Alu_Rathbone

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right place, but I'm in a bit of a pickle.

About five years ago I was gifted a sewing machine by a wonderful woman on this website. I know I can get the same one on Amazon, as I have found it on there. It's a Brother CSi 6000. It worked wonderfully, until it was thrown into the hallway by my two dogs. (They ran into the small table it was sitting on). Unfortunately, the damage it sustained is too much for me to afford right at this moment.

I'm looking for a decent machine but at a price that a college student can afford. The one I had before is in the right price range, but I want to know if there is anything that is either better or more affordable (under $150, preferably under $125). I don't buy off brands (I need it to last) and Singer is not entirely my favorite (I had a bad experience with one in a class I was in). I did see a Janome for under a hundred. I like to do my research before I buy, but I'm looking for advice from some who are experienced.

Any ideas?

Sewnoma

I have 3 Janomes (one is a 90's Kenmore, but was made by Janome) and they are all great machines. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Janome new or used, as long as you know it's not been abused.

If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about vintage machines. A lot of those are all steel and are very easy to maintain on your own, and would probably hurt the dogs and the hallway more than the dogs and hallway could ever hurt one of those steel beasties! I don't like modern Singers but I have few from the 50's and earlier and they are really and truly built like tanks (pretty much literally). Kenmore is another brand I really trust - Kenmore sewing machines were made by a variety of manufacturers but so far every Kenmore I've had has been rock-solid (I currently own 3, by 3 different makers - one from the 40's, one from the 50's, and one from the 90's; the one from the 50's is my favorite - it's a real beast, talk about a tank...). It's too bad Sears/Kenmore don't still make sewing machines!

Alu_Rathbone

I love the old Singers! A friend of mines grandmother has one that she brought with her from Italy and still uses it on a regular basis. I'll look around for some vintage ones. Thank you!

yel

look around for an old one it will outlast most you can buy new ...are you close i can gift you another one

tessagin

Check estate sales and garage sales. Don't forget the thrift stores.!

Alu_Rathbone

I'm not entirely sure, I'm in the Chicago area. I am looking around to see if I can find something old. As long as I can figure out how to use it, we are in business! I loved my machine, it never gave me a hassle. That is very generous of you to offer. Thank you.

miriam

try an old machine in a table - make it hard for the dogs to flip it

QuiltMom2

If you live in an area with a quality dealership, one interested in meeting customer needs with an in-house repair guy, you may be able to get a used machine that has been taken in while previous owner upgraded or floor demonstration model that counts as used. If it's straight sewing with some decorative stitches, vintage machine with cams may be the way to go but they are heavy, heavy, heavy. Agree with Sewnoma: if one of those hits the deck/dog, more damage done to animal!!!

Alu_Rathbone

I don't have room for a in table model. It would be awesome if I did though, but I'm not that lucky. Possibly in a few years. I'll check the Singer store near me, they do repairs on all models, and I believe sell some used ones.

lovingmama

Own a janome gold jem for many years and never had an issue. If possible I wouldn't buy the mini, to small.
Try to look in at the Jems. Prices aren't much higher, but you'll be better of.