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    Old 12-09-2011, 09:13 PM
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    Smile Sewing Machine Advice!

    Hello everyone! I was wondering if any of you quilting pros can help me
    My mom loves quilting and sewing, but has a pretty basic, cheap, old sewing machine that she got when she wasn't really sure if it was something she was going to stick with or not. Years and many, many quilts later, it's definitely something that she is sticking with! Being like most moms, she puts a thousand other needs before her own, and would never buy an upgraded sewing machine for herself. I love getting gifts for people that are something that the person would love, but would never think about spending that kind of money on them self.
    So here is where I need your help! I have NO idea what type of machine to get her! She sews a lot of quilts, but I do know she gets her quilts actually quilted (for lack of better word, not sure the technical word!) from someone else. We are willing to spend at most $400. She also sews a lot of things like curtains, aprons, napkins, table clothes, clothes, etc. Any questions, I will do my best to answer but since I've never even used the sewing machine, I may not know! Thank you so much for any help or direction you may be able to give!
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    Old 12-09-2011, 09:21 PM
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    something PRE 2005...heavy duty, plenty of stitches and be sure to google it to see what to expect!
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    Old 12-09-2011, 09:24 PM
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    go to a store and try one out. find an older machine that runs good, like the older singers, Pfaffs are still spendy when they are a little older same with the Janomes.
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    Old 12-09-2011, 09:37 PM
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    What machine does she have now? It would be funny if it was one of the all metal ones that several of us would recommend that you look for.With $400 to spend, I'd look for something like the Babylock Grace for the nice stitches and keep the 'old' machine for the basic stitches. I quilt on a 1956 301 because it is basic with a straight stitch only.
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    Old 12-09-2011, 11:01 PM
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    Originally Posted by santakid
    Hello everyone! I was wondering if any of you quilting pros can help me
    My mom loves quilting and sewing, but has a pretty basic, cheap, old sewing machine that she got when she wasn't really sure if it was something she was going to stick with or not. Years and many, many quilts later, it's definitely something that she is sticking with! Being like most moms, she puts a thousand other needs before her own, and would never buy an upgraded sewing machine for herself. I love getting gifts for people that are something that the person would love, but would never think about spending that kind of money on them self.
    So here is where I need your help! I have NO idea what type of machine to get her! She sews a lot of quilts, but I do know she gets her quilts actually quilted (for lack of better word, not sure the technical word!) from someone else. We are willing to spend at most $400. She also sews a lot of things like curtains, aprons, napkins, table clothes, clothes, etc. Any questions, I will do my best to answer but since I've never even used the sewing machine, I may not know! Thank you so much for any help or direction you may be able to give!
    How many years ago did she get this machine? It may be better than some of the lower end "new" machines. That being said, does it have to be brand new? You're more apt to find a gently used trade-in in that price range than a great new machine.
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    Old 12-09-2011, 11:15 PM
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    a sewing machine is such a personal choice...i would make her a fancy little gift certificate and let her shop for herself...it can be something the two of you do together but i would really not be happy with someone else choosing a machine for me...
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    Old 12-10-2011, 04:49 AM
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    A fancy little gift certificate sounds great and going with her too.

    mltquilt
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    Old 12-10-2011, 05:09 AM
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    I would recommend an older machine.. I have the Singer 66, and 99.. I love both.. The only thing I miss with them is the zig zag.. For that I have a Singer made in the 60's which is also nice.. Basically, they are not plastic, and they keep going..
    Barri
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    Old 12-10-2011, 05:37 AM
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    She might really love her basic machine. Any new machine will have a learning curve and there will be some frustration involved. I vote with the gift certificate group.
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    Old 12-10-2011, 05:53 AM
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    Gift Certificate idea but if your mom is the type to protest it and say no, i really don't need one or don't want YOU to spend that much and etc, you should know most dealers will let you return/exchange a machine if the recipient wishes to do that so you still get the fun of gifting one! I agree the BabyLock Grace is a good choice. She might like a model with a stop/start button option...there are a few of those in the Janome line. And, Hancock's carries a really nice Janome machine with lots of features, I believe it is the 8050 very much like a model dealers carry. In fact, it is identical to a model sold at dealers. I've seen it on sale for as low as $249. Return policy there is better than via a dealer also should you discover there's another machine she'd rather have. But def she will want to keep her old work-horse too!
    mea12 is offline  
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