Do you HATE/LOVE your sewing machine?(edited-link posted by Kristin re:machines)

I am a tailor's daughter so I feel like I've been around sewing machines all of my life.  I didn't really own my own machine until college when I went to a local sewing machine store and bought a used Pfaff Calenda, which is still sewing, though stored in my sister's attic.  My next machine was a Singer Stylist which I loved because it had my first built-in buttonholer.  Unbeknownst to me, it's parts were made of nylon.  In its tenth year of faithful service, the machine just up and died.  It's nylon gears just disintegrated. Lesson learned.

Next, I invested in my first electronic machine, the Elna Carina.  It had cams and lots of stitches.  I loved it dearly and bought lots of extra feet.  I worked it hard, but it too gave out after about 10 years.  I had it repaired at great cost, but it was never the same machine. 

Which is why I invested in a Viking 400 computerized embroidery machine. The best thing about it is that it does not have to be oiled and all the extra feet I bought for my Elna fit.  It has a lot more bells and whistles than I ever use, but I've made everything from aprons to tailored jackets and purses on this one.  After some really heavy duty sewing, it started to act up.  I got factory service.  They asked if I had my warranty card.  I did.  They fixed it for FREE.

Which gave me an idea.  I finally decided to arrange factory service for my Carina.  It wasn't easy.  Elna is now a subsidiary of Janome.  Long story short, I finally got it repaired after all these years.  And you know what?  I forgot what a joy this machine is. It's back to where it was when I first bought it.  As much as I like my Viking, it doesn't sew like my Elna.  The stitches are like works of art, perfectly balanced. It may be a mechanical with cams that drive me nuts, and lacks embroidery and other stuff, but sewing on this machine is a literal pleasure.

I also own two basic sergers.  The first is a brand made by Tacony [like most are].  It works just fine but I wanted differential feed so I bought a Simplicity Easylock.  It requires a really strange needle, but a few years ago I bought a lifetime supply of them. Adding to that inconvience is the fact that it's needle clamp screws are virtually microscopic. Changing needles is stressful.  I have to admit it makes a beautiful stitch. As for differential feed, I never seem to have need for it. LOL

Both my machines are Brothers from Wal-mart (purchased in 1996 and 2001), and being run on transformers since I live in Israel now.  The standard machine has been beat to H-ll in college and with all my moving (including a trans-Atlantic flight in a suitcase), but still works with minimal maintenence.  I've never had it tuned up or anything, I've just done basic maintenence (and not all that regularly).  It's a fantastic machine.  My mom has been sewing on a Singer from the 60's since she was in Jr. High and has made all SORTS of things on it.  the only thing you REALLY need for a garment machine is automatic buttonholes.  if it has that feature, you're golden.
  My brother serger is more problematic, although it is probably my own darn fault.  I suck at threading, no doubt.  My mom has a baby lock from the 80's and it works pretty well, although with grand baby #2 on the way, I think she's considering a newer one.

Sounds like you made a great purchase:) Hope you have loads of happy sewing!

 ::)I coudn't live without my machines. I have 2 singers.  One is 5 years old and the other is 20 years old.  I also have a singer serger wich I couldn't do without.  I love singer product.

I have 3 newer machines but just pulled out my mom's Singer 99 from the 1950's and can't believe what a great straight stitch it has compared to my newer, fancier machines. I think it will be used for all my quilt piecing and topstitching  from now on!

I have had a Vking designer 1 for a number of years and I heart it quite a lot.  Tons of stitches and very flexible for all types of sewing.  My only omplaint is the thing weighs a ton so if I lug it to a class or sewing event, it is a production to haul it plus my sewing gear anywhere.   

Saff

I have a Viking Designer 1 and I LOVE the machine!  I also have 3 other Vikings and I love them.  I just got my Grandma's featherweight over the summer but haven't had a chance to look at it much but I already love it because it was my Grandma's machine.

I do have a sewing machine I completely HATE, it's a Brother 1800 or 1500 - I can't remember but I positively HATE this machine.  One of these days I'm going to run it over with a tractor.   

Hey Y'all!
I have had the best time reading all these great stories
about people's sewing machines from this sites earlier
blog entry :http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=429 .
Thank you to the individual who pointed me to it.
(I think they are about 2 comments above me.)

I currently have a VERY basic machine, it is a RICCAR.
It has all metal GEARS, and does have the zigzag and
a few other stitches. It  is a work horse! It really does
all I need for it to do!

The Riccar is replacing the Singer Stylist 513, which was
used heavily for many years. It was purchased in 1973,
brand new. We have since replaced two of the plastic
gears. I wanted it to be repaired, as it has so much
sentimental value to me! My parents purchased it when
my sister and I were teenagers, so we could learn how
to sew.

The first machine I ever sewed on was an old Singer treadle
machine! I loved that machine! It still works of course! And
my mom still has it! It was her mom's!

Sewing machines are so much a part of our lives and I thank
you so much for having this thread (no pun intended), so
we can enjoy others' experiences!

Many thanks to all the sewing enthusiasts who sew kindly
share their knowledge here! I've learned so much!

Happy Sewing!!

I have a Janome and a Kenmore made by Janome...LOVE them both...they are both computerized and they are both over 20 years old...

I originally had a Brother which was just okay, but really loud. About a year a ago I bought a Janome Decor Excel Pro 5124 and I love it. It is so quiet and smooth. It doesn't have a ton of fancy stiches, but it is a workhorse and I've had no problems or complaints so far.

I love my Husqvarna Viking. I had a Singer that my sister gave me and sewed on it for two years. But my Viking, I got it for my birthday, is amazing. You can sew leather and then sew tulle and you do not have to change the needle or anything. I got in August and I have sewn more in the last few months because it is so easy. I made all of our Christmas presents, between, pj's tea towels, dolls felt food, coasters and hats, it has done an excellent job.

Over the years I have collected a lot of machines. I have a newer Viking that I use mostly for clothing making because I like the button holer. I use my 221 or now my 301 Singers for piecing quilts and believe it or not, I bought a Euro Pro on HSN about 5 yrs ago for $200. and that's what I quilt all my quilts with. It has a long space for rolling the quilt, it's strong and the walking foot is easy to put on and works great. I bought it so I wouldn't put heavy stress on my Viking and found that I love it. I also have an old Sears machine that doesn't work but it's great for winding bobbins.

I purchased a Pfaff Creative Vision  a few months ago, and it is a fabulous multi purpose machine for someone who loves to sew, quilt and embroider. This machine has an amazing array of useful features. New designs for quilting or embroidery can be uploaded via the USB stick. Nifty little features such as the automatic tie off and thread cutter, see through bobbin area and computer screen make sewing a joy.