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Beginner machine?
As of right now, I have no sewing machine at all. I do EVERYTHING by hand, and actually like doing it that way. BUT I know once I get into quilting, I will get to certain points where I will want a machine (like the actual quiliting part!).
I don't want anything too fancy or expensive; basically something cheap(ish) that will get the job done if I don't ask too much! Is this a 'decent' machine to start with? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-Con...chine/17167244
Thanks!
~Megan
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoupEsprit
Imagination Sparks, Creativity Ignites...
I have a friend who bought a Brother sewing machine at WalMart and likes it for a back-up machine. Don't know about the Singer. You might want to consider the size of the throat area if you will be quilting on it. I have done a number of Queen size quilts on a machine that has an 8 inch throat and would not want to work with one smaller than that. Suggest you look on Craigslist or something similar for a good used machine. I use Bernina and Baby Lock, have friends who have Janome and are very happy. Shop and try out before you buy.
If you want something simple and relatively inexpensive, look at the Brother machines. Brother has a good reputation and doesn't charge as much, for the brand name.
Neesie
My name is N-E-E-sie, NOT Nessie!
Follow your heart but take your brain with you!
I would look at the brothers instead as well. You get alot more for your money with a brother and brothers are ultra reliable machines. Computerized brothers have the start stop button that really goes along way in helping you learn to FMQ if you ever decide to go that route. And I like that you don't need a foot pedal to operate them but you get one in case you want to operate that way.
Personally I wouldn't buy any new Singer machine, especially a low end one. I would recommend finding a dealer and possibly getting a higher end machine that's been traded in, plus they know what they sell unlike machines sold at a big box store. I would check into a Janome or a Brother, they have a fairly good reputation.
I got a Kenmore by Janome refurbished on Overstock. Made a good number of quilts on it. Check out Overstock.com. Low shipping, no sales tax.
The other two machines I was looking at were Brothers. Someone mentioned an issue with throat size, so I'm not sure about that, but this is them:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-XL...achine/6005475
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-70...ebate/15029529
~Megan
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoupEsprit
Imagination Sparks, Creativity Ignites...
I also have a Kenmore by Janome that I got at Sears and it does a great job. It's not picky on thread and I've never had to adjust the tension either. I now have a top of line one but this one stays set up in my room and used too.Originally Posted by liont
Judy
The throat size is the area from the pressure foot (needle) to the right side of the machine. Just remember if your are gonna be quilting you will need room to stuff a huge quilt through while you are quilting.
I have a Janome and recently bought a Pfaff. However, the Singer you mention won the overall 'Best Buy' award on the UK's No.1 consumer magazine when they did the Best Sewing Machine test.
Lang may yer lum reek.
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