I was sewing yesterday and I didn't see a pin under the fabric and yesssssssss....it bent the rocker arm! I am so upset and I only have my antique singer to work with and that has been off and on screwing up the stitches.....I still have things to make for gifts.... my hubby before he left for work told me to go shopping for a new sewing machine and that is going to be my gift under the christmas tree! I am thinking of getting one of those new singer sewing machines that Joanne's has and wondering if any one has used one and what you think of them.

My Aunt bought her Singer from Joannes this summer. It is the one with the extra little table. She loves it. She said it is good price for the money.

be sure you have access to service when you get a new one.
you might do better getting a good used one from a reputable dealer.

Good luck and enjoy your new machine!!

I second that idea. If you have a local sewing machine dealer, then I'd check there first. I know our local one takes trade-ins when people are upgrading to a better machine, so they routinely have a stock of good used machines. And they service each one before they resell it in their "used" lot.

I will third this recommendation.

Janome just came out with some new machines in May, so lots of people traded in their predesessors for the new ones. A Janome Jem Platinum would be a great machine for basic sewing. It has 60 stitches on it, so it does a little more than just sewing. It's only 12 lbs, which is great for carrying to classes. New, this machine went for $500, but I saw them last year for $439 and now that the replacement model came out, I'm sure you can pick up a used one from a dealer for around $350 or so. Bernina's are also very nice machines, but they're more expensive. Bernina's are known for their beautiful stitches.

Even if it takes you a few days to decide what to get, do some homework so you will get a machine you can get a lot of use from. Use the search function here on the various brands of sewing machines to get people's ideas and use Google to get world wide information/reviews on machines. Borrow someone else's machine to finish your Christmas gifts on if you need to.

Wishing you lots of luck finding a great Christmas present! :lol:

Let me be the fourth to completely agree , the older used machines are SOOO much better than the cheap new ones.

I vote for the Janome Jem Platinum, too. I bought one almost 3 yrs ago and it's sewn MILLIONS of miles (TRILLIONS???) Absolutely NO problem. I've had the Singer before and had problems with it....hated it.

I will fifth that? Can I do that? I would advise looking at a higher end second hand machine than a cheap new one.

I'd also check Craig's List if you have it in your area. You can find some very good deals there if you know what you're looking for. Just be careful about when/where you meet prospective sellers and take someone with you when you go.