Sewing/Embroidery machines

[MotheringHeart]

DH and I have been saving our pennies as I've been dying to get an embroidery/sewing machine. I'm currently sewing on a Singer teaching model that was factory refurbished. The thing sews, but that's about it. The stitches are often uneven and it is really fussy about the bobbin and other things. I'm totally ready for something nicer.

I've been looking into the Husqvarna and Bernina models, am leaning toward a Bernina because it seems like more bang for the big bucks. I'm curious to know if anyone has any advice/loves/likes etc. Do the machines that have the embroidery screen right on them have any real benefit? I mean, I know that it is nicer to be able to do the embroidery on the machine rather than on the computer, but that convienience isn't worth another couple thousand bucks to me.

I'm kind of rambling, but if anyone has any suggestions/comments that would be great! Thanks!!

[Vanessa]

I have a Babylock Ellure that I bought used a couple of years ago for $950 with the sortware that allows me to download things from my computer.

For the most part, I really like it, but I do not like how it does free motion quilting, and I think that the blanket stitch on my mom's Bernina is much more user friendly. I would love to have gotten a Bernina but it was out of my budget. I am planning on buying a basic Bernina later this year to use for free motion quilting.

I find it nice to have the display screen on the machine, but I've never tried the other. I usually sew in my craft room or at the kitchen table, and I don't keep my computer there, so I would have to move it.

[art4babies]

I say, either go with an even older Singer or a newer machine for a lot more money. The newer machines (bottom end) are made with plastic gears instead of metal ones, and you have to go past mid 70's (I think) if you want the old metal gear machines. I have a 1942 that runs like a dream, and it was well-used. I think just because the school bought these machines only means they had contacts with such companies, not that they machines are reliable. Besides, they have probably been abused a bit, or a lot.

As far as newer machines, there is a vast world out there. I can only tell you that when I decided to buy a new machine, I did some research and came up with a cottage industrial machine for about $800 on sale: the Juki TL98E - probably one of the best and cheapest industrial machines you can get. But, it only does a straight stitch - fine for me. It IS probably a good idea to decide how much you want to spend, then read some internet reviews. AllBrands.com usually has some good prices, but I find their after-sales service something to be desired.

[AngelBee]

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[NCHIN]

My experience may be helpful to you. I have both. A Husquvarna Designer 1 and a Bernina 200E. Both are embroidery and sewing machines. I prefer the Designer 1 over the Bernina 200E. It is more user friendly to me and I can pretty much just go right to it but the 200E is way more fussy in my opinion.

I am not sure how you feel about used machines but my dealer sells open stock that had been used just for the weekend at the quilt show for a great discount. It is not as risky as Ebay and they will come with their factory warranty. You may want to try that option.

I have always had the screen there so I cannot answer that question.

Good Luck!