When to buy a new sewing machine
 

I have two old machines. One is a 17 yr. old Viking and one is a Brother XR/40 bought at Cosco over ten years ago. Both still sew, but the Viking is slowing down when I try to sew bulky fabric. I talked to the repair shop and was told that the service and cleaning would cost $150.00. The Brother still sews, but it is an awkward machine to use. The needle threader broke a long time ago.

I am interested in the Brother Computer Sewing and Embroidery machine sold by Amazon. for $358.99 Do any of you own this machine and would you recomend it. I like many of the features of this machine. I probably wouldn't do enough embroidery to buy an expensive embroidery machine.

Don't forget to check out www.allbrands.com

I bought three of my machines from them and the shipping is free and the delivery was in three days!! Their prices are good too.

Have you checked patternreview.com? You can also get info on sewing machines and sergers on that site. To see any older reviews, you need to register BUT it is free.

I have heard good things about most Brother machines and I remember right the one you want is a good sale price. I think you need a new machine, so go for it. Let us know what you get.

That Brother machine you are looking at is limited to a 4 x 4 hoop area. Which is fine if you are only going to use it once in a while. Also I noticed that the sewing area is limited by the carriage. Which might be an issue if your sewing a quilt together.

Look in the Brother SQ9000 or the SQ9050 also. They aren't quite as fancy but get the job done.

I have had both low end and high end brothers, love them both. They are very dependable. I have been using brothers for 19 years and not one I have owned has ever given me any problems, they are so user friendly. I pulled my dreamweaver right out of the box and it was pretty easy to figure out

I have a brother pc420 that I bought on amazon and love.

I have a Brother MachineSE350 that I got from Amazon I love it! The hoop is just 4x4 but it works for me and there is nothing left in the house to put a design on!

If you don't want your 17 year old Viking, send it to me:> For the $150 cleaning/lube/repair job, you know you'll never get a plastic machine that even comes close to it, right?? I'm just curious why you wouldn't want to put a bit of money into your better built machine and pick a poor subsitute that will fail you in a few years? Think about it, new is NOT always better.

Your heading on this post is "When to buy a new sewing machine?" I think you should buy one whenever you have the money and the desire!

I think the time to buy a new sewing machine is when you want one. I do use some reason when buying another machine. 95% of my sewing is straight stitch so having lots of stitch patterns in not impressive to me. Needle up/down, auto thread cutter, needle threader, and needle position is what I consider must haves. Any new machine is exciting to use so go buy and enjoy!

Excellent advice from Candace. My Viking is 23 years old and I would happily spend the $150 quoted to reinvigorate her in a heartbeat if needed. She's semi-retired now, but is ready, willing and able to handle anything I need whenever my newer 11 year old Bernina decides to take vacation time.

I have an older Viking that doesn't self thread or self cut. It's the Quilt Design series. It's my backup sewing machine. Whenever I take my new machine to the shop (very rarely) I pull it out and it runs like a dream. I gave it to my daughter at one time, then asked for it back and gave her my beginner Viking instead. I take my Viking to quilt retreats and to classes as my new machine weighs 47 pounds (whew!). But, if I were you and wanted a new machine, I would go for it. When I get it in my head that I want something and don't get it, it bothers me forever. So, I usually get whatever it is that I'm wanting and since you are wanting a new machine, get it. But I'd get my Viking serviced and use it as back up. You always need a back up sewing maching. Always! And Vikings are awesome machines! Don't trade it in. You won't get what it's worth. Don't sell it. You'll regret it someday. Keep it and when you can afford it. service it. But, go for the new machine since you "want" one.

I was pondering (and pondering (lol) the same question earlier this year and then made the decision to trade in my Janome 10001 and my Brother 4500D sewing/embroidery machine for a janome 12000 sewing and embroidery machine with the large hoops and love it. I've made 3 quilts and am now on wall hangings for Christmas gifts. My Janome is so user friendly and switches easily from embroidery to sewing (also sewed little boy's clothing items too)...since purchasing it. So glad I did finally spend the money for this machine.

sounds like it is time, just deciding what you want is next