tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post8613454132859478254..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Thoughts on Mechanical Machines?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-83437251216572974862012-10-16T18:30:59.981-04:002012-10-16T18:30:59.981-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Cherryaahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15191480433213851484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-18872503366667747902012-09-01T11:37:00.812-04:002012-09-01T11:37:00.812-04:00Kudos to all who go for the new features. They are...Kudos to all who go for the new features. They are wonderful. However, basic mechanical sewing machines are here to stay! Many home sewers prefer to have a simple mechanical sewing machine and choose to live without all of those bells and whistles like hundreds of stitch options that they will never use or computerized gizmos that need special servicing. <br /><br />Isn't it wonderful? There truly is a sewing machine for everyone and every skill level.<br /><br />http://www.sewinginsight.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03234366085172090247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-4515810119591353732012-09-01T11:35:50.230-04:002012-09-01T11:35:50.230-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03234366085172090247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-70413636492631931552011-12-26T18:44:29.921-05:002011-12-26T18:44:29.921-05:00Jim in College Park Md would really like to sell h...Jim in College Park Md would really like to sell his Bernina 1230 and his Old Bernina 830 . Both checked out by great technician. 301 706 6474 Jan 1 2012Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74662086142268388052011-11-07T22:36:19.333-05:002011-11-07T22:36:19.333-05:00I hope you went w/the 1008. I tried reading all t...I hope you went w/the 1008. I tried reading all the posts but they were so in favor, I quit. I own the 1008 ... exactly for the reasons you mentioned. Mechanical workhorse; and I can create what I need.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08004181699143363819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-78279399574253197952011-07-13T06:36:49.685-04:002011-07-13T06:36:49.685-04:00I have a mechanical (but electronic) Toyota 21-DES...I have a mechanical (but electronic) Toyota 21-DES sewing machine and a computerised Brother XR6600. Neither have adjustable foot pressure so I don't really know what I'm missing.<br /><br />However, the one-step buttonholes on the Brother are tremendously easier than the 4-step on the Toyota chiefly because I never have to balance them. Before I got my Brother sewing machine, I used to have to make loads of buttonholes using trial and error to get them right, but the one-step on my Brother sewing machine saves all that - and they're all the right size which makes my sewing look much better! Plus, they're adjustable in stitch width and length so I can make lovely fine buttonholes for blouses!<br /><br />Also, my computerised machine goes through thick seams more easily than my mechanical one which used to get a little held up at the "speed bumps".<br /><br />The thing that baffles me about my Brother sewing machine is that the more complicated cross-stitch design never works out right and I don't know why. I've tried sewing with thin paper on both top and bottom of the fabric. I've even sewn the stitch on canvas and it still doesn't work out right. Absolutely baffled!<br /><br />I plan to one day get myself a top-of-the-range combination sewing-embroidery machine. If the Janome Horizon had embroidery capability it would be nearly perfect. (Hint, hint, Janome!)<br /><br />Great blog by the way. I love vintage sewing! :)<br /><br />Sabrina Wharton-Brown<br />United KingdomSWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16059882039347392342010-04-22T18:02:49.213-04:002010-04-22T18:02:49.213-04:00I have a Bernina 1090 that I love, but would love ...I have a Bernina 1090 that I love, but would love to add a mechanical machine....can you tell me how much a 1008 is? I've looked online and can't find the info...thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-78616737886284235942010-03-02T22:19:32.877-05:002010-03-02T22:19:32.877-05:00I've owned Pfaff and Bernina and personally I ...I've owned Pfaff and Bernina and personally I highly prefer the Pfaff with the built in walking foot and their computerized features are waaaaaaay better. For example you can actually see a scallop stitch get wider and longer on the screen as you adjust it, but it is a guess with the Bernina.zees5https://www.blogger.com/profile/15691739591389077287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-4264228165633314142010-02-06T16:29:53.863-05:002010-02-06T16:29:53.863-05:00Gertie, you'll love your new machine! I have ...Gertie, you'll love your new machine! I have a computerized Bernina, but I almost bought a model close to yours. I ended up with the Activa 220. I seriously love that little machine. i have just the interesting decorative stitches (feather, pinstitch) and a 4-step buttonhole like yours. To get the auto buttonhole, it was a few hundred dollars more, and really if you can push the button/lever to switch sides, that's all there is to the 4-step. I kind of like it actually, I feel like I have more control over the buttonhole process. (And if I wanted too, I have another machine that does auto buttonholes too.)