I recently bought myself an old and beautifully reconditioned bernina record 930, I love these old solid mechanical machines, very heavy and will outlast me. I have no room in my `sewing room` ex bedroom, so I treated myself to a mobile horn sewing machine cabinet for this very heavy machine and the machine lifts at a gentle push. I put a nice cloth on top and it lives in my living room. Here I sew at a much slower steady pace, while watching a film. Sewing bliss
I also have a bernina from the 300 series, about 13 years old. It is a beautiful sewing machine, never puts a foot wrong. I would suggest that you try and get a second hand reconditioned bernina. I have had the usual mechines in the past, elna, brother, new home, janome, singer but tbh bernina is the pinnacle of my dreams. I sew a lot, have been sewing for 64 years
I won`t mention the overlockers here, they work in tandem with the sewing machine
I clean every machine, every time I finish a full garment such as a dress. I change needles regularly and always use top notch thread. I oil regularly, except for my sergers. Never use compressed air, use the special small tools that will fit on a vac cleaner hose
