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Sewing Machines / Lightweight machine to take to classes
« on: February 16, 2020, 14:18:51 PM »
Oh here I go again, on the whim for yet another machine!
I started in September a 2 year course (with a potential for another 2 years after that) in Creative stitch and patchwork. it involves a lot of design work and a fair bit of class time sewing a host of techniques. I am a pretty competent sewer and machine user, but the course is great and the camaraderie is second to none! It is for a whole day each week, and there is enough 'homework' to keep me sewing for the rest of the week, with an assessment piece at the end of each term.
Now, problem, (although DH says it is not a problem!) is having a machine to take. I have two Bernina's - one 25 year old 1260 which, although working perfectly, is a little fragile, and a 550QE which i'd rather not take as it is pretty heavy, and am slightly bothered about it being bounced around in the car as I travel on windy 'B'roads.
I did (stupidly) buy a seriously cheap mechanical Toyota which was awful - never knew where the needle was going to drop, and it had only 3 stitch lengths, no satin stitch, no dropping of feed dogs. My poor tutor has never heard so much language! I had to use her machine as mine was just not up to the job. I have to say I have sold it and it's new owner loves it.
So folks, I am partly torn by a second hand machine again, but now have doubts about whether it will be good enough, or if it needs a service that will all add to the cost, - or - do I buy a new lightweight which has at least a guarantee.
I shall only be using it for classes, but a high standard of work is almost expected, and need something fairly compact. I have weighed both Berninas and all their gubbins that I need to take with me, and they come in at 15.5kg!
I have an (unhelpful) DH and I have to carry it downstairs and load it into the car. I sometimes have a (short) walk to the class from the car park, and reverse, and I have having to unpack the lot when I get home again as I use them both and need the flipping accessories etc!
I really dont want to spend much money (£250 top whack) . It does need to drop feed dogs, have a decent satin stitch and possibly use a walking foot. Dont need an automatic threader. would like needle up/down.
All suggestions gratefully received and it would be interesting to hear what others use! (my classmates all have new/newish Janome's and one has an enormous Brother!)
I started in September a 2 year course (with a potential for another 2 years after that) in Creative stitch and patchwork. it involves a lot of design work and a fair bit of class time sewing a host of techniques. I am a pretty competent sewer and machine user, but the course is great and the camaraderie is second to none! It is for a whole day each week, and there is enough 'homework' to keep me sewing for the rest of the week, with an assessment piece at the end of each term.
Now, problem, (although DH says it is not a problem!) is having a machine to take. I have two Bernina's - one 25 year old 1260 which, although working perfectly, is a little fragile, and a 550QE which i'd rather not take as it is pretty heavy, and am slightly bothered about it being bounced around in the car as I travel on windy 'B'roads.
I did (stupidly) buy a seriously cheap mechanical Toyota which was awful - never knew where the needle was going to drop, and it had only 3 stitch lengths, no satin stitch, no dropping of feed dogs. My poor tutor has never heard so much language! I had to use her machine as mine was just not up to the job. I have to say I have sold it and it's new owner loves it.
So folks, I am partly torn by a second hand machine again, but now have doubts about whether it will be good enough, or if it needs a service that will all add to the cost, - or - do I buy a new lightweight which has at least a guarantee.
I shall only be using it for classes, but a high standard of work is almost expected, and need something fairly compact. I have weighed both Berninas and all their gubbins that I need to take with me, and they come in at 15.5kg!
I have an (unhelpful) DH and I have to carry it downstairs and load it into the car. I sometimes have a (short) walk to the class from the car park, and reverse, and I have having to unpack the lot when I get home again as I use them both and need the flipping accessories etc!
I really dont want to spend much money (£250 top whack) . It does need to drop feed dogs, have a decent satin stitch and possibly use a walking foot. Dont need an automatic threader. would like needle up/down.
All suggestions gratefully received and it would be interesting to hear what others use! (my classmates all have new/newish Janome's and one has an enormous Brother!)