If you are in the market for a new sewing machine. Where do you begin? How do you find the best price ? Internet? Local?
Thanks for your help,

Shelley

I bought a CraftMaster from sewvacdirect.com a few years ago. It came with lots of quilting attachments. My ex returned it to me too broken to be fixed, so I now use a Janome and a Kenmore. (one is back up for the other in case one needs repairs or maintenance.)

I really like both, although I would take the Janome over the Kenmore if I had to choose. Neither is very expensive.

A wise woman told me to decide what I want to use the machine for and how much I plan to use it before I made any decisions.


Then, she said upgrade one machine above what I thought I needed - because you will be glad you did.

Worked for me!

I would say the first place to begin is on the Internet...there are many sites and your search engine will help you locate them. Most of these also list local shops so you can go there after looking online and determining which machine fits you best. that way you aren't driving all over trying to check out machines...Internet sites give you the advantage of side by side comparison as well. Loaded with information , you can then go to the stores and have a better idea of what you are looking for and the features you would like displayed. Here is a place to start....www.sewingmachines.com Good luck!

TALK TO PEOPLE! Ask ladies at quilting groups, churches, neighborhoods, etc. what type of machine they have and what they like/ dislike about them. You quickly find out which ones to avoid! Also, ask yourself how much you will be using it. If you're just mending, get a cheaper machine than if you are wanting to become an embroidery queen.

Most stores like Joann/Viking have many models for test-driving. Also, any NEW machine should come with classes for use and a maintenance contract. Don't be talked into a machine that is more expensive than your means or pay on time - you end up paying more than the machine is worth.

Also, visit some sewing/ vacuum stores in your area and talk with WOMEN who SEW! Men are nice enough, but unless they sew REGULARLY, they are often useless when asking for comparisons. Do not be bamboozled by 'my wife prefers this one' or 'my mom has this one', it probably isn't true and there is probably a push to sell that particular model that month.

If you can, ask your friends if you can try their machines to see what you like and don't like about them. The more time you can invest in your research, the happier you will be when you decide to purchase something. Remember, that you are the only one who knows what will fit your budget and creativity.