In the market for buying a machine. [Babylock]

[Stakie]

That's right a new machine for my sewing needs. I am pretty set on getting a Grace. It has very good reviews, but if I was to get it.. I wouldn't want to take it out of my home. So I was thinking of getting a maria to travel with, but I don't want a new one.

So anyway, what i am asking is your thoughts on the grace? Is it worth my 500?

What are your thoughts on the Maria formally know as the Design pro?

Anybody know a good place to find good used babylocks online? I've been looking on some classifieds sites with no luck.

[eems_reeses]

I really love my grace! I got it this past January and have been sewing like a fiend on it ever since. Why wouldn't you want to take it out of your house?? I've taken my to my friends a bunch when we've gotten together to sew. I would say the grace is definitely worth the money, you could probably get it cheaper around Christmas (I think I got mine for close to 350-400). I love the top loading bobbin, needle threader, the stitches, and most all, I NEVER have any problems with it. It's a charm!

[Stakie]

If and when I am able to get the grace, I wouldn't want to take it out, because it would be in places like a camp ground and on farms in the middle of no where. I would rater have something that I could beat up to lug around with me to those places.

I want the grace to stay at home with me, be my main sewing machine. It seems to be a wonderful machine. I think I am going to wait until black friday  to pick one up actually.

[Seward]

The Grace is a pretty durable little machine.  Unless you're going to be rolling in the mud with it, you shouldn't have much problem.  If you really want a mechanical machine for travel, though, I personally prefer the Maria over, say, the Natalie, if only for the one-step buttonhole.  They're real workhorses.  I've put both through ten, maybe twelve, layers of denim, and they sewed through like a hot knife through butter.  Just make sure you're using the right needle for the fabric and high-quality thread if you want top-end results.  (I sell Baby Locks professionally, btw.  I know the machines inside and out.)

PLEASE keep in mind that not all Baby Lock presser feet will work on both the Grace and the Maria.  Your BL dealer can help you with questions, or I can check the reference guide at work.  I know the Teflon Foot will work on both.  IIRC, the Maria and Natalie are type H.  The difference is in the feed dogs:  on the Grace and the other BL computerized machines, the feed dogs are 7mm apart; the Maria and Natalie only have a 5mm base.  A foot that gives correct pressure on one width won't necessarily work for the other.

Poke me if you have any questions!  What I don't know I can find out.