Burda Style For people who sew

dear all,
i turn to you as experts in helping me decided which sewing machine to buy.
I have looked at brother and also singer and can not really decide.
i am in Europe (so it would help me if you indicate sewing machines/models that are also available here). I noticed that most of the new electronic sewing machines have quilting (which i am not really interested in). I would like a sturdy easy to use machine (something which easies my life with bobin) that i can sew with different materials ie leather, wool, silk, stretch etc
any suggestion/advice is greatly appreciated!
Dana

May 17, 2010, 03.38 PM by stellag

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  May 23, 2010, 11.46 PMby sew4my3

  Here is a link to where this question has been asked before and might be of use in your search. http://www.burdastyle.com/discussions/someone-help-me/topics/sewing-machine,

  also here: http://www.burdastyle.com/discussions/skill-tank/topics/sewing-machines-stores-in-germany—2,

  and here: http://www.burdastyle.com/discussions/someone-help-me/topics/buying-my-first-machine-what-is-a-good-choice—2,

  and a blog here: http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/top-sewing-machines. Good luck and happy sewing!
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  May 24, 2010, 07.36 AMby Ralf Schmitz

  hi stella! i love my pfaff 3.0 very much but have to admit, that if i would be in the position of buying now, the only one i would ever buy again is a bernina. as this is the top quality and technicaly seen the best. unfortunatly, their price is also quite high but considering, how long you can work on one of these mashines, it is allways worth it. my mashinedealer also told me, that the newest designer-mashines from pfaff (that one post 3.0 and 4.0 can develop a lot of technical problems).

  i wish you all the joy with your new mashine and hope we see soon nice new creations here at burda

  happy sewing from ralf from berlin
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  May 28, 2010, 06.33 PMby nehmah

  Even though there are many fine electronic sewing/quilting/etc. machines on the market, I will still only buy a mechanical model for my primary. Short of the power failing, I would always be able to sew. With electronic machines, any exposure to a magnet (like those in so many children and adults toys) and out it goes until it is reprogrammed. In a mechanical model, I look for low-shank, as they are easier to buy feet for; an automatic buttonhole maker; ability to drop the feed dogs; free-arm for sewing cuffs, hems, and necklines for knit shirts; a left, center, right needle position; easy reverse feature; a reasonable number of stitch patterns, say 15-20; and a drop-in bobbin. Cordially, Nehmah who wishes Ralf and others a good week.
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  Jun 22, 2010, 07.55 PMby daydreamer1987

  Hi Stella, I’ve recently been in the same situation. I had to replace a 40 year old singer machine which had been my grandma’s. I looked at Brother models, Singer Models, Janome models etc. And spoke to many sewing machine specialists in my local stores. I finally decided on a Janome computerized model as I thought I would be able to grow into it (I’m a sewing newbie), my needs may change and because of all the extra accessories that I got with it. Several models I would suggest are the BCC-30, DC3050 and the DC4100 (this is my new sewing machine). These all have automatic threaders, automatic button hole programmes, drop in bobbin, change of feed dog position, 30+ stitch patterns and 2 of them have start/stop buttons which means you don’t have to use a foot pedal. Hope this helps and good luck with finding a machine. Let us know what you decide on.

  www.confessionsofasecretsewer.com
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  Jul 18, 2011, 10.56 AMby Sabrina Wharton-Brown

  Hi stellag,

  You could try ebay but make sure it says new, boxed and unopened. I got my Brother XR6600 sewing machine from there and saved over £200. You can look at it here http://thesewingcorner.blogspot.com/2011/05/happy-sewing-birthday.html

  Sabrina Wharton-Brown http://thesewingcorner.blogspot.com
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  Sep 17, 2011, 01.44 PMby ruthw

  I bought a really, really cheap Singer (less than £200) and it was OK on most things but it was terrible on the stretch stitches. I was thinking of giving up and buying a newer and more expensive machine. But then I suddenly decided to try it with a walking foot. Bingo! All my problems solved. So you may not need to go high end. I have been using my machine for nearly three years now and have made almost my entire wardrobe over the last three seasons ( I only bought underwear and some, but not all, nightwear).