button hole attachment, my modern computerised stitch isn’t as good. However, the Husqvarna is so easy to use I rarely get the Singer out unless I’m sewing upholstery.
The other downside is maintenance. I can strip my Singers down and do all the maintenance myself, but the computerised ones have to go a service engineer, although I do clean it after every use.
My verdict, the computerised one are so much more versatile, maybe need more reading of the manual and practice to get the best out of them.
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I suspect that it might be like going to view puppies. You never come home without one.
I didn't even go to look. I took my previous machine in because the timing was out but on the way it must have recovered when I bounced over the road humps on the way into town because there was nothing wrong with it when I got there. So I just had a chat with the man and ended up coming home with a new machine. I left the other one there in part exchange.
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Ha! Risky business, visiting machine showrooms!
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My Singer is mechanical and my Brother is computerized. I like the “idiot-proofing”. For instance, it will not start sewing unless the presser foot is already down. (I’ve made that mistake with other machines numerous times and can’t make it with this one.)
It has more stitches than I will use, but that also means it has a lot of stitches I do use. Because of that, I have expanded my sewing skills to make use of the added choices.
My machine will also do some basic lettering, which I have made use of, in making some gifts.
So I can’t tell you if you will like a computerized machine, but I can say that I love mine.
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@Lilian yours is a more ‘middle of the road’ experience. I’m interested that you find the machine easy to use and that you still use it just like your mechanical. I’m not sure if I could get into the habit of using leaders when starting every seam. Is that more of a P&Q thing?
I’m pleased to hear generally that my worries about possibly causing damage to the machine by persisting in my old habits are unfounded and the machines can be controlled and bossed around in the usual manner. I would love the choice of buttonholes and availability of alphabet fonts. The huge number of decorative stitches is probably not something I’d use so much, but as I read elsewhere, once a machine is designed to as certain level the addition of extra stitch patterns becomes a matter of pence on the final cost, so of course the manufacturers add them to the spec.
This is going to be a slow-burner for me. I’m not going to rush into a decision. I had thought that I might trade in my Janome, keeping the 401g as my mechanical back-up. After your warnings @helenm I might hang on to the Janome and sell on Gumtree if and when I’m ready. The Juki DX5 is the current eye-candy and I also have looked at the Janome 6700p, but that is a bigger machine and more money. The nearest dealer with both Janome and Juki machines is 90 minutes’ drive away so this would be a full day’s expedition, for after the holidays, armed with my list of questions and fabric offcuts.
I suspect that it might be like going to view puppies. You never come home without one.
@SkoutSews Yes the starter is for P&Q I don't use one for dressmaking. You have got me watching a video of the Juki you mentioned! :sew: :ninja: :)
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Advantages - automatic buttonholes; bobbin winding (no need to disengage drive manually); incremental positioning of needle (rather than left, centre, right that my old Singer has); extended range of utility stitches such as stretch; option to sew without the foot control engaged (vital for auto buttonholes, I find); warnings when you try to do something stupid like forget to engage the presser foot; integrated needle-threader (nothing to do with computers but a really useful option)
Disadvantages - the fact that it doesn't remember settings when switched off and reverts to default when powered on again. Mine is now about 20 years old (and more electronic than full-on USB/Bluetooth-enabled) so this might not now be the case - flash memory might have overcome this but it's worth investigating before you buy; precision straight line sewing is, on mine, at least, harder work than on the old Singer - again, worth checking when you test drive before you buy
Neither here nor there - lots of fancy-dan stitches that never get used
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@SkoutSews I did find the machine easy to use. I didn't use the fancy stitches and it does set tensions etc automatically, but I'm afraid I like to slightly alter them (not just for the sake of it!) as I often find a better result, even with the 4618, with a slight alteration. Computers aren't always 100% right are they?......... I think I just liked the old one better when it came down to it and like you have overlocker and coverstitch. Some machines have memory for patterns etc but they often don't memorise the basics that you use everyday.
Definitely keep your old one as I think they sew heavier fabrics better than the computerised ones whatever the manufacturers tell you.
