Your favourite sewing/embroidery machine please? Just doing some research in case I get an opportunity to buy a new machine. Currently use a Pfaff 2170. Don't know what to look at and would appreciate your thoughts. [from South Australia]

I bought a Baby Lock about a year and half ago. It is my first electronic sewing machine and I love it. The summary from the on line research I did, buy from a reputable dealer and buy a new machine not used. The factory warranty, buying used, will not go with the new owner. the Baby Lock had good reviews on the ease of learning to use the machine. I was planning buying a Husqvarna, shopped at two dealers, both told me I would need lessons. Not living close, lessons would be a longer drive than I would like. With that being said, my mom and sister have Husqvarna's and never had lessons. Good luck in your search let us know when you get your machine.

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by vickiannette 16 Oct 2018

I too, live far away from anyone and cannot expect to have more than the lesson given at the time of purchase. Luckily I think that machines are probably getting more 'user friendly'. thank you.

I have two embroidery machines. My Babylock is the easiest to use, but I think my Bernina has a better stitch and more power. To me, the most important thing is to sit down and do a test stitchout at the merchant's shop. When they demo it for you, you don't get a "feel" of the machine.

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by vickiannette 16 Oct 2018

very good advice, thank you.

Thank you all for your very helpful comments.

I have 2 brother 800e, have always had brothers, ...wendy

I have Janome MC14000 and Janome 5000E

Link: https://www.janome.com/machines/e...

All depends on how much you want spend. @nd hand machines from a sewing dealer is an option.

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by vickiannette 15 Oct 2018

thanks for the link, I shall have a look at it. I do have one Second hand machine, which I use all the time [was a good decision to buy it]

Hi Vicki, I know you live way over on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and I'm assuming that Port Lincoln is the closest 'big' township in your area, which, as you know is about 180Kms away from you.
I know there is a Janome dealer there called The Patchwork Pear, other than that I'm not sure. My sister Jewls lives in Tumby Bay, but she doesn't own an embroidery machine so wouldn't be of much help.
I have had for most of my life Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and swear by them. I've got a great dealer and he services my machines regularly. I also have a Brother Quattro Innovis eye 670D and again a a great dealer there, so whatever machine you are thinking of getting you really need to think of the after hours service etc. Good luck and I hope you get lots of help, love Chris

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by vickiannette 16 Oct 2018

Hi Chris, yes I do live out in the farming area of EP. Probably will go to Patchwork Pear as I know the owner. Janome has a decent reputation in their 'high-end' machines. I have one from 1983 which was a fabulous machine which I pretty much worn out. thanks Chris

Ask your local repair guy what machines he hardly ever has to work on. You'll get a definite recommendation!

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by vickiannette 15 Oct 2018

yes, my thinking too....if I can find a repairman

Every machine I own (3 x embroidery & 2 x overlockers) are all Husqvarna Vikings. My latest is Husqvarna's Epic which while expensive is a totally new experience and the best machine I have ever used. Having said that, I would still suggest that a machine is only as good as the technican that services it and someone who is not too far away or where you visit regulary is one the most important aspects of your decision on what to buy. Don't overlook second hand machines from your dealer, you can get come great bargains when a new model is released. Good Luck Lynne

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by vickiannette 15 Oct 2018

yes, I did that once and got a great machine when the latest model was being released. [not embr. though]

to sew I have the Pfaff quilt expression 4.2, and to embroidery Brother V3, my dream would still be the overlock-babyLook Evolution. :-) Maria

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by vickiannette 15 Oct 2018

if I lived in USA I would look at the Baby-lock, but no-one seems to sell them here in Australia unfortunately.

I am a babylock girl too. I have the 10 needle the ellegante and the 8 thread serger. . User friendly and they do a lot. They are work horses. Good luck deciding. I would go someplace and try the machines out for myself before I decided. That is what sold me on Babylock.

I am a Baby Lock girl...all three of my machines...but you should also consider how close the dealer is to you for support and service...that is a key factor as well.

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by vickiannette 15 Oct 2018

yes, very important. Mine have to go to Adelaide which is about 700kms one-way.

I have 4 Brothers and 1 Babylock..the Babylock is my fave. I prob won't buy another but if I did, it would be BL.

I have only ever and will only ever have HusqvarnaVikings. Have worked on Brothers and they are ok, but Vikings to me are the most user-friendly. Of course, service after the sale is a very important factor as well. Good luck to you. Hugs. Nan W