In Search of a Travelling Sewing Machine…
To think I lusted after a Bernina…
(this picture just cracked me up… it’s got nothing to do with this story! lol)
Wow… I decided to play a little during breaks from doing some work on this blog this past weekend. I thought it would be fun to actually try to narrow down what Bernina I’d want. I’ve been lusting after getting B’s footsies for a long time. But now, after *finally* doing my real homework, I’m just not even close to being revved up enough over any one model.
It was kind of wild to discover that I’m not missin’ a thing in a sewing machine.
By the time I wade through all of the features on the top 9 machines of Bernina, I walk away being soooooo glad I’ve got two machines that have all of the features I want (except for being smaller – wishing I could have one that is about 20 pounds or less).
After comparing, the Babylock Ellisimo Gold is really quite a value after evaluating it up against the Bernina offerings, IMO.
And the Horizon kicks some butt of it’s own, too.. after seeing how much I’d have to spend in B-Land in order to get some of the same features!
Unless someone is getting one of the very Top of the Line’s for Bernina’s dual feed (which is understandable) I think the Ellisimo blows rest of the Bernina lineup outta the water.
Just a few wonderful features on the Ellisimo Gold:
Hover
Automatic Needle Threader
Automatic Feed Dog drop for embroidery
Beautiful, wider than 9mm stitches (multi directional ones)
And awesome quality embroidery and stitches.
Comes with loads of accessories
What the EG is missing: Dual Feed. (I’m not a big fan of walking feet – I can slap a walking foot on any machine)
What my Horizon has: Dual Feed. (and truly more effective than what other brands are offering, IMO)
The Horizon weighs 25 pounds. (I should just suck it up and get a decent Tutto bag for her, huh?)
Not sure what the EG weighs in at.. she’s not talkin’. 
I still want (eventually) a third machine that could travel better than what I have… the Horizon and EG are pretty big. So Bernina… just know I tried.
Here’s how it went down… maybe this will help someone else:
Looking at the Bernina 5 series, I would have to get a 580 just to get an auto thread cutter? Really? And… not sure I want another embroidery machine – and after being spoiled by the EG.. it would irk me to not have an auto needle threader – that is just soooo sweet on the EG for embroidery thread changes – just hit three buttons in a row and she goes! (1. threads the needle, 2. lowers the foot, and 3 – away you go!) Boom, boom, boom. It’s delightful.
But … Get back on track here, Rip, this all started over thinking about the perfect travel machine.
And the 580, nor any of the 5′s, have a dual feed. So I can’t imagine spending the $$$ on those.
But just for fun… in case dual feed isn’t a biggie for you… let’s drop down to the 550 and take a look – no push button thread cutter? That blows the 5 series …. Pretty lame, Bernina – even that little $310 Brother machine with Embroidery that I tried this summer has that!
So I’m killin’ time… so what the hey… I even watched YouTube videos to see the 7 series some more…. and honestly… I get bummed out by them. I can’t imagine having to lower the feed dogs manually to do embroidery – how cheesy is that on a TOL? The only two embroidery machines I’ve worked with are the Brother mentioned above and the Ellisimo Gold… and there ya have it… a $310 machine and a $7,000 one… but Bernina doesn’t put a droppin’-the-dogs feature into their machines? What’s with that?
And another little thing I picked up on… no 1/4″ foot included on the 780? What kind of move is that? That just seems cheapskate to me.
The 780 weighs in at 30 pounds (guessing that’s without the embroidery module). Not seeing the sense in getting bigger and heavier with less features than I have between the two machines I have now.
And to get a sewing machine with the hover (I wouldn’t buy my next machine without it – if the machine is in the over $2,000 realm) … and it seems (unless I’m missing something) that Bernina isn’t including that on any unless I’m back up into a 40 pound, ($10,000!) 830 model.
And Janome… I love ya… but it doesn’t seem that you included hover on the new 8900 that you launched. Seems it takes moving into the 12000 Embroidery machine… for about $8,500 street price. —-but dang… that is an *awesome* machine.
I don’t need another machine at home – and that’s where these heavy beasts are really meant to live.
Not done… lol….
OMG… I didn’t expect this… (again, I take so much for granted on my beeeeeautiful EG)… have you seen Bernina’s excuse for needle threaders? What *are* you thinking, Bernina?!?!? The $300 Brother has an automatic needle threader… but you have to pop $9,000 to get one on a Bernina machine? Even the embroidery models don’t have an automatic needle threader?
