Should I buy a quilting machine when I really want a (v. quiet) sewing machine?

[lynniep]

I currently own a Janome basic machine. (cost me about £80 a few years ago)
Its too noisy. Then tension is difficult to get right. The platform (dont know the correct term) has broken off which leaves me with a tiny area to put the fabric on.

It works. But its not ideal. I sew a lot and I would really love a machine which
a) can do something resembling an overlock (I use zig zag at the mo but its not so pretty)
b) is quiet because my DH complains at the racket (he has a point)
c) can cope with thick fabric without snapping a needle or getting stuck.
d) can do a few more stitches than 10 basic

I am not a quilter and don't intend to start, but I wouldnt mind some fancy stitches.
If I were to buy a new sewing machine, I probably would set my limit at £300 max.

However my friend has just offered me this computerised baby Pfaff Expression 2046 which has been barely used. For £350. Its now obsolete (I think its about 7 years old) but I know its worth way more than that.

I am tempted, but then I suspect it has more bells and whistles than I actually need. I'm wondering if she will get more money for it on ebay and I should be looking at a standard sewing machine instead.

But there are so many out there. Even looking at the pfaff website - its so confusing - there are so many - and thats just one brand!

What do I do???

(I have asked her if I can trial it btw, so this question if I try and dont want it turns in to - 'well what DO I buy then'?)

[muppetthecow]

If you don't get on with your friend's, it might be worth looking into Husqvarna. I have a Husqvarna Viking which is great for all kinds of things and really quiet. It can do quilting quite happily, has a big platform bit, and has a pretty extensive range of stitching options. They're pretty well known for being a quiet brand, which is why I went for it (I was buying just after DS was born). I managed to find mine second hand for about £320 on eBay (I think they're about £700 new). Hope you find something

[lynniep]

thank you. I've heard that about the brand on another forum

[Smudge588]

I have the pfaff ambition which is a lower speck than the one your friend has. I love it. when I was buying the advice I got was to aim to get something that does a little bit more than you need if you can. that way you can keep doing more stuff. I previously had a janome and the pfaff is just a billion times better. its quieter, manages the fabric better and in general is a pleasure to use. I'd try it and see how you get on. the build quality is generally good for pfaff so it should still be a good machine.

[BigBoobiedBertha]

Weirdly I have been offered the same machine for £300 so don't worry about your friend not getting the going rate. I just saw a website that said they were about $1400 new (approx. £900) but I think machines depreciate quite rapidly because of a good second hand market so £300 -£400 seems about right.

Haven't had a go yet but I think it will do what you need it to and really, you can ignore the rest. Pfaffs are supposed to be good solid workhorses of a machine I've heard, which is all that matters. I am a quilter but the thing that interests me is that it includes an overlocker which could be useful for dressmaking. You are right that quilting machine or more expensive machines anyway, are quieter.

Have had a try yet OP?

[lynniep]

I'm hoping she can bring it over this weekend (she lives an hour away so can't just pop round) otherwise I shall just have to wait :)

the overlocker is what is tempting me too.

[BigBoobiedBertha]

Oh exciting. Even if you did nothing but normal running stitches I bet you will feel the difference how smoothly it works and how solid it feels.

BTW I have a Janome now, not basic but nowhere near top of the range, and I am also looking at new machine because it is a pain to get the tension right. Even if I manage it, it doesn't last. It does sew through thick fabric with the right needle and the walking foot but it is a struggle. Maybe Janome isn't the greatest make? My mum has a new top of the range one which cost a packet and hers is good, but I don't have her budget nor a place to keep such a big machine.

Let us know what you think when you have had a go.

[Inkspellme]

I'm a quilter so would have a slightly different perspective on sewing machines. I use a bernina but a lot of my friends use pfaff. they are terrific machines - built to last and be reliable. Lots of accessories available in the form of specialist feet etc that may appeal to you at a later date if not now. The machine may be a higher spec than you are need but it gives you options for the future which are nice to have even if you only rarely use them. So my advice is - go for the pfaff - you know its been looked after and you know its a machine you couldn't get new.

[TerribleTantrums]

I think if you try your friend's machine and like it then you should go for it. It's a bit like cars, it's good to know the history of a second-hand machine, you know your friend has used it appropriately and not done boy-racer things with it.

I have a cheap New Home (made by Janome) as my first machine and it is very loud. My current machine is also Janome and, while it's much quieter, it's not nearly as quiet as my friend's lovely Pfaff which only purrs.