Originally Posted by
windycitygal
It is easy to be impressed with a sales pitch on a shopping channel, but please do not spend that kind of money on a machine you cannot even try before you buy. There is something to be said about having the sewing machine dealer handy: first if you want a fancy machine you can try it out and possibly sell them your old one. Second you have a place that will show you how to use all of the features of the machine. Third they are there for service and maintence. As someone stated earlier, you can find out how much servicing the machine is going to cost in advance. If you think the fancy stitches would be lost on you why would you invest in a machine that has them. Take some time to think about this purchase and whether or not you are being romanced by a slick sales pitch rather than a need to buy.
Jovi
Thanks for the good advice, but as I stated in message #42 on 12-01-2011 of this thread, I've already bought a machine now. It's a Brother Innovis 600, not the Silver I originally asked about. I was just a bit wary of the Silver brand. I bought from a very highly recommended online sewing machine dealer (they do also have a bricks & mortar shop) here in England. I've been reassured that this dealer is very good with his customer service.
Unfortunately, I live in an area with precious few local dealers or fabric shops, so we have to make do with ordering online. We don't have the luxury of "having a dealer handy". But I'm very happy with the new machine so far. I probably won't use ALL the stitches (400+) but it's nice to know they're there if I ever do! With five granddaughters and three grandsons to sew for, I can see I might well find some use for them.