Here and there folks have contacted me to ask how things are going with my Pfaff Smarter sewing machine, purchased almost a year ago.  Thank goodness it's not quite been a year, because that means my machine is still under warranty!  I am traveling the 2 hours to Charlotte this weekend, again, to bring my machine to my dealer for care.  Unfortunately, this dealer is the closest reputable repair man.  He's been great to work with.  Always available and repairs my machine on the same day I bring it in (which is key since it's a 2 hour drive to get there).  But... the machine has been far from satisfactory.



In October I updated my original review post on the Pfaff Smarter.  After getting "fixed", the automatic tension continues to be a problem.  This fancy computerized feature is supposed to deliver perfect tension for free motion quilting.  And, it does... when it works. When it doesn't work, it causes tension problems for the simplest straight stitch.  A machine that can't straight stitch reliably is a sad thing indeed. I've also had repeated problems with the auto thread cutter un-threading the needle.  This has happened on multiple machines and after multiple fixes.  So disappointing. 

Well, when I go in this weekend, I'm supposed to express my serious dissatisfaction with the machine.  The fact is that "fixes" to the auto tension don't last a week. What do you think I should expect or hope for from my dealer?  A new Pfaff Smarter machine (I think this one has actually been discontinued)?  That he send the machine to Pfaff to look at (that sounds like a long, possibly useless process)?  That I get my money back (yeah, right)?  I'm really having trouble dealing with this confrontation, probably mostly because I like the sewing machine dealer and feel he's not the one at fault.  Still, I bought a very expensive machine that just doesn't work.  What would you do?

One possible resolution would be to trade the machine in for something else.  Unfortunately, the machine I want is a brand he doesn't rep.  I want to try a Juki TL-2000Qi sewing machine, which is a lot like my Pfaff Smarter (large harp space, knee lift, auto thread cutter, etc.).  The key difference is that the Juki is NOT computerized.  It just does the straight stitch. It's supposed to be excellent for free motion quilting.  I have another machine I can use for buttonholes and zigzag stitch, etc.  I just want a big, workhorse machine for quilting and piecing and using a lot.  I think a non-computerized machine is more likely to hold up to frequent use.

from House of Fabrics

The Juki dealer is a 2 hour and 20 minute drive, up to House of Fabrics in Asheville.  Anyone been to that shop?  Looks cute, but I haven't been there yet.  Unfortunately, they don't have the Juki TL-2000Qi (or any Q-series Jukis) in stock for me to try.  And, no one within a 3 hour radius has it either.  I am getting so desparate that I'm thinking of buying that Juki off Amazon, where at least I can return it hassle free if I don't like it or it breaks right away.  Then I'd have to pay for repairs/maintenance at the shop in Asheville.  It's that or buy it from the shop in Asheville without getting to try it first and with no chance of refund, just so I get a year of free service?

Rock and a hard place. 

Any advice for me?