jlm5419

Can't go wrong with a vintage machine. Usually inexpensive, and very reliable.

QuiltingCrazie

I have 2 brothers I would agree in your price range they are the best! I don't have any experience with vintage machines but they recommend them as well on here

hperttula123

I bought both my machines from my mom. She was going to trade them in for new machines. I just payed her what the trade in would be. My machines have been wonderful. You could go to a dealer and see what they have used. I haven't priced machines in so long, I don't know what a used one would be.

VickyS

If you can't find a good sewing machine repair person in your area, you are probably better off with one of the newer machines. I've heard great things about the simple Brother machines.

I was looking for a machine for my daughter, who moved across country to Denver, CO and wanted me to give her one of my old machines. Because of their weight and age, I tried looking first online for a repair person online in her new neighborhood but couldn't find one that had a good rating. I told her to check out Goodwill and any of the thrift stores in town to find one. She eventually stumbled onto an estate sale and got a beautiful Singer 15 for $50 with all parts and case. I sent her bobbins from my sewing machine guy in our home town, only to discover she had to move unexpectedly and left the machine behind.

So now I'm looking for her birthday, probably to send her one through an online source! There are a lot of good machines out there. Take your time and you will be surprised at what is available.

miriam

If you can find a Japanese 15 you can work on it yourself if you can follow directions in a manual. There are parts for them. They are CHEAP - they free motion and piece very well. Great machine. They do need a case or a cabinet. You catch and we'll help you clean it down at the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop - the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...ml#post5049306 that's a link to the shop
Here is a link so you know what a Japanese 15 or a 15 clone looks like. http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html On there, you can find pictures, manuals, repair manuals, videos - all kinds of info. The bobbins are cheap and easy to find - it takes regular needles. Do a bit of home work before you buy anything. You can find replacement motors, foot pedals, lights, bobbin winder tires, slide plates - what ever. They are heavy to haul around but they won't dance all over the place when you sew.

linynp

Also the Viking emerald 116 or 118 is nice sold one in your range. But definitely check out vintage or eBay or Craig list

romanojg

I got a fantastic machine from Sears; it's a Kenmore/Janome. It has just enough fancy stitches and now that I have the fancy machine (Viking Ruby) this one I'll still keep for when it's busy and for taking to classes. It's so much lighter to carry. The good thing about with Sears; you can buy a warranty for it which includes maintenance on it.

Sew Freak

GARAGE SALES!! believe it or not you can get a machine for as little as $5.00. I bought several machines at GSs and all but one worked and the one that didn't just needed a new switch which my DH fixed and with a little oil she was off and running!

anita211

I have a Brother CS6000i and really like it. However, I would go with a machine that is manufactured by the maker of your embroidery machine because their measurements are going to be identical, or closer to just a stand alone sewing machine. I learned the hard way many years ago to NOT use more than one machine when sewing blocks. The reason is that not all machines are equal, and even though you think you have a 1/4" seam, it might be just off enough to make it impossible to get the blocks sewn together without them being a bit wonky.

As to the CS6000i and not being able to quilt on it... Yeah, the area from needle to machine head is only about 6.5", but you can quilt in there if you want to. I use a Flynn frame on this machine, and can get the frame really loaded with quilted fabric in that tiny area. I also use the plain old, use the hands to stretch lightly and move the quilt.

KathyC9511

I have the Janome 11000 Special Edition embroidery/sewing machine. It is too large and heavy for me to take to my quilting bee. I purchased a Jamone AQS2009 machine about 2 years ago. I LOVE THIS MACHINE!!! It is no longer available because it was a special edition machine made in 2009. A good friend of mine is getting back into quilting and she is looking at the Janome DC11050 which sells for $299.00. Check this machine out. It is small and compact. Has 30 stitches and feed dogs drop. It can sew through extremely thick fabric. My friend is ordering hers next week. Good luck with your choice!