what should i do re: buying a sewing machine?

[randp]

Hi - I'm a lurker who really wants to come out of hiding.

i currently have a Euro Shark Pro (you are probably saying "huh?"). my mom bought it for me years ago and i find it hard to use, etc. i am guessing she got it at a big box store? she tried to show me how to use it, but even she had a hard time (she has an old singer that is 50+ yrs old & used to be a very avid sewer)

i really think that i would sew a lot more if i had a machine that i enjoyed using. i don't think sewing is my hobby of the month - i really would love to become more & more skilled.

i took a sewing class at a bernina dealer a few months ago. we were using these really nice computerized sewing machines that cost $699. (I forgot the model #) it was quiet, easy to thread, easy to make adjustments to the stitches (length, width, etc), the pedal worked really nice (on my current machine, it "sticks" and then either stops or goes too fast - hard to get a good rhythm).

if i buy from this dealer, i also get a few free lessons, etc - which i think would be invaluable.

then, they also have the $899 model which has a lot more decorative stitches which i could use on items for DD (who is now 2)

what would you do?
1. stick w/what i have until i get more experience (which i think may be hard w/this machine)
2. get the less expensive bernina because i probably won't end up needing/using all of the stitches of the higher priced one.
3. get the more expensive bernina because i would probably kick myself in a few yrs for not having the extra stitches (DH says i should get the more expensive one - he said for an extra $200 i should just get it)

i also want to say that it's not like a just have $1000 to drop on a sewing machine w/out a care in the world. i have ~$500 so far saved to go toward the machine from birthdays/xmas/etc. i just want to make the best long term decision.

(also, this is really the only dealer close to where i live)

i know this is long and i really appreciate your input!!
thanks!!!

[emoflamingo]

I wouldn't stick with it, but I wouldn't necessarily go right for the Bernina. I know they are nice, but as a beginner, I'd hate to not stick with it after spending that much on it.

I have a Brother CS-6000i and it is really nice. I got it from a vacuum & sewing machine seller on eBay and they have them on Amazon for about $150. I don't think you necessarily need lessons to learn how to use a machine, just some trial and error. (I taught myself and asked for help from my MIL/used YouTube tutorials for what I couldn't figure out myself.)

[angiepangie]

My first machine was a Euro Pro POS. Hated it, so I replaced it with a Singer Touch & Sew. It isn't the greatest either...it has 2.5 stars on Amazon. LOL

As far as your question goes, the cheapskate in me says you should go with something a little less expensive until you are certain you will be sewing for the long run.

But the rest of me is jumping up & down like a little girl saying get the Bernina! I want one soooo bad.

Just make sure whatever you end up getting has a lot of good reviews.

[TBM]

See if your Bernina dealer has any refurbished/trade in models for less. My old dealer used to have some great machines for great prices, and it was great to have the support.

I am a big believer in getting the best machine that you can afford, because you will have more success and less frustration, both of which can make a huge difference in whether or not you find it enjoyable and grow in your craft.

I have a Bernina Activa, a really basic model, and I have really put it to the test for the past 10 years. My business partner and I both got ours at the same time, and have never regretted it. We have used them for costume work, home decor and all kinds of things that they probably weren't meant for as home machines, but they have held up great. They are like new.

In the past I had some cheaper machines that I had hoped would be portable enough for work, but they were just not as reliable or as easy to use as the Bernina. Well worth the money, imo.

[mrscarroll61007]

I agree with ^^^^ get the best you can. I just got a Janome for $500. Not a Bernina, but for what I needed it is great. And SO.MUCH.BETTER. than my piece o crap Singer I tore down in two years. The machine I bought will outlast my daughter sewing and can be easily serviced again and again.

I would go to a store that does sewing machine repair and sells many brands and talk to them. The place I got mine from had some FANTASTIC deals on used and repaired machines. I was drooling.

[glitterfart]

I´d try out a few different machines before spending the money. But I am also a firm believer in getting the best machine you can afford. As for the fancy stiches--I have a pfaff variamatic 6091 which doesn´t do any fancy stiches to speak of, but has lots of strech stiches and things. I´ve never really needed/wanted anything more than I have. A friend has a Pfaff that does all the fancy stiches and confessed that she´s used them maybe 2-3 times. And we both sew lots of kids clothing.

[Michelle]

I have a Brother with an embroidery function I have yet to try out and I love it. It was given to me by my mom so I have no idea what the price range is. But the user manual is super easy to follow as a beginner seamstress.

[Deleted]

I honestly believe that "getting the best you can afford" is completely subjective. Is a bottom rung Mercedes with very few extras really a better vehicle than a Chevy with all the bells and whistles?

I think that's honestly something only you can decide.

I've been sewing since I was 15 and I can say that for myself, I'd rather have a higher end brother with a handful of cool presser feet than a first or second tier Bernina.

I also think about the cost as a whole, not just the cost of the machine. The idea is that you can sew things for less than the cost of buying them (which isn't necessarily true on its face. The truth is that you can usually buy things for cheaper but you can sew better quality for less but that's a side point.) For me, I just don't feel like a higher level brand like Bernina is a good pay off considering I feel like I can sew just as well on my beloved, hug it more than my own children Brother. lol

In the end, this is a matter of what you feel comfortable with. I know the buy the best you can is a popular sentiment but I like to buy a machine I feel like I can grow into. I'm not sure the lower level Berninas fit this challenge. I think you'll likely want to upgrade to more features in the near future.

[cmeon]

LOL- another "happy" Euro-Shark owner! I had one for FOUR YEARS and couldn't figure it out. I graduated to a Brother, and all of a sudden, I knew how to sew. I don't care what you replace it with- just stay away from that brand.

[randp]

ladies - thanks for all of the input!! i really appreciate it!

angiepangie - was your euro pro machine model POS or are you calling it a piece of s#it? either way i had to laugh at that!!!