Not sure if this is the place to post this or not, but here goes. I am looking for a new sewing/quilting machine.Can anyone tell me a good one to purchase with being on a very low budget. I have limited funds and probably would have to sell what I already have. I want this machine to also sew thru thick fabric. Like several layers at once. I sure would appreciate any help on this matter.
Thank you
Verna2197

Bernina still has the reputation for sewing thru thick fabric. If your local dealer doesnt help you, you can call us. Bernina also still manufactures a metal machine that would give you a lot of confidence going thru thick material....the 1008 retail s around $1100. you might pick one up for about $750- 800 on a good sale!

Limited funds is $100 for some, $1000 for others--what is your budget?
Personally, as I have a limited budget, I would not have an electronic machine--too expensive to service...
I would go for an old Singer, or an old Precision, or a Viking(pre-1976). Riccars are also good.
The cheaper new machines are wimps and most new machines made of plastic parts.
It is pretty easy to find the oldies, and they are made MUCH better.....
If you need fancy stitches once in a while, then buy a cheaper new one that does that,and use an old one for everyday sewing, but there are lots of older machines like the Kenmore or Universal, that will give you fancy stitches AND sew layers.....
I have an old Riccar, two Vikings, a Domestic, a Universal, two old Singers, and a treadle. I do quilt piecing on the old Singer 15-91.
Hit some estate sales and auctions, eBay Classified, check on Craigslist.....
You should check with Billy--(Lostn51) to see what he has available....as he has them all ready to go....
Old treadles are great....but of course, not free arm, so it depends on WHAT you are sewing.

Go to Craigslisst at Knoxville and there are a LOT of Machines from $40-$250 and up.Did not check Nashville.....
The older Whites are pretty good, too.....
Here is one!

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/app/2284153454.html

I would go for an older machine. There are so many beautiful old metal machines out there that are workhorses! Right now, I am fixing up a Sears Stylist 776 that is awesome. Also, a White 999A and an old Sewmor. The Sewmor is a class 15 clone in a cabinet which is really a great machine. Do some research on craigs list and ebay and aske questions about the machines that interest you 9 times out of 10 one of us has one LOL.

I would also check your thrift stores, and estate sales, garage sales. The only bad thing is you never know if it would need any expensive repairs. I have been very lucky, finding excellent old machines that keep up with the high dollar ones. Good luck.

I couldn't agree more....the old machines I've purchased at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. sew the pants off my newer machines & you can't beat them for FMQ! Old Viking, Singer, Kenmore, Bernina....worth their weight in gold as far as I'm concerned.

Most of the old ones I have bought at garage sales for $15.00 or less!

my budget would probably be no more than $300.00, little more if I could sell my Brother CSi6000. Love this machine just won't go thru thickness very well.

Singer 66 models are industrial and will sew well thru thin as good as any or the 99's or the 301's...list goes on and on....
these are the o l d singers.