Thread: New Kid In Town

Hello...
This is my first day here, first post. I'm coming to ask for your opinions and help in buying a new sewing machine. I have been a loyal Singer sewing machine for years, but I'm ready to move on to something better. Anyone have any recommendations? I need something that will sew through layers (quilt), but don't need frills. I don't prefer all the fancy electronics and would like to get something metal or at least heavy duty. It seems I just beat up the plastic machines (without meaning too). I'm thinking Janome, but want to see what other people think. Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you!

You mentioned you want to stay away from a plastic machine

Then look for a vintage Singer. QB even has a separate message board for those of us with the "Vintage Obsession": http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...thusiasts-f22/

Most vintage Singer's sell for under $100 (more likely around $20 to $40) and you just can't beat them - they last a looooong time.

One of my oldest Singer machines in constant use was manufactured in 1919 ... and she just keeps running.

Shari

Awesome! Where would I find one to check out and/or purchase? Thanks for replying!

Hi and welcome to the board. I have two machines that I use. One is a Viking Lily which I've had for close to 20 years. It has more of the fancy stitches which I use for certain applications. My machine for quilting is a Juki TL2010 which I bought last year. It is only a straight stitch machine but it has a good amount of throat space which is nice when working with larger quilts. It also pieces beautifully. Good luck in finding your machine!

Hi, is your Juki plastic or metal? I don't mind a straigth stitch machine, that's all I use anyway. Thank you!

Originally Posted by Downtown

Hi, is your Juki plastic or metal? I don't mind a straigth stitch machine, that's all I use anyway. Thank you!

All I can tell you is that the arm and body are made of die cast aluminum and that you have to keep it oiled, so I assume the bearings are metal. Many people on the board love their Janomes, but I've never used one. As far as vintage machines goes, some folks love the Singer 201. They are supposed to be workhorses. You might check your local craigslist to see what is available. Good luck!

i found a great singer at the thrift store for $24 and it's all metal

Hi, and thanks for your reply! I've had several of the $99 dollar version machines that worked well until they broke. The problem is, when they broke, the cost to fix them was more than what I paid for them. Of course my machine broke last night right in the middle of a project that is due the day after Thanksgiving so I need to get a machine fast. I just don't want to get another cheap machine and go through this again. I'm looking on line at the Janome TB12. It looks like a work horse and around $200. I don't have a lot of money to spend so I'm looking for advice from fellow sewers.

I've also had several of the cheaper plastic machines....decided to upgrade and found a used Janome 6600 from a dealer for a great price (can't live without the thread cutter or the needle threader)....best decision I've made concerning quilting!.....she will sew through anything without problems, including my finger (not one of my better moments).....there are so many threads here on buying machines....do a search and you will be surprised!....welcome to the board...you will love it here!...so many wonderful quilters and great advice.

Originally Posted by Downtown

Hi, and thanks for your reply! I've had several of the $99 dollar version machines that worked well until they broke. The problem is, when they broke, the cost to fix them was more than what I paid for them. Of course my machine broke last night right in the middle of a project that is due the day after Thanksgiving so I need to get a machine fast. I just don't want to get another cheap machine and go through this again. I'm looking on line at the Janome TB12. It looks like a work horse and around $200. I don't have a lot of money to spend so I'm looking for advice from fellow sewers.