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I think @Ploshkin and I have the same Pfaff model (QE4.2). I agree with all that she says regarding choosing whether to use the various functions, or not. I frequently manually turn the balance wheel with no adverse effects too. I like the auto cutter and don't have any nesting issues after using it. It does have several buttonhole functions and an electronic buttonhole foot, which is useful. However, I do sometimes miss the four step buttonhole function of my old mechanical machine. It doesn't have a lever to manually operate the presser foot and that took a little while to get used to but I really like it now.
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You remember correctly @coffeeandcake I also found the absence of a presser foot lever odd to start but I am a huge fan of the knee lift now and also the automatic foot lifting whenever you stop (just a fraction and you can opt out) which allows you to reposition fabric - very useful for fiddly sewing.
When I used my mum's fairly basic Janine recently I felt completely cac-handed and was fumbling around for the presser foot lever all the time.
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I love my computerised 5-year old computerised Janome.
When turned on its settings are as I left them (actually as I last sewed, rather than as I last set them if you get my gist).
I can set it to a combination of starting and finishing; just a straight stitch; a straight stitch with a "fastening" stitch, or a straight stitch with a reverse backwards and forwards; and then do these with an automatically cut off.
Then, with a press of a button, set it to finish stitching either with the needle up or down. Or do a single stitch by pressing a button rather than using the hand wheel.
The default stitches can be altered and saved.
I can set the speed limiter and start stitching without using my dodgy hip on the pedal.
I can change feet just by pressing them on and off.
It takes all the physical effort and thought out of sewing. I know you're thinking that sewing isn't physical, but when I go back to a manual machine I struggle after 10 minutes.
It is quicker and easier and I'm never going back to a non-computerised machine.
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Very interesting @Goth Gardiner
What model of Janome do you have?
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Have you seen my comments about this in another post @SkoutSews ?
It wasn't really the computerisation versus mechanical that I didn't like, it's when it's so heavily featured that it starts to feel like a barrier between me and the machine. After all my favourite Bernina 1130 is computerised so I'm no Luddite but it is one of their early models from 1990. There are some specific things that I don't like about the big beasts though.
The lack of presser foot lever - I've trapped my finger tips a few times with wriggly fabrics at tricky points. I didn't get to grips with the knee lift until ironically I became a convert with the Bernina's knee lift, then when I eventually found my big Pfaff's mislaid knee lift a few months ago the function no longer worked! I badly need to get the machine served as this presser foot issue is a big negative for me.
The big brute is slower to use for everyday sewing. It has some push buttons but not for the majority of settings (incl. stitch and length/width) which require a journey through the touch screen menus some of which are many and nested so when you've made your selection and want to make a quick change... :S Perhaps some recent models may have addressed this.
Yes you can certainly use the hand wheel and I always choose to bring the thread up before setting off - I like to tie off at both ends too. I didn't have bird's nests with either method though. I don't generally use the auto tie-off function either so I can unpick and hand stitch with the thread end if I've not stopped at the perfect point too.
The stitch quality of the Berninas is renowned of course but those old dears aren't perfect in all things. I use a walking foot all the time with them for lycra (no presser foot pressure control on these models) while the Pfaff's IDT feed is just wonderful for lycra and shifty fabrics. You can get this on the majority of Pfaff machines (I have one of their cheaper lightweight mechanicals with IDT) but I believe you have to spend far more with other makes to get a similar dual feed system. This way of ordering the features of the model ranges and the rising price points is a bug bear for me.
I miss the metal bodies too. The Berninas are aluminium but do have bits of plastic, the rear panel for example, but it's all pervading in new machines. That makes it lighter I suppose for those big machines that already weigh a ton but the smaller ones can feel flimsy to me.
Easy to be wise in retrospect of course and hopefully one day I'll find something I really want to do that the big Pfaff does better than any of the others. I could sell it but it's devalued enormously over the last 5 years (they reduced the new price only a year or two after I bought it) and I've now got the servicing cost to add. -<
Enjoy trying a wide range of what's available and take your time.
