Help! I'm getting a new machine what should I buy?!

[LoveBaby]

I'm finally able to afford a higher end nice sewing machine. My MIL's 40 Singer Golden Touch'nSew has seen it's last days. It's actually a great heavy duty machine, but no matter what I try the bottom bobbin thread always gets into a tangled crazy mess. :

So, I'm getting a new machine and want to be able to do embroidery as well. Would you reccommend getting one machine that does both sewing and embroidery or one sewing machine and one embroidery machine? When I went to the Bernina/Pfaff dealer yesterday she mentioned I might want to get 2 machines so when I'm embroidering something I won't be "down" and not able to sew. This makes sense, but how many times have you been frustrated by not being able to sew since your machine was embroidering something?

I'm so excited to be able to do this, but I want to get something I really love and works well...so any input is greatly appreciated! Oh..and I have about $2300 to spend (Thank You, Mom!! )

[Kari_mom]

WooHoo! I don't have any advice really but I am excited for you!!!

I would check out Pattern Review for machine reviews. To get started on your search, check out this brand new board started by sewing mamas called Sewing Mamas. It's awesome and the mamas really know their stuff.

[LoveBaby]

Thanks..I'll head over there shortly!

[santina]

What did you decide? Just curious - did you like sewing on the Bernina, or Pfaff better?

[abunchofus]

thanks for the links! i've got to get a serger myself! and maybe a new machine soon too!

[LoveBaby]

Woohoo! I got my machines!

I got a Pfaff 2026 and the Bernina Deco 330 embroidery machine. The place where I got them was awesome,too, so I feel really good about the machine support I'll have later down the road. I like the way the Bernina and the Pfaff sewing machines performed, but the Pfaff has a built in walking foot that you can engage or disengage depending on your project. I it! It just rolls over corduroy or a lightweight woven like they are the same material. I've already finished a sling, my prototype for an OV prefold and an all OV/OC fleece baby blanket! The embroidery machine is totally cool,too and I've already embroidered some flats w/ it! It scares me a little though..so I'm excited to take my Mastery class that the quilt shop offers so I become more comfortable w/ it!

[Kari_mom]

Congratulations!

That is a good combo. My friend who works at an sewing machine shop has a Pfaff for sewing and a Bernina for embroidery.

Have fun!