So I have had my Viking 6030 for several years now. It is a fabulous machine. I've written about it before. I do truly love it. It sews through anything. It makes sewing easy and fun. But I just spent over $100 having it fixed. And now it is broken again. The poor thing. C has pointed out that at some point it is not really going to be worth fixing. So he told me to start shopping.
I went online and did some research. I felt I didn't want a computerized machine. What I didn't really consider is that they are ALL computerized. There really is no such thing as an entirely mechanical machine anymore. Except the really cheap ones. No thanks.
But I made a list of a few I wanted to look at and went to the sewing center. Darn sales guy. He listens to my list of needs and wants and points out that I'd probably really be happiest with something pretty fast and powerful. Or maybe I told him that. Anyway, he shows me the Viking Emerald, the Pfaff somethingorother, another Viking, and then pulls me over to the BabyLock Quest. Oh. My. Goodness! That thing is beautiful!! It sews 1,000 stitches per minute. It has 2 thread spools and separate feed systems for beautiful twin needle sewing. It has a tension dial and front loading bobbin (increases stitch quality). It has billions of stitches. Ohh, Ohhh, and a knee lever foot lift!! And push button start/stop and auto stitch locking. *Drool*
Okay, yeah it is computerized to the hilt. It has a million things I'd never use. But that long free arm! That wide workspace! Like I said. I've fallen in love. But I may have to put a paypal button on my blog. The thing costs $1549 on sale. It's normally somewhere over $2000. Yikes. I knew there were expensive machines. They get a LOT more expensive than this. I just thought I would be happy with something a little closer to the $4-600 neighborhood.
But I was talking to C last night about what I wanted in a machine. I was bummed, because to get it, I would have to have something computerized, which I thought I didn't want. He effectively talked me into wanting a computerized machine. Or at least not being against them at all. Good Job, C! I love you.
Actually, I do like talking to him about things like this. I know what features I have to have, what would be really nice to have. I don't know much about the mechanics of things however. He being a mechanical engineer, of course does. So I love getting his thoughts.
So, I thought I'd put up my list of needs and wants. Here goes:
Needs
- Twin needle capability
- free arm small enough, and long enough, to sew kids clothes
- wide enough work space to turn things while top stitching and making diapers
- adjustable presser food pressure
- Teflon foot (just has to be available to purchase)
- buttonholer
- front load bobbin
- variety of stitches such as : triple zigzag, stretch stitch, blind hem and reverse blind hem
- long stitch length. 5mm
- It has to handle denim and leather, as well as lightweight fabrics, with ease.
- a few decorative stitches. I don't use them much, but once in awhile I do and it is nice to have. If I had a lot, I'd probably use them.
- keyhole buttonhole and round buttonhole
- one step button hole would be fabulous!
- I have always wanted a knee bar for the presser foot lift
- independent bobbin winder. This is what I have on my Viking, and I'm spoiled. What can I say?
- some satin stitches, or at least one, for appliqué work.
- And can I get it to last forever?
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4 comments:
That machine is indeed seksi.
Question though, what is this start/stop button thing and why is it a feature? I guess my assumption is that using one's foot to make the machine go is better than having to spare a finger? I'm probably totally not getting what it actually is. Also, what's a teflon foot?
So S, could you not buy a non-computerized machine that was designed for use in industry? Surely they'd be workhorses?
I had an ancient machine donated to me that probably was really good, but I would have had to cart it down to a repair shop and it weighed a *ton*. I ended up buying a cheapie brother that I could actually lift.
Saving money should be made to be the same as making money for tax purposes so you can write off that gorgeous machine as a work expense. :) Or you should just wheedle C because you deserve a machine equal to your awesome skills!
Start stop button can be nice when doing loooooong seams. Just push start and let 'er rip.
A teflon foot is a machine foot made of teflon. It is da bomb for sewing really sticky fabrics or coated fabrics. Like waterproof stuff.
I have looked at industrial machines, but most of them straight stitch only. No go.
This machine is referred to as a "crossover" in that it is a home machine, but has several commercial features. That's why I like it.
I like your tax idea. I agree!
I suppose it would be illegal for you to accept donations?
Why on Earth would THAT be illegal??
Check my side bar!
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