I have got a very basic Janome - the model that is used in schools as it is pretty hardy and easy to use. As I say, it is BASIC - and it suits me that way. I think if I had a top of the range machine, of any type, I would spend more time worrying about it than sewing on it! One other thing, when all the quilts are displayed in a Quilt Show - can you tell which machine was used?

It never made a difference to me what machine a quilter used. I have the one I want and that's all that matters to me. Bernina is a great machine no matter if I have one or not. Put on your big girl panties and get over it.

I think that familiarity + lack of "down time" = satisfaction with one's own machine. I personally love my Pfaff and its integrated dual feed, but many wonderful and spectactular quilts are turned out on Singer Featherweights or even treadle machines. Stitch regulators are a nifty idea, but many outstanding quilts are created on machines without those bells and whistles.

Bernina lovers have reason to crow - those are great machines. But so do lovers of Pfaff, Janome, Babylock, Singer, etc.

And, face it, quilters: It's not the MACHINE, it's US -- our fabric selection, our dedication to precision work and our artistic vision. The machine is only the hammer we use to construct the piece. Each should enjoy their own.

That being said, I'm sure that Michelangelo and his cronies sat around talking about which brushes and which turpentines worked best. It's human nature. Besides, we like to shop and dream.

BethMI

I am thankful we have a sponership with anyone it just happens to be bernina I do not have one I have 3 michanies a baby lock,a Paff, and a jerome I just got the Jerome little sew for in my camper maybe some day I will get one I don't know I have used them and I think they are ok Happy

I haven't read all posts here in detail (hey, time is quilting,lol) but here is my take. Bernia is a sponsor, and without sponsers this enterprise would have been doomed to failure from the start. For me the demo's are not really a problem - in fact they kind of challenge me to figure out the functions on the machine I have, which is a computerized Kenmore purchased last year. I have been delighted to discover that many of the same features ARE on my machine, including the double blanket stitch, and I would have never even looked for them had they not been demonstrated on the show. Now would I like to have a Bernina some day?? HECK YEAH!!! But for now I cannot afford one. Do I feel inferior as a quilter because I don't - HECK NO!!! I just have to work a smidge harder for some things (Do wish I had that knee lift, lol) . Like I said though, all the Bernina videos and the demos are useful to me as when I look into it I find my machine has the ability or available attachments to do many of the same things, and I would never have looked for them otherwise.

I love TQS and am grateful for the sponsorship. I have a Janome which was given to me by my husband and his family when I turned 50. (only 5 years ago!) up till then I used a Kenmore for everything and it was just fine. Just sew my dear, just sew!
Joan

Lorchen, you are SO RIGHT--put those quilts on your profile, people!!! I understand what Sewingroomwindow is saying, but without Bernina as a sponsor, our memberships would skyrocket--THANK YOU, BERNINA!!! I have a Bernina 435--not the most expensive model, but it has everything I will ever need. I also have two Featherweights and absolutely LOVE them! My little "Rosie" (named after my great aunt that originally owned the machine) goes with me to every class. I really enjoyed Ricky's demo of the double blanket stitch--I think the demo is useful to anyone that has any machine with a similar stitch. Many of the guests on TQS have different specialties that require fancy machines and it's been fun for me just to see how they accomplish such beautiful work. Judy in Torrance

I very proudly turn up at workshops with my little Frister & Rossman Cub 4, and get more comments from other quilters than if I would take a better known or 'posher' machine.

There is of course a super way to get your hands on a top notch Bernina: Make sure your profile picture slots are full of quilts so you will eventually get entered into that draw for a Bernina machine.

Lorchen (very happy owner of that Cub 4, a Husqvarna Interlude, and a 1907 Singer hand crank)

I agree with kmouse, if Bernina hadn't come forward as a major sponsor at the beginning, TQS might not exist. We should be very grateful to them. No one is forcing anyone to buy one fo their machines. I am here for the quilting and community. Many thanks to ARJJ, staff and all our sponsors. Pam

I can't stay quiet any longer either! My primary machine is a $159 Brother from Wal-Mart and was purchased to replace another similar machine years ago. It has done everything I've asked it to do, but like some of the rest of you, am envious of those who are fortunate enough to own one of the top-of-the-line, all the bells and whistles, machines (whether Viking, Janome, Bernina or something else.)

What I enjoy about this community of quilters (and my local quilt guild) is that everyone produces such wonderful quilts. And I've never had anyone ask me, or anyone else, what machine was used to finish the piecing. I say, "Whatever works!"

Special thanks to Bernina, Gammill and all the other advertisers who help make TQS possible.

Yea, Katzzz is BACK! Also, I don't see any indication that Sewingroomwindow has signed on as a paying member...... da noive! :shock:

Bernina is the Sponcers for TQS so I understand this completely.
I own a Janome 9500,Janome 1600, I love both machines,actually own several different machines,I can put alot of thier advertisements to my machines,such as my machine "sews like a dream". Like any bernia owner not wanting to own any other brand,well I also Love the brand I have and wouldn't change brands because I Love my janome machines. Though I'm sure I could love another brand I'm just very happy with what I have,I also love Singer machines. I wouldn't buy any other brand then Hines ketchup either. It is what ever each person is happy with I think. I know berninias are good machines same as the Janomes,one might have afew different features then the other,I'm very happy with features I have, Depends on each person wants,needs,taste.
Bernina has been great to share a sponcership with TQS. and there advertisements are great,same as the gammils advertisements. Now,I sure would like to get my hands on one of them!!! I'm not thrown off by any advertisements because I know my wants,needs,desires. I was once leary to mention my janome here on TQS because I didn't want to offend the Bernia owners or the sponcers. I will not say I will never own a Bernina because you never know,I'm saying I'm a pretty happy camper.
I Love all sewing machines,Kathy

I'm just wondering how the instructions/directions can be modified to incorporate other machines? From the standpoint of a Bernina owner who will be instructing others who own a variety of different machines this kind of feedback would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Teri

Marketing and product placement is key to survival. My only Bernina envy is the double blanket stitch that Ricky uses for his machine applique. Janome doesn't have it, though a similar one. Having said that, I love my Janomes (have 4) and would only get a Bernina for that double blanket stitch if I could find a good deal on a used one (my LQS owner got one at a garage sale for $150, can you imagine, and it works!).

Maggie in E. Central Illinois