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@SkoutSews
It is a memorycraft 6600.
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About the plastic vs metal in machines, it's not the bodywork that's the issue but the chassis/frame on which the machine is built. If the G-shaped components between the feed dogs, up through the right-hand pillar, across the top and down to the needle is capable of flexing then the machine won't work well. Cheapish machines have nylon chassis, which is why they're neither use nor ornament. I have this on good authority from the man at the Brother stand at K&S Ally Pally, and he should know!
Plastic body shells don't affect performance because they're not structural. BUT, and it's a big but, you must NEVER leave them for prolonged periods in direct sunlight otherwise they will be come brittle and eventually snap or crack. I've had that happen with the spool pin of mine, which sits directly below the aperture where the carry handle passes through the hard case to the outside. I now store the pressing cloth over that to keep the light out completely.
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That is a very good point about the ease of accessing settings in the menus. With my previous Pfaff (Ambition) I didn't find it intuitive at all and there were different things to press for different settings. The menu on the Pfaff Expression is very simple - everything is accessed by the settings button and the 4 way arrows. I do wish though that the speed had been left as a slider switch on the front of the machine. I haven't had to look in the manual for anything whereas I always seemed to have the manual out with the other machine.
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About the plastic vs metal in machines, it's not the bodywork that's the issue but the chassis/frame on which the machine is built. If the G-shaped components between the feed dogs, up through the right-hand pillar, across the top and down to the needle is capable of flexing then the machine won't work well. Cheapish machines have nylon chassis, which is why they're neither use nor ornament. I have this on good authority from the man at the Brother stand at K&S Ally Pally, and he should know!
Plastic body shells don't affect performance because they're not structural. BUT, and it's a big but, you must NEVER leave them for prolonged periods in direct sunlight otherwise they will be come brittle and eventually snap or crack. I've had that happen with the spool pin of mine, which sits directly below the aperture where the carry handle passes through the hard case to the outside. I now store the pressing cloth over that to keep the light out completely.
Not sure about the chassis of the computerised one I don't like or use, but the model that @SkoutSews and I have has a metal chassis. I think that is another reason why my ancient (1989) Brother 730D 3 thread overlock which I actually think was made by Viking Husqvarna (seen identical model in US with Husky badge) sounds and usually performs better than the Brother 2104 4 thread I bought as a back up a couple of years ago. The old one's chassis is metal.
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Not sure about the chassis of the computerised one I don't like or use, but the model that @SkoutSews and I have has a metal chassis. I think that is another reason why my ancient (1989) Brother 730D 3 thread overlock which I actually think was made by Viking Husqvarna (seen identical model in US with Husky badge) sounds and usually performs better than the Brother 2104 4 thread I bought as a back up a couple of years ago. The old one's chassis is metal.
I believe it was the other way round, that Brother made the Huskylock. When the blades went on mine a few years back, the service engineer told me the machines were made by Brother and parts were interchangeable. Somebody else makes the Huskylock now.
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My first computerized machine was a Pfaff 1467. It only controlled certain functions- all related to stitch size and type. It had a manual foot lever, and manual release to wind bobbins. A couple years ago I replaced it with a Pfaff QE 4.2, which is fully computerized. It took a long time to get used to, and there are some features I wish I could change. Like you are concerned about, it acted like it was smarter than me, and I didn't like feeling like I had to argue with it. For many of the issues, I just had to learn the nuances of it's programming and how to work around it. I really did NOT like going to one with so much control, but the QE has a HUGE harp space, and I really wanted that!
My machine has button controls, with only a small screen to show what stitch is being used, and to explain warnings if needed. I have used machines with a touch screen for controls and found it really annoying. Too many levels of menu to find my way through, and too much having to back out of one menu and try another while searching for the right settings.
What adjustments did you have to make to your way of sewing? Did you find it easy to change the habits of a lifetime?
Hardest change was to stop reaching for the foot lever! Now when I use someone else's machine, I keep reaching for the button instead. I've had to create a few new habits to work with the particular traits of this machine.