<br /><br />Oh, and I've had adjustable presser foot pressure for years. Never used it on any machine I've owned, haha!angie.ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01575366388194033626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-68795819812557433682010-02-06T14:10:06.824-05:002010-02-06T14:10:06.824-05:00I have an old Brother machine, and it does a lot o...I have an old Brother machine, and it does a lot of basic things relatively ok. But it will depend what else you want to sew in the future. You have had one foray into quilting so far.... I went to a machine quilting course (for domestic machines) and was told that although my machine was fine, it would struggle with some of the things required for quilting. And they are right.... some machines have nice functions which force the stitch length to be the same, which is fantastic when free hand machine quilting.... and only on electronic machines.Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00947982822958330915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80422476577976371702010-02-06T11:09:44.325-05:002010-02-06T11:09:44.325-05:00I know you've settled on the Bernina, but just...I know you've settled on the Bernina, but just a comment to the mechanical choice being false economy: 1008 is one of the sturdiest machines ever, and is not an 'economical' choice of the Bernina's (then you'd go for the Bernettes, and you don't...) or the mechanical machines in general. Compared to cheap mechanicals, I'd guess 1008 is not cheap...frk.bustadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11905037626664748421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13422725223498804712010-02-06T08:00:59.129-05:002010-02-06T08:00:59.129-05:00Hi Gertie!
I think you should go for the cheaper p...Hi Gertie!<br />I think you should go for the cheaper pared down version. Think of all the vintage patterns and beautiful fabric you could buy with the extra money! To be honest, I don't even know what adjustable foot pressure is, so I definately don't think that's an essential! I've used a staged button hole, and althought clearly a one-step is quicker, I don't think the former is a disability or is worth $1000 to avoid! <br /><br />Hope that helps?<br />Zoe xZoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45471532043143324532010-02-05T20:32:21.331-05:002010-02-05T20:32:21.331-05:00You made a fine selection! Bernina's are def n...You made a fine selection! Bernina's are def not cheap or POS's, LOL.<br /><br />Angie R.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72749376151834767232010-02-05T20:04:22.979-05:002010-02-05T20:04:22.979-05:00Ok, so everything has pretty much been said so I&#...Ok, so everything has pretty much been said so I'm not sure that I can add too much more. I have both a Bernina 1008 and an Aurora 440QE. I love them both, though after having automatic buttons, and well..all the other bells and whistles, I prefer to sew on the Aurora as my primary machine, and use the 1008 as back-up - it is so much faster and efficient at everything! My only real complaint is that the automatic button hole foot on the Aurora (and I"m assuming the Activa too) has to be taken into the shop for fine tuning about once every year or two, whereas the 1008 never needs to be taken in for anything. That can get annoying (and pricey) as the years go by...Kassianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19501947349629182102010-02-05T19:38:43.945-05:002010-02-05T19:38:43.945-05:00Wow, Belleass, a cheapie p.o.s? Tell us how you re...Wow, Belleass, a cheapie p.o.s? Tell us how you really feel! :)<br /><br />Thanks again for your input, everyone! I actually just put a deposit down on the 1008, after a lot of thought. I'll have it at the end of next week!Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-58252778838552374462010-02-05T18:35:06.445-05:002010-02-05T18:35:06.445-05:00Modern mechanical machines are not sturdier than t...Modern mechanical machines are not sturdier than their computerized counterparts. They are in fact less sturdy, and the motor has less "get up and go" which is important if you want to quilt or sew heavy fabrics or sew many layers of heavy fabrics. Buying a cheapie mechanical machine is false economy.