I bought a used Bernina 1008 of of ebay a few years ago, and loved it! Its since moved to backup status due to a parts issue, and I purchased a Necchi at the recommendation of my sewing machine repair guy (who was a big fan of Necchi's). Love both of the machines, but if you want a rugged workhorse, I'd go with a Bernina 1008, it will sew anything, and is a great machine.
- Marion ________________________________ From: Lavolta Press <f...@lavoltapress.com> To: Historical Costume <h-cost...@indra.com> Sent: Sun, September 2, 2012 6:53:54 PM Subject: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I do not want a serger, or an embroidery machine. I want a machine with the following features: * Metal body * Durability * Infrequent need for service * Not quirky * Really good straight stitch * Zigzag capability * Easy buttonholes * Ability to sew both light and heavy fabrics easily, including crossing seams * Free arm or narrow bed? so I can sew sleeves easily * Probably the ability to lower the feed dogs * Mechanical machine, except I'm confused about the term. Even the "mechanical" machines (new not vintage) clearly have some computerization * A machine that doesn't try to make my decisions for me! * Probably a new machine, since I don't want to inherit someone else's problems and want to be able to get parts easily * Good track records. I have bought two expensive machines (over time) that were supposedly good machines from reputable manufacturers, yet they turned out to be a chronic PITA I am considering the Bernina 1008, since as far as I can tell the 1015 is no longer made. But clearly other manufacturers are also making mechanical machines. Thanks for any advice. Fran Lavolta Press Books of historic patterns www.lavoltapress.com www.facebook.com/LavoltaPress _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
