Today I have not one but TWO reviews to share with you! Mariana has an Elna 240 Explore and an Elna 664 Serger (Overlocker) so lets hear what she has to say about these two machines!
First up:
ELNA 240 Explore
Is your machine classed as Domestic or Industrial?
Domestic.
How long have you had this machine, did you buy it new and what was the purchase price or approximate price range?
About a year. Purchased new for about USD 350.
What made you decide to buy this particular machine?
Price, functions and the powerful motor. That was very important to me.
Approximately how often do you sew with it and what types of projects do you sew?
Mostly over weekends and holidays. When my other job and the girls allow.
Does your machine have any special features which you enjoy or any special features you do NOT like and drives you bonkers? LOL
I love everything about this machine! It is simple to operate, produces excellent quality stitches and it is very robust.
Are there any features you really wish your machine has BUT is lacking?
Yes. The option of not having to hold the thread when I start sewing and to regulate where the machine stops sewing (needle up or down)
How about features it does have BUT you find you never use?
A few decorative stitches which I don’t use. But the rest is great!
Would you recommend this machine to others?
Absolutely! I love this machine because after careful consideration it serves me well, it is really robust and sews really nice.
If your machine suddenly vanished, would you replace it with the exact same machine or a different one? Why?
If money was not an issue perhaps not. But if my situation remains the same, I would definitely purchase this machine again.
Do you have any special projects you made with this machine you would like to share with us here?
If you won the lottery and could add ANY new machine to your collection, which one would it be?
Bernina 380. Love everything about that one too!
Next up:
ELNA 664 Serger (overlocker)
Is your machine classed as Domestic or Industrial?
Domestic
How long have you had this machine, did you buy it new and what was the purchase price or approximate price range?
I bought it new about a year ago. It was in the lower price range (about USD 550)
What made you decide to buy this particular machine?
The reviews, the local support and spare parts availability and I tested the machine compared to others seemed to offer a good balance of function and cost.
Approximately how often do you sew with it and what types of projects do you sew?
Depends on how much time I have to spare. Mostly over weekends. I sew clothes, house décor items, toys and bags/wallets.
Does your machine have any special features which you enjoy or any special features you do NOT like and drives you bonkers? LOL
I love my machine. Easy to thread, robust, easy to operate and excellent stitch quality. I can do a variety of hems. Has a differential feed which allows me to use different fabrics. I don’t think I could live without.
Are there any features you really wish your machine has BUT is lacking?
Perhaps a 2-thread function or a coverstitch function. But it is not the end of the world. She is really a wonderful little thing.
How about features it does have BUT you find you never use?
None really
Would you recommend this machine to others and if not, why?
I would certainly recommend this machine.
If your machine suddenly vanished, would you replace it with the exact same machine or a different one? Why?
I would get exactly the same machine. It does what I need competently, it is simple, tough. Can’t ask for more.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about your machine?
It is my first serger and my hubby bought it for me for my 40th birthday. I cannot remember my sewing life without it.
Do you have any special projects you made with this machine you would like to share with us here?
I use the machine for almost anything I can. I have a mild OCD and the neat edges make me happy. All finishes are done with her.
Any Sewing Machine hints or tips you would like to share?
I was told never to blow inside my serger. Always use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean inside as to not allow for moisture condensation inside the machine.
If you won the lottery and could add ANY new machine to your collection, which one would it be?
A Bernina 1300. Really nice machine!
Thank you for reviewing your machines for us Mariana!
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Would you like to share your thoughts on YOUR machine in your own review? We’d love to hear them! Please email me and we’ll chat! 🙂
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Thanks for this review! This was actually very helpful to me as I have had my eye out for a good sewing machine for my daughter, but the brands I was looking into did not have some of the features that I consider important. This one would be a very good possibility. I sewed on an Elna machine a long time ago, and I remember liking how it handled.
I was wondering where Mariana purchased her machines–through a dealer, or independently?
Once again, I’m thankful for this information, and I’m enjoying this series and learning about what others are using for machines!
My mum had an Elna a long time ago and it served her well! I don’t know where Mariana purchased her machines BUT I will ask her! I’m pleased you are enjoying the series Krista….I know I am! 🙂
I hadn’t heard of these machines, but then I haven’t seen many Elna’s around lately. They both look like good machines.
No I don’t see many Elna’s around here either…..for that matter….Oh let’s face it, there are just soooo many great machines out there these days BUT some are better than others….that’s where these reviews come in! LOLL