Is it the case that you can’t turn the flywheel (forwards or backwards) on these machines? If so what happens if you do so out of force of habit? Do you damage the machine?
I frequently use the flywheel on mine, and I was never warned otherwise.
Is there still a manual lever for the presser foot or do you have to rely on the electronics?
No manual lever, and sometimes I really wish there was.
I have read that the threads can form a slight nest at the start of a seam, given that you don’t have to hold a few centimetres of thread to the back when starting to sew. What happens if you pull out a few centimetres of thread? I do that to knot off the points of darts, for example. Does that risk damaging the machine?
When I bought mine I specifically asked if it would make a nest and was told no. It does. I quit using the automatic thread cutting, so I still have long threads to hold. It DOES complain if I hold them tightly and I need to ask my repair shop if this is a problem.
Things I really like-
*The needle up/down setting- for this reason alone I would not go back to a full manual machine.
*The partial automatic foot lift when the needle setting is down- this lets you turn a corner without messing with the foot.
Things I really dislike-
*Auto tie-off and thread cut- there are times when it's a really nice feature to have, like in the middle of a large project when you would otherwise have looong tails just from moving the fabric away. For regular use, the cutting creates a lot of lint in the bobbin area, and the tie-off is SLOW. I can back-and-forth with the reverse button much faster. But it IS hands-off, so sometimes it's nice to let the machine handle that while I'm already grabbing the next pieces to sew.
*Very little hand space around the needle. Presumably to accommodate all the automatic stuff, the machine is very bulky around the needle area. You have to use a small tool to hold the needle while inserting it because there is not enough room there for hands to work well. Ditto for the needle screw- have to use a screwdriver because there is not enough finger room. A couple years ago I had reason to use my mom's machine- a 60's Singer that I learned on- and I LOOOVED the space it had.
I really wish you could custom order a machine- "I want this chassis for the harp size, and I want this feature, and that feature, but do NOT put THAT on there!"
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You’ve given me even more interesting and considered responses, thank you all for taking the time to post.
@Goth Gardiner I’m interested that you love the 6600p as the 6700p is on my watchlist. You have found it very controllable and user-friendly
@Helen M Yes, our Janome machines have a sturdy metal chassis. At the time I bought that machine my rationale was to go for a good mechanical model as my budget allowed for that, but would have only just edged into the cheaper end of the computerised range.
@Marniesews Your assessment of the many automatic functions becoming a barrier to sewing was insightful. You expressed my vaguer ideas of loss of control and change of sewing style in more precise terms. I searched for your earlier post without success and if you have time to provide a link, I’d love to read it.
@WendyW another Pfaff 4.2, obviously a popular machine, and another full response. Yet you have trouble with the auto tie-off and nesting too.
I’ve attempted to compile an overview. Some people’s ‘pros’ are others’ ‘cons’ so it’s not straightforward!
Pros:
1. Ease of use, particularly auto functions such as foot lift; idiot-proofing e.g. prevention of trying to sew without presser foot down
2. Auto lockstitch, cutting, presser foot lift, needle up/down
3. Speed control, both by foot pedal and touch control for buttonholes etc.
4. Available fonts, stitches, buttonhole types and sizes
5. On some machines – save settings from last use in addition to saving frequently used settings and pattern combinations
6. Some machines have IDT, walking foot or similar feed system
7. Button or slider controls for frequently used functions are easier than trawling through menus
Cons:
1. Servicing costs and depreciation on high upfront price; jump in price point when extra features added
2. Long term viability poor compared with sturdy, all-metal mechanical machine
3. On some machines -difficulties of accessing menus to make simple changes, particularly touchscreens with many menu levels
4. On some machines - loss of last-used settings when switching off machine
5. On some machines – autocutting causes nesting
6. Lack of space around the needle bar and throat plate – that’s an interesting one
7. Too much tech automation can result in barrier between machine and operator
8. Auto functions, e.g. tension, can be fiddly to fine-tune to operator preference
My original post raised questions of function which you have all laid to rest. The flywheel can be turned, the threads can be drawn out, just as I do now, without dire consequences for the machine. Your responses have highlighted that it is important to find a machine that can be bent to your will. Starting with a machine that allows the operator to adjust the auto-settings and save those preferences is important. There is a suggestion coming through in the replies that the newer machines do allow more operator control and adjustment. I’d probably want a presser foot lever. I winced at @Marniesews trapped fingers! I bet once I had adjusted to a new machine, I wouldn’t use that lever much, but it’s good to have the option.
