Originally Posted by
vintagemotif
I say if one is considering purchasing a new sewing machine, ask yourself for what type of projects and jobs that you will be mainly doing with the machine. Is it just straight stitch sewing with a little bit of zigzag? Will you really be using any of the decorative stitching, and if so how often? Buttonholes, although Singer's buttonholer attachment is the best in my opinion.
If you are just going to use straight stitch then I would look for a vintage Singer with motor (I'm one of the few nuts that likes to treadle), for example: Singer 15-90/91, 201.
And if you want zigzag with some decorative stitches then Singer 401a, 500a or even the Singer 328.
You could also go with a Necchi Supernova, but why I suggest the Singers over the Necchi is because of parts.
Most likely you will never have to worry about a part if your machine is in great shape, but there is always the what if or if it does break. Singer parts are easy to find, just find another cheap machine that has the part.
All can be found cheap on CLs or garage sales, just have to keep an eye out for the deals.
Hey there are some other really nice older machines out there. They do an awful lot, are well made and will go for years. Singer 503, 403, there are some really nice old Kenmore machines, J. C. Penny - made by Necchi, Elna, Viking (those Vikings some times have issues with cam stacks though) Pfaff, Bernina, some of the old Japanese machines are pretty cool. I wish you were here, I could show you some stuff. If you line up something special ask and someone on here will know the quirks most likely. Sit down in front of the machine you are wanting. Can you see the needle with out craning your neck? How does the machine feel? When you turn it does it feel smooth? When you run it how does it sound? Give me any of the above and I can sew just fine. If you want to do machine embroidery you better want to do a LOT of it or just pay someone to do it for you - much cheaper and none of the head aches. LOL...