Consultation, Anyone?
One of the things I think about is the direction my sewing and quilting will take. I reached the conclusion a short time ago that as wonderful as it is to see the finished quilts when the machinist does them, I simply can't spend the money to get every quilt professionally machined. So I've been doing a little more tying of quilts. And attempting to do some machine quilting myself. Which is where this post is going.
I have a Bernina 1031 and I am very fond of this machine. True, she lacks a buttonhole stitch which I would like to have. But she has been reliable and can do nearly everything I would like her to do. Nearly. If I'm going to do more machine quilting myself, I have been thinking that I would like to get another sewing machine, one that has dual-feed (IDT? Accufeed?) -- because I find the use of the walking foot for 1031 to be awkward. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to machine quilt and have clear vision of where I am sewing? To not have to struggle with putting that foot on? To have fabric line up beautifully when piecing?
Marsha has sworn by her Pfaff(s) which have IDT (integrated dual transportation, or "built in walking foot"). Now I've learned that some other makers have the same feature and call it Accufeed. And Bernina herself has "dual feed." So I spent some time recently looking at the Berninas with "built-in walking foot" and it appears that their 750QE would meet my wish list. But, golly, is she pricey! She lists at over $5,000! Which may or may not be a horrific price to pay for a machine since I bought my 1031 more than fifteen years ago.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Any recommendations? Essentially, I want a good quality machine with a "built-in walking foot," buttonhole stitch would be nice, and I don't need embroidery function.
Comments
Are you wanting to do straight line quilting only or do you plan to do free motion stuff, too?
I have a Pfaff without all of the bells and whistles--just mechanical, not computerized. It, of course, has the IDT (which I love), but when you say buttonhole stitch are you meaning the "blanket stitch" style of stitch? Mine does not have that, which I would have liked, but can live without. Paid around $700 about 7 years ago. If I was looking at a $5000 price tag I would want it to be on a midarm machine that would allow me to quilt large quilts more easily, but you don't get a walking foot on those.
My only advice is practice, practice, practice. When I first started I remember telling my husband that I'd never be able to machine quilt. I didn't think any amount of practice would help. Now my quilting looks good enough to sell.
I'm taking "Lizzie" to the "spa" for a cleaning and adjustment so will need my Tiptronic for now. (I have done this about once a year and have NEVER had a problem of any sort with However, you are welcome to borrow her after White Oak if you want to play around with a Pfaff, check out the buttonhole stitch (never used it), etc.
If you have a good sewing machine store, tell them that you might be in the market for a used machine that does quilting. There could be a trade in.
Maybe find a good used machine from a person who is downsizing after you get some recommendations from your quilting buddies. Put the word out.
Computerized is nice because of needle up or down, among other uses.
You mention a walking foot type thing. But if you want free motion quilting, you wouldn't be using that anyway.
The larger throat area on some of the straight stitch only sewing machines might be ideal. Also these machines are cheaper.
I have an older Bernina 440QE and love it.
Happy hunting!
Hugs!
Sounds like you're getting lots of great advice about machines. I have none to offer since mine is 11 years old :)