After I’d drafted up my original post, I read it through and wasn’t going to go ahead and post on TSP. I felt that ordering my thoughts and putting them down in writing had provided me with my answer. I’m lucky to have what I’ve got, a range of good, sturdy mechanical machines that do the job. The 401g in particular will probably survive the apocalypse (provided the motor lasts, I hear replacements are no longer available – though without electricity I’d have to convert to treadle or hand crank in any case). I’m very pleased that I did go ahead as the responses have been so helpful and wide-ranging and have opened up my decision-making process considerably.
New shiny things are always attractive, carry a price premium and are unlikely to be a sound investment longer term. @Radiofan expressed this well. Yet if you take pleasure in an activity that you enjoy, what’s wrong in furthering that sometimes without looking to the strict view? All within reason and resources, naturally, but in enjoying our chosen leisure activities from time to time we all spend on things that we know to be a depreciating asset. To quote a friend, “There are no pockets in a shroud”.
As many of you counselled, I shall take my time to decide which way to go and compare some machines, armed with the extra insight you have provided.
Please continue to add any other points that come to mind.
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I have many hobbies and have spent a great deal of money on some of them. It's your money and your pleasure, we are just offering our points of view. I do not do enough sewing to justify it.
BTW, some of the more expensive machines have metal frames and are made quite sturdy. So is the cost, but if you want the Rolls, go for it. I don't know the makes/models well enough, but I'm sure there are plenty of opinions on this forum. I recall looking at YouTube videos and people really liking the Berninas.
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@SkoutSews i haven't ever thought about 1 and 2 (I bought the machine with a bonus and she has yet to need servicing). The other things haven't been an issue, although I suspect that my machine has more manual features than the new ones today as I have to lift up my presser foot and set my tension manually.
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@Marniesews I searched for your earlier post without success and if you have time to provide a link, I’d love to read it.
Oops! I can't find it myself now. It was a week or two ago and now I'm thinking it must have been on one of the other online sites that I use...but I've no idea which now! :|
Another solution to avoid the trapped fingers of course is to use an awl for more precise positioning but I don't always have one at hand and then think 'I can do this'. :[
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I have a Janome MC6700P and could not imagine life without it and all its computerised functions. I trained on industrial machines at fashion college and sewed at home on an ancient Necchi Lycia until the mid 2000's. I bought myself a Brother NX600 and whilst the computer aided functions were fun, the machine itself was just too lightweight and a little unpredictable after I hit a pin and knocked out the timing a little. That meant a full service was required, which did fix the problem but highlighted that over-complicating things sometimes means a tiny mistake has much bigger ramifications. When I had this machine, I did still have to use my Lycia for heavy, dense wools and thick fabrics, as the Brother just was not up to the job, alas. It didn't have the "puncture power" of the Lycia, nor the weight to battle against a coat or wedding gown's drag.
I bought myself the 6700P after my mother died and I had a little inheritance to spend, and I cannot explain how much I love this machine. It's the best of both worlds for me. I love the blend of mechanical robustness with computer wizardry that this machine has. I DO use a good number of the stitches regularly, but it does have a lot and I can't imagine ever using them all. I love that I have the option to adjust all the settings for a stitch, and can memorize them if I need to. This means that I can easily keep settings stored when a project is worked on over several days, saving me extra thinking time. I appreciate everything about this machine and whilst it was a big investment, it's not one I think I will ever regret.
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Thanks @Tigerpit that's a glowing endorsement for the 6700p. Nice to hear about the balance between user control, memory function and automation.