Dang, I’m so glad I got the EG! For those of you that have never done 30 color changes on an embroidery project – some are done every 2-3 minutes – take my word for it… having an automatic needle threader is da bomb!
The 7 series use almost exactly the same, inexpensive, threader that is on my Granddaughter’s New Lotus and that I have on the Horizon. Really?
Dang.. I would love to have a Bernina for the feet… but to get:
Dual Feed
Needle Threader (hit a button and go! like the cheapie Brother or my elegant EG!)
Hover/Pivot
What’s that mean? An 830? $10,000?!?!?!
The more I look at other machines (still).. the more I appreciate what I already have.
I guess I’m sitting this 7 series out…
I wish they had a 20 pounder machine with the features above. Doesn’t look like that is ever gonna happen.
The only thing I wish I had on the Horizon is the hover – but the knee lift is still nice enough – especially for the price!
My only regret is that I didn’t really scour over the list of features better on these machines a few months ago.
When I got my EG, I was shopping for embroidery capabilities *only*. The EG shines in that department – but I had no idea it also had so many good features that Bernina leaves out. I just wish the EG had a dual feed like the Horizon. *That* would make it the perfect machine.
So at the end of the day, I found it *easy* to write off Bernina’s offerings right now … I’m probably good until they come out with something else. And given they seem mired in their own problems right now with just getting the 7 series out the door … new machines probably won’t be happening any time soon.
So after sitting on this post in “draft” mode overnight….
The one thought that comes to the surface this morning – big time – when comparing out the machines for the features above is how Pfaff has the features in one machine – and not weighing in at 40 pounds.
Over on another board that I hang out on, there’s a Creative Performance culture that just loves those machines. Purple. And all.
I took a class last summer to try out the Pfaff.
I don’t like the purple of the Creative Performance. Nor do I like the layout of the buttons on the Creative Performance and the Creative Sensation (that start/stop button should be on the nose of the machine – down by the needle – not up in the middle of the machine, IMO). There’s lots of buzz out there about Pfaff problems, even recently. Bummer. I don’t trust Pfaff’s workmanship or dependability (but the local dealer offered an extended warranty in the deal). And, I wish their dual feed was better than it is (like the Horizon).
But, it seems that for the features, Pfaff has at least got a head on their shoulders to incorporate their dual feed on an embroidery machine and keep the price under $10,000. But if I was going to lay out that kind of dough, I’d be back looking at the Janome 12000 if I couldn’t live without the dual feed, hover, and a needle threader.
The price on a Creative Performance (without the Embroidery) was about $4,000, if I remember correctly. That’s pretty spendy for a travel machine. But at least it has the hover and dual feed.
No travel machine Nirvana out there for me right now….
So the search for a decent little travel machine continues…
I hear you! Although I love my Nina’s, I’m not sure if that love will wind up extending to the new 7 series. Maybe the 710. For the same price though, I could get the PCP w/o embroidery, but have the option.
Not sure though, if your desires with the travel machine is gonna happen for you. Hover maybe, but one touch threading? I’m amazed even Brother has that on the little machine. I wonder if the Dreamweavers have it?
Biggest complaint about Bernina has been lack of pressed foot pressure adj on the 3 series. Though I haven’t missed it really, it would be nice for the price.
I thought for the longest that there is no way the PCP could be as perfect as they on that thread claim. But I’m sure people think that Berninas aren’t worth all they charge either! Maybe they have found sewing machine Nirvana, and I should test it more.
So far I know I’m going to keep the 730. I can’t afford an Ellie, unfortunately, and don’t do enough embroidery to justify that much $. But it sure is a stellar machine! I’ll just do embroidery on the 730, and other stuff too, and get a large harp machine that has everything else I want. That machine might just be the PCP, though I don’t want to spend that much either right now!
Hey Mary….
I was hoping you’d trot on over here for this discussion!
As for the PCP’s… I honestly think that purple is disgusting… and I think the placement of the buttons is a little messed up, too. But after that… they at least put all the great features into one machine. Gotta give ‘em credit for that.
It also spooks me to hear of so many having issues with their machines…. so I just didn’t have a reason to go down that road.
The Pfaff dealer here also sells Viking – and I ***loved*** the looks of the Designer Diamond Deluxe.. but again… no dual feed.
