As I have just moved to Sweden, I had to leave my sewing machine behind at home. This, was not a tragedy, as all I was using was the base Singer model. I had received it for Christmas, but with the intentions of leaving it at home for my mother to use for whenever she needed it.
Now, I am in Sweden, with an obscene amount of time on my hands (i.e. unemployed and my Swedish classes might not start till November - let's not go there. I'll post about that skit in the travel blog.) I am going to start sewing...a lot.
Not just my history stuff, though I'm going to actually get myself in gear for my 1810 dress soon. I just haven't had the motivation or the time. I have a nice assortment of patterns I had gotten while at home, and also just interested in doing other projects. Maybe expanding my horizons, if you will (how I will do this without a decent cash flow? I'm not too sure...but...eh. Details schme-tails.)
To cut to the chase, I'm going to be purchasing a new sewing machine here in the next couple of weeks. What I thought would be an easy process has now brought on some anxiety. I don't know what to do. I went to my local Sewing Machine/Vacuum Repair store/dealership and talked to the guy. He was really helpful and informative. I explained to him what I use my machine for, and that I'm more focused on handsewing, but I want a good machine because I'm starting to become more and more interested in using a machine for clothing projects (with historically accuracy in mind of course). First he recommended to me the Bernina Activa 210 for a whopping 6995 Swedish Kroner! ($945usd for those of you following at home).
What was that I heard? A gasp of intense pain to the bank account? Yes. Yes that was exactly what I heard. He described it as the Mercedes of the sewing machines. Of this I have no doubt. However, I'm not quite at the Mercedes time of my life. Fredrik also about defecated in his seat over the price, plus, he thinks it's ugly. (Can we discuss how his massive complaint was how ugly the machine was? For that much money, he expected better design. I thought for an engineer he would approve of the excellent quality of the machine. Nope. It's ugly.) The Activa 210 is their base model, but is not really a beginner beginner (with that price tag). It's completely out of the question, but I did get Fredrik to promise me a Bernina once he has worked for a couple of years and has the money to afford it.
Like an elephant. I wont forget this promise, and now I have documented it on my blog for posterity.
Next up was the higher-end beginner Janome Sewist 521 Deluxe. It was the more standard with the knobs, no extra features (Can we discuss this automatic setting for the needle always up or always down? HOLY COW I HAD NO IDEA THEY HAD THAT!) (<--The Bernina had that feature.) It was just the straight forward, cut to the chase, no bs, machine. Which is nice, but I mean...that always up down needle thing? That's the greatest thing since sliced bread for a housewife. No kidding! The price is 3295:- kr ($445). Still pricey...but I'm not quite getting all the extra fancy computerized one step features that you can get with the Bernina. However, I did do a test run on both machines and they are both so much nicer to sew on than the Singer I had. So so so smooth. The salesman, Jan, described the Sewist 521 as the 'Volkswagen' of sewing machines.
Finally, I forgot to try this one, as we only discussed it briefly is Janome's answer to the Bernina, Janom DC 4030. It's computerized, has all the fancy features and even has multiple 1 step automatic buttonholes. It's 5795:- ($784). It's the higher end, not basic, but not insanely over the top computer one either.
I legitimately don't know what to do.
Does anyone have any advice about sewing machines? My predicament? What would you do in my situation?
I'm currently leaning towards the higher end Janome as I know it will last and I will probably be happier with the purchase...but it's still a lot of money.
I'm open for any opinions, observations, recommendations, etc. What do you think?
Finally, for your enjoyment, Literally: The Viking Song.