Welcome to the Quilting Board!
I want to buy a sewing machine specifically for classes and retreats. My machine weighs 47 lbs. I can't hardly lift it and I hate using a new machine at classes. I don't want to buy a Featherweight because I tried looking for them on ebay and I'm not sure what I'm getting. I'm not sure how well they run for the money I put out. What would be a good inexpensive machine? Only a couple of hundred dollars?
"Be yourself...everyone else is taken."
Strong people don't put others down...they build them up."
"Remember that your instincts are more important than rules"
I would check garage sales, estate sales and CraigsList. My main machine is a 35-year-old Kenmore which, like yours, is much too heavy to take to classes. At an estate sale I found a newer lightweight Kenmore that uses all of the same feet as my main machine and cost only $65. I found a Brother embroidery/sewing machine on CraigsList for $175 that is also lightweight and acts as my backup if my two Kenmores are threaded with the wrong thread or bobbin and I'm too lazy to change things.
A fabric stash is always missing that one fabric needed to finish the quilt on which you're working.
From past experience......unless you enjoy the pleasure of learning a "new" machine every time you go to a class or retreat, try to buy one that is the same brand as the one you enjoy sewing on at home. I'd look for one that threads the same way, uses the same needles & bobbins & has a movable needle. Getting that scant 1/4 inch right by moving the needle is a must for me. Another key - Make sure whatever you buy can be returned if it pulls your material off to the right or left. Not all models of the same brand will sew the same.
All that being said - I use a Brother at home & at classes. I have a small Janome at a camp we have & it sews a really good seam, but the needle doesn't move. My 1/4 inch seams are not good if I can't move the needle so that I can line the fabric up to the edge of my foot.
Have fun shopping!
Last edited by Barb in Louisiana; 10-12-2012 at 04:06 AM.
Sew a Little, Love a Lot & Live like you were dying!
Brother has cheap light weight machines.
I bought one on Amazon for $89
You can also get really good deals on Overstock.com (which is now o.co) for lightweight travel machines. They have a good selection of brands.
How about a Singer 301A-? It weighs only 16 lbs.
Be a blessing to others, as you may entertain angels unaware!
I just won a singer 301 on shopgoodwill. I plan to use it for the same reason, lighter to take to workshops and retreats. I do have a featherweight that I have been using, just wanted more thoat space to try to learn machine quilting. Good luck.
Lisa
Brother does have nice machines that are affordable. Check out Walmart or check Amazon or here...www.allbrands.com
When it seems like the world is falling to pieces remember that the pieces are falling into place. We are nearing closer to the End Times.
Janome also makes a light weight machine and a number of ladies in our guild have them. I am fortunate to have mu Singer 201's but some classes may need a decorative stitch and I have a New Home 8000 if that is needed but I hate taking heavy things as we have our classroom up a set of high stairs.
The walking foot is not listed in the specs for the refurbished one...
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote