Sewing Machines

[Bob Eager]

LOL!

Well, one of the capacitors in the PSU exploded...

[Dave H.]

I'm still using (for single-dad values of using, not dressmaking!) a Frister and Rossmann Cub, probably 70's vintage, hasn't let me down yet - has SWMBO considered having hers serviced, rather than having to learn a new machine?

Dave H.

[Lawrence]

My wife loves her Bernina. It certainly knocks spots off her old Singer. Check on the availability of spares. We have a sewing machine repair shop a few miles away and he seems to be able to get hold of anything for Berninas, including out of production bits!

Lawrence

[jkn]

[much good stuff]

I too bought a sewing machine for building kites - it's scary how many interests Andy D. and I seem to have in common...

I got a bought an old Viking Husqvarna, model 19 I think. It's a 50's model but still going strong. It's is very basic in facility, but semi- industrial in build quality. You only really need straight and zig- zag, and reverse, most of the other stitches are for 'fancy' work that no-one uses. My Husqvarna has a very narrow 'arm' (can be extened by using a table accessory) which is very good for fiddly work.

Most important aspects to consider are things like speed control, build quality and availability of accessories, repairability etc. If I had to buy another one it's be between Viking/Husqvarna, Bernini, and Pfaff. In part the final choice would be down to what my local shop of preference specialised in.

I think Sewing machines are great - if I were (say) a first-time home buyer on a budget, and had to choose between a sewing machine and a freezer, I'd go for a sewing machine.

Jon N

[Tabby]

This is so easy to answer... Bernina. Bernina is the rolls royce of sewing machines, and its a well deserved reputation. Once you've recovered from the heart attack brought on by looking at the price of new ones, you'll find that prices on very old ones are remarkably competitive, and they leave the new plastic brands far behind. Even their oldest machines can take most of the huge range of Bernina feet intended for new machines. Ancient zigzag machines can be got from dealers for about =A360, and will do straight stitch, zigzag and embroidery, plus lots of other things with a few new feet, which covers everything needed in the real world. Machines a few decades younger can be had with a slightly greater range of stitch types, including triple stitch and a few deocratives. People tend to buy on decorative stitches, but in reality they seldom get used. Triple stitch is handy for heavy duty work, but not hard to live without it.

If you do buy something else old, do ensure it does zig zag and embroidery, the old straight stitch machines and imho not worth buying as an only machine now.

If you want undying gratitude, let her read about Berninas online after you've given her one.

Oh, you can make tools on Berninas, due to ability to sew through about 10 layers of denim.

NT

[Andy Champ]

Of course I have to provide the power. /She/ won't use it, she doesn't like machines...

Not that I do a lot of sewing, but it's good to have something that'll handle jeans and such, unlike the post-war electric models.

Andy

[Steve Walker]

Thanks for all the replies -

It'll be a new Pfaff Hobby 1142 or a reconditioned Bernina Record 830.