I’m so unbelievably happy with my decision to get the EllieG. That machine is amazing – but no dual feed. Over the weekend, when I finished that bag at a sewing day away from home, I really missed the dual feed of the Janome. The Janome dual feed is just so much stronger and less in-the-way than a walking foot hanging off the back of the foot post on the machine.
Let’s just say Bernina has made it really easy to say “no” these days.
But I might be able to stomach that pfuple color for a travelling machine someday.
Yeah, I feel the same. I was underwhelmed with the PCP when I tested it, but that could change.
The PCP would involve a 60 mile trip through heavy traffic. Ugggh. I really don’t like that idea at all.
They are all far away except Brother, Janome, Bernina or Viking. I never liked the Brothers, and Viking is out due to no dual feed. That leaves the 710, BL Cresendo, Pfaff CP or QE4, and Janome whatever.
As much as I like the Vikings, I already have a machine with a great walking foot. If I’m going to spend, I want to at least have the dual feed built in!
Hi Sally,
The Kissing Hands Project will run through February 28, 2013. I’ve started knitting mittens already.
Kippy
I have the B830, B750, and the Elna 720. Nothing can touch the quality of stitches as my B830. My embroidery looks like I did it on a 12 needle. My BF has the same set up as you, but still keeps asking her hubby for the 830. I bought the 8900 but traded it back in for the B750. Just can’t cross back over. I think it just boils down to what makes you happy. I LOVE Berninas. The education they provide is unmatched by any company. They are so fun to use especially after sewing on Bernie’s for 30+years, I now have all the feet they make.
Hi Hillary….
Maybe you’re missing what I’m saying.
I have *no doubt* the 830 is amazing (now that they supposedly have most of the bugs worked out) …
I am *thrilled* with the two machines here. BUT.. I was looking for something that is *not* a 40 pound behemoth to take to classes.
The sad fact is, at least in Bernina-land, Bernina goes cheap on the features unless you do buy a $10,000 machine. Take the needle threader as the most glaring example. Even a $310 Brother has a better needle threader than what Bernina puts on a $5,000 machine.
Again… I’m looking for something for classes… even the 7 series are very heavy machines. And go less than a 7 series (like a 5) and you miss even more features.
For embroidery… I’m spoiled. Having the needle threader on the Ellie G is amazing for when you have to change out threads every minute or two on some projects.
And… I’ll never argue the footsie advantage with Bernina. I just don’t have a desire for another 40 pound machine in order to get all features.
Wow, I bet you are so happy with all the space you have now for storage. Thank you for the petucris. I too have had my sewing area in my bedroom, which I am going to revamp. I bought a 10 16 insulated building which will be my new area for sewing and crafting.I am so glad for you. Nancy
I always figure that I can thread a needle faster than I can use a threader but I do travel in a motorhome with a Bernina 230. It is sturdy, quiet, and I love using it. It has a knee lift instead of a hover, but I had hover on my Sapphire and no knee lift and decided I preferred the knee lift. About the cutter, the CB hook is incompatible with that mechanism and though I have a cutter on my B185 I only use it for embroidery because in many instances I like long tails. I adore the foot pedal that raises and lowers the needle and really feel handicapped without it. My little machine makes great buttonholes and mends anything which could be important on the road and never hesitates at bulky seams. It has wonderful feet and the whole bundle of machine with attached Barbie Box and the drop on canvas cover which neatly carries the foot pedal and cord is very compact. With it all together it weighs less than 20 pounds and has the same motor as other Bernina’s like the 630, 440 etc. what is not to like? I think I made few compromises to get a fine compact machine. I have even free motion quilted small projects. It is nicer than lots of other manufacturers portable machines. I personally am pleased that Bernina chose to make a machine like this.
I enjoy your posts by the way!
Leslie
We all hear over and over to buy from a dealer you trust. I thought I had that person – a distance dealer – but I was very wrong. I bought a Pfaff Sensation and have had many issues with it. This last time I had it at the dealer’s, she told me not to bring it back!!!!! I was/am stunned – and of course have written to Pfaff about this dealer who obviously needs to be medicated. She fooled me – and now I’m the fool. I have a TOL that has issues and no dealer! Be careful. I have since checked out the Berninas too – locally – but the dealer here is quite “sniffy”, if you get my drift. They are very proud of those machines, aren’t they?
I am glad to know I am not the only person trynig to duck the hoarder guy. I donated some items to the Salvation Army and I saw a small bookshelf. I think I’ll go back and see if it is still there. Your shelf has inspired me to get more organized. Thanks. Happy Holidays!