<br /><br />I like to use my computerized machine for the same reason I like to use patterns- takes some of the grunt work out of sewing. Specifically, I can not do without:<br /><br />Needle Threader- I'm not an old lady but I can't see well to thread the needles. It allows you to thread your machine in two winks once you learn to use it properly.<br /><br />Needle Up/Down button- On a computerized machine, the needle automatically returns to the highest needle position. If you start off sewing with the needle in the down position, it automatically returns to the down position when you stop. That means when you're doing some tricky sewing you can control the needle stitch-by-stitch by tapping your foot. <br /><br />Start/stop button- This is like sewing cruise control. Granted, I use this more for quilting than dressmaking, but it is still fabulous. You unplug the pedal, press the button to start sewing, press it again to stop. Good when you have to maintain a constant speed for a long time.<br /><br />Automatic back stitch/lockstitch- Regular straight stitch that back stitches automatically at the beginning of the seam, perfect three stitches. When you reach the end of the seam, you tap the back stitch button again and it back stitches. I don't know about you, but when I'm doing tricky work it tends to slip toward the end of the seam if I have to take my fingers off. The lockstitch makes a little knot at the beginning and end of the seam.<br /><br />Serging stitch- I have a serger, but I use the serging stitch on my machine for light work or weird colors for which white, cream or black won't cut it. Obviously, the machine doesn't trim, but there are some really amazing seam finish stitches out there. <br /><br />Needle position- With a computerized machine you usually have A LOT more control over your needle position.<br /><br />Buttonholes. Seriously, buttonholes. If you have a good machine you won't be going to the tailor for them. You can do corded buttonholes, keyhole buttonholes, "handworked" style buttonholes.<br /><br />There are some other things I loove about my machine (Janome 4900) but those are sort of the basic great features. Look, vintage and simplicity etc are all well and fine but don't short-change yourself. When you have a very capable machine, it frees you to do more. I don't see why your choices are a cheapie p.o.s. with no features or a top of the line model. Everything I described can be found on a nice mid-range machine, the sort that might cost $500 here. So probably less than that. Janome 2101 comes to mind, also the Janome 4030. Husvarna Emerald 183 is a lovely machine. I'm sure Bernina or Elna have comparable machines. <br /><br />One last thing, you have GOT to make sure the shop you buy from does follow up care. If they don't offer free machine lessons with the purchase of your machine, they aren't worth spending your money. The lessons are what help you figure out how to reach your sewing potential with the machine, rather than leaving half the wonderful features unused.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08235341738044433500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-49489214078652394532010-02-05T17:33:11.530-05:002010-02-05T17:33:11.530-05:00I am pretty sure that 1008 is the same model we us...I am pretty sure that 1008 is the same model we used in the college costume shop where I worked, and they were awesome. No bells and whistles, but everything we needed to make boned corsets to french seamed lightweight garments.<br />However, I have my mom's hand-me-down Bernina 1530 and I plan on being buried with it. :)Miss Amelinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15073384914868842133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-86065678871477855502010-02-05T16:31:32.422-05:002010-02-05T16:31:32.422-05:00Mechanical machines... what a strange term (are th...Mechanical machines... what a strange term (are there sewing machines that are not mechanical?)<br /><br />Can't help with your actual quandary, so I guess this was an entirely useless comment. Sorry :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2438783091520927372010-02-05T16:01:59.884-05:002010-02-05T16:01:59.884-05:00Shannie,
Oh, the Singer 500A (Rocketeer) is such...Shannie, <br /><br />Oh, the Singer 500A (Rocketeer) is such a great machine! My mom had one when I was a kid so I had plenty of experience sewing on it. She still has it, and it's still running! I have the Singer 401A which is kind of like it, but not quite as Jetson looking. <br /><br />C.B.Catholic Bibliophagisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10697706672495544901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-59439350201940055132010-02-05T15:13:33.382-05:002010-02-05T15:13:33.382-05:00My husband bought my Pfaff Expression 2.0 at the l...My husband bought my Pfaff Expression 2.0 at the local shop because I could try it out prior to purchasing, and have useful customer service if there were any issues afterward. This is something I would not feel comfortable purchasing online at all. Getting qualified help when needed is of utmost importance.