New machine suggestions/advice?
09-13-2013, 08:41 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: North country Wisc.
Posts: 328
Originally Posted by Misty's Mom
Hello and welcome. My sewing machine dealer in Houston has started selling used machines, with a decent warranty online. Maybe there's a dealer near you who does the same. BTW, you can never go wrong with a Janome. I love all mine 
09-13-2013, 09:03 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
Only suggestions I can give you are:
Check pawn shops, 2nd hand stores (as I found an Old singer w/cabinet for 20.00-may have to have some repairs done).
Go to your local sewing machine store and see what they have, a used machine
AND least of all try them out before you buy it .. Most places will let you ..
Check pawn shops, 2nd hand stores (as I found an Old singer w/cabinet for 20.00-may have to have some repairs done).
Go to your local sewing machine store and see what they have, a used machine
AND least of all try them out before you buy it .. Most places will let you ..
09-13-2013, 09:19 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
Frozenmama,
They don't make a simple machine with just straight and zig zag stitches any more. I have Singer 237 that only has 2 stitches, course its almost 50 years old now and heavy. Most sewists don't use more than a few of the decorative stitches that are standard with their machines.
To get anywhere close to the machine you're describing, the Husqvarna Viking 118 is the only one I can think of; don't know if its still made. The 118 is mechanical, has needle up/down,adjustable needle position, 18 stitches.
I used to sell new HV machines, its a great machine.
They don't make a simple machine with just straight and zig zag stitches any more. I have Singer 237 that only has 2 stitches, course its almost 50 years old now and heavy. Most sewists don't use more than a few of the decorative stitches that are standard with their machines.
To get anywhere close to the machine you're describing, the Husqvarna Viking 118 is the only one I can think of; don't know if its still made. The 118 is mechanical, has needle up/down,adjustable needle position, 18 stitches.
I used to sell new HV machines, its a great machine.
09-13-2013, 10:16 AM
#35
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I've had several machines over the years, starting out with a Stradivaro machine, then a Kenmore, then a Singer, but have had my Janome for several years now and it has served me well. I do have a back-up Brother machine that was a freebee and is my back-up when the Janome goes in for a check-up. At one time I had 7 machines, 2 of which were in cabinets, although I'm down to 2 now, well actually 3, but the Kenmore needs to have a hospital visit, but it was free. I love my Janome, but before that my Kenmore was my work horse machine until I burned the motor out. Seriously LOL. My advice, try out several machines to determine the best fit for you and what you plan to use it for.
09-14-2013, 02:02 PM
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 192
Stay away from Walmart cheapies. Everyone I know has had to return. Singer is not up to what it used to be. Brother is supposed to be good but should be purchased from a dealer or checked out at a dealer and bought online. i have a little brother for taking to classes but would not recommend it for anything else. It is great and cheap.
09-16-2013, 04:28 AM
#39
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Posts: 171
Purchasing a Sewing Machine
Originally Posted by Frozenmama
I'm pretty new to this board, but am loving all that I'm learning from reading through the posts. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share. I have been sewing for 28 years, quilting for the last 10 or so. (For some reason, I'm not able to "enter" down to a new paragraph - sorry if this looks like a giant run on!) I was given a great Kenmore 17 years ago, which has served me very well. I've never had one problem with the machine, sews like a dream and can handle everything I've thrown at it. BUT - I'd like to upgrade! I'd like a machine that has better lighting than the one I currently own, and I'd also like a machine that I can adjust the needle position. As well, I'd like the addition of a quilters extension attachment. I don't need much more than a straight stitch & a zigzag - so a machine with a million stitch functions is wasted on me. I'd also like to stay under $400 - that's about all I can afford right now. Where I live, there is no local sewing shop that carries machines, but I've been looking on line. Costco, Walmart, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the different brands, ones that I thought were good, I'm reading reviews saying the machines are actually not good after all. Any suggestions?
I have purchased machines online from Sew Vac Direct with great success. Their knowledgeable staff have always been able to match my requirements to a great machine and keep it within my budget.
I am a fan of Janome and Juki products but it is very important to consider the throat width of the machine - the wider the better for quilting !
I suggest contacting this company to see what machine they would recommend to suit your needs and budget.
Cheers,
Kathie
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