danade

I think Lori S. is right on with her advice. It depends on what's available where you live or nearby, of course. You can get way more for your money if you go to a dealer's store that sells higher-end machines like Bernina, and see what machines they have that have been traded in. I've bought three machines this way and they've all been checked out by the service people at the stores and repaired as needed. No issues with them at all, and one of them I still have after ten years. I gave another to a friend for her birthday and another to my daughter--no problems with those either.

Whatever you do, don't buy a machine off eBay. Lots of potential for problems that way.

Here's a website for a store here in Austin that has a list of recommended (and not!) machines: stitchlab.com.

My sewing machine repair person, dear Mr. Ruiz, says that the older metal mechanical machines are the best and in fact that's all he will work on.

Good luck! I'd love to know what you choose!

sew n' sew

Lovin...have you ever thought of buying a good used machine?
I have two Bernina's that I bought over the years that are fantastic machines. I just bought a 1230...took it to the Bernina dealer to have it checked out. He told me that it was a "great" machine...if I were buying it today, it would cost about $2,200. Well, I paid $400. The older machines weren't made of all plastic. Just something you might consider.

Lynda in TN

I had one of those and really enjoyed it. It got carried around a lot and finally it just kind of hung up with the needle down...got it loose, used it a while longer, it did it again. Could have been because it traveled a little rough? But, in general, I loved it. BTW...it is electronic, so don't put a magnet near it, from what I understand! Oh...the needle had several positions...moved from side to side. To get a 1/4" seam, I had to move it everytime I turned it on. I have found some great older machines in yard sales and at thrift stores...you might want to check those out first, especially an estate sale!

doxieloverred

The advice I got when looking was do not buy a low end Singer! I had a Brother from WalMart--not impressed. I was frustrated constantly (it would freeze up) so I decided to upgrade to a computerized White. I researched it and finally bought it online from a reputable place. I should have known to return it when the needle threader came off in my hand the very FIRST time I used it. That machine was in for repair more than I used it. Oh, and it made weird noises! The threads jammed constantly, once to the point the bobbin case had to be replaced. The last time it was repaired, it cost more than the machine did new.........and after 2 weeks I had the same problem again! So I took myself down to my LQS and bought a Janome. Best thing I ever did and I'm happy with it.

Dee

I learned to sew on a Kenmore. Lasted 26 years and finally died. I then got a 60 stitch Brother from Walmart and love it. I've had it now 5 yrs, and no trouble. Paid $179.00 for it. Its my favorite machine.

BARES

Check online for customer reviews of the companies you plan to buy from. I purchased a Singer about the beginning of the year that failed. Still within its warrenty, I contacted the Singer Company, who promptly told me how to thread it. The problem was that the machine would NOT run at all and the plug was so hot that I had to use a potholder to unplug it. It had only been plugged in for about 25 minutes. They would not even communicate with me further. I call that LOUSY customer service!

Yankee in Texas

I have a Brother (4000) that I bought from a WalMart a couple of years ago. I LOVE it, it is light weight, has 40 stitches(including 3 dif. button holes), has needle down feature, needle threader, and is so very quiet!!!!!!
I got mine for $123 then. I recomend Brother to all the beginer students that are looking for a good machine.
I had had a New Home for over 30 years and when it died - I went looking for a replacement, and did not have a lot of $ to spend either. I am very pleased with my Brother.

BARES

I checked out Stitchlab.com and came up with STITCHLAB.BIZ I think it is the same place.

Thanks for the info.

LovinMySoldier

Thank you all for the wonderful advice

madamekelly

My regular machine is a Brother from Walmart. A few less stitches than this one, but it made a lot of clothes, dolls, quilts, and coats. No problem. Oil it as directed. Keep the lint out of the bottom and head. Just a little noisier than the fancy machine. I put mine on 'mouse pads', on my dining room table as a muffler system. Worked fine. Best of all, when I finally was able to buy a fancier one, all the attachments from the old, are compatible with the new Brother. I am nothing, if not frugal. I think you will enjoy having it. I liked it much better than my old Signature machine.