<br /><br />Most people I know who sew, have multiple machines so try looking at this purchase as a way of building your future fashion house!<br /><br />SassyJenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-18856077897408439352010-02-05T14:44:05.019-05:002010-02-05T14:44:05.019-05:00Most of everything has been said, and I too apprec...Most of everything has been said, and I too appreciate all the comments on this issue. I own a Bernina 1008, and I bought it over 10 years ago and I have never (*blush*) had it for service... I believe that's a good sign? Another thing is the fact that 1008 is Bernina's last mechanical option, and <i>it has been for sale for ages</i>! Undoubtedly, this has to be a sign of quality? I have to admit that feet are expensive (compared to i.e. Janome), but I've been sewing a lot and have only been missing the invisible zipper foot. I bought that some years ago, but now that one is giving me some trouble with YKK zips (not Opti, I think), and I just use the butto-hole foot. Oh, and button-holes, I think they are easy and controlled (but I was used with one without button-hole function at all). <br /><br />I've borrowed light-weighted machines sometimes (cheap, though) and it's impossible to speed-sew, because the machine starts jumping around! So I really enjoy the steadiness of 1008. <br /><br />And you do have an overlocker, and thus you shouldn't have any trouble with knits?frk.bustadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11905037626664748421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-56632399497648420262010-02-05T12:20:18.973-05:002010-02-05T12:20:18.973-05:00The best thing I ever did was go to my service man...The best thing I ever did was go to my service man when I was ready for a new machine. I explained to him how much I sew and I gave him a list of things I needed the machine to do. I told him that I wanted his recommendation for a reliable machine because he sees broken sewing machines all the time, and he knows which models spend less time in his shop. He came back with a beautiful 1960's Singer 500A that he completely overhauled for me and gave me all kinds of cams and attachments.<br />My pattern review:<br />http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Review/1/2088<br />Now I try to convert all my friends and family to the old steel machines. My cousin just bought a beautiful Touch and Sew on Craig's List for $70 last week. So, I guess it goes without saying that my vote is for a vintage machine.Shanniehttp://www.hhhsd.org/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28540035481731262972010-02-05T11:32:08.292-05:002010-02-05T11:32:08.292-05:00Are you going to keep your old machine which I gue...Are you going to keep your old machine which I guess has a buttonfoot? I know you live in brooklyn so it may be a space issue. I just rememember that my mother had so much trouble with her Kenmore (ca. 1974) that didnt' have a buttonhole option that we had snaps on everything! ;-) (She also had a cranky bobbin situation).Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17103453299489428431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-20603773427573322272010-02-05T10:18:51.095-05:002010-02-05T10:18:51.095-05:00I love my 1008. I would have liked to have the nee...I love my 1008. I would have liked to have the needle up/down feature and maybe the knee lift, but I just connected to the machine in the store and felt like it was a good fit for me and a good long-term investment. I like that it's sturdy with always-perfect tension and pressure (even on knits so far) and a really solid looking stitch. And I find it fun to have to turn all those knobs! <br />And their special feet are amazing. I don't know how I sewed before without the edgestitch foot. <br /><br />If you go back to try the machine again, make sure you make the machine go at its full speed. It does vibrate a little bit, so you'd want to be aware of that before buying. <br /><br />I've only had mine a few months and I wish I'd seen a discussion like this before I bought mine. Such a helpful group of readers you have! It's clear we all feel strongly about our machines!<br /><br />MarlenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13700693916186247032010-02-05T09:48:40.074-05:002010-02-05T09:48:40.074-05:00Oh! And just my two cents on used machines from eB...Oh! And just my two cents on used machines from eBay and such. I have no problems whatsoever with this route - in fact, that's how I got Mrs. Exeter! But for my primary machine, I just feel better knowing that I can test it at the store and have their customer service if anything should go wrong. Perhaps I'm a fuddy duddy that way. What do you all think?Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.com