donac

I have the simplest Elna they make. I know other people who have much fancier machine. My sister has an old singer that if she bought a good machine like it today it would cost her over $3000. She never uses it.

I am tired of people who are like this. We went to buy a replacement computer last month. I have my laptop and all we need it a simple computer for my dh to do his emails and some small things, nothing fancy. The guy gave me all kinds of attitude because I wanted one of the simplest towers that they had. I just didn't back down. My sons who love computers agreed with me that this is the one that we needed in the house.

I know they are trying to sell the high end machines but don't get an attitude when someone knows what she wants.

motomom

Machine Snobs are directly related family members of Quilt Police. Don't allow either one into your life for a minute.

I have a Pfaff from the 70's that is an absolute workhorse. I've thought of getting a new machine, but my old one just WON'T QUIT WORKING.

So, when I got ready to buy a serger, I found one of the exact vintage and brand on Craig's list, and paid only $100 for it. Downloaded the book off the internet, and once I got the thing threaded, it works like a charm.

Not everyone has several grand sitting around with which to buy an expensive machine. And that snob at the store who made you feel bad should be fired. I own a retail store, and if I found out one of my employees made a customer feel bad, I would be very, very angry. Livid.

quiltsRfun

Sounds downright rude to me. Everyone there would know who she was referring to. Sounds like a case of making her product look good by putting the other guy down. I've never liked those kinds of sales tactics. If you're happy with your machine that's all that matters. Don't let it bother you.

sherian

Ok, anyone one near Richmond,va. All brands is the place to go: I have been going their a long time now.
You can use any sewing or sewing embroidery machine. They will bring it in & out for you for service or class, bought their or not. They work on any sewing machine, order parts, clean, etc. They also sell vacums & service them. You can take trips on a bus to Quilt shows with them & they stop at fabric outlets. Most teachers do not work in the store. Their are some free classes, how to classes, quilt, bags, shower curtains, embroidery,etc. They answer your questions, help you figure what you need, some classes like Diva day with lunch. I like it. They have PJ nights, classes for kids, kids camp in te summer, etc.

Katiequiltsalot

My DD just bought a new machine on Amazon, and she loves it.It's a Brother embroidery quilting machine, and it came with a DVD with instructions on the machine and how to clean, oil,and basics.She doesn't care what kind of name it has, it's what she wanted in a machine.

auntnana

I have had the SE400 for a couple of years and LOVE it. Before that I had the SE270. Although, I have to admit I've used it mainly for embroidery work. I also have made about 75 of the Craft Apple Patchfolois and have had no issues. I did want to take it in to have a good cleaning and the one big place that used to service Brother machines actually moved out of state for personal reasons. I visited one of the other local shops and inquired about a cleaning and the oh so professional lady told me "Honey we don't service those low end things. We only sell and service good machines." Not kidding, those were her exact words as she literally snurled her nose. Haven't set foot in the Bernina place since and probably won't. The other place I refuse to shop is one of the largest quilt shops in the area. The first time I shopped there, a lady kept following me around. First floor, second floor, back to first floor. Made me very nervous because she wasn't looking at any fabric, just watching me. I finally got some nerve and asked her if I could help her. She said to me "We have to keep an eye out for shop lifters". What tha? Yep she was an employee and basically told me she thought I looked like a thief! Needless to say I was absolutely livid and told her exactly what I thought before leaving. I don't care if it is the largest fabric shop in 50 miles. They will NOT get my business, ever.

I finally found a good local shop. First time I went in they were extremely friendly, helpful, and not the least bit snobbish. I told the owner about the machine I had and asked if they offered classes to those with Brother machines. She actually giggled and said that a teacher worth their salt can teach on any brand of machine, even a manual model. Explained to me that quilting is the skill of the person, not the machine. Said she knows a woman that makes absolutely awful quilts on a top of the line machine and another woman that makes perfect quilts on a machine older than I am. This is my new favorite shop.

I recently decided to purchase a machine just for sewing and quilting and keep my SE400 for embroidering. Did I look at the popular expensive machines? Yes. Did I buy one? Nope! Went with another Brother and bought it at Wal-Mart. I could afford one of those fancy machine with all the bells and whistles but I prefer to look at it like I look at my car: I could afford to purchase a new car but I prefer to keep my 13 year old car with 250k miles on it. It runs just as well as when I bought it and still gets over 35 mpg. And the seat is molded to my rear! It may not be the prettiest thing or have all the bells and whistles of the new models but it does exactly what it is supposed to do and I am extremely comfortable with it.

Maire

Auntnana, I loved your whole note-you sound very wise.
I love Brother machines, from low end to high end, they are all great. I have a Brother low end from Walmart that I keep at my youngest daughter's home & whenever I visit I catch up on their mending, do projects when I'm there for a long visit, etc. Love it & always excited when I get it out again. I also have a low end Walmart Brother here that I use for classes, charity projects at the church, also does great. And I have a Brother TOL from a dealer & a couple more in between Brother's. I love them all. My local dealer has never put down my Walmart Brother's, in fact I take one to classes at her shop, never a negative word. Of course I do spend money at her shop & she knows I tell others about her shop & tell others how great Brother machines are.
A wise dealer never puts down other machines, it keeps customers coming back.

BETTY62

I love my Brother machine. It sews like a dream.

weatheread

I am glad my dealer is not like that I buy what I can afford and to buy a more expensive machine prove to me that its worth my money or just show me how to use what I have and sell me lots of fabric and notions

Debbie C

I had the same experience, but not with a machine - it was just by striking a conversation with a shop owner on Long Island's north shore - not even a ritzy area! The woman was a total snob when she realized that I was asking 'beginner' questions. I have always sewn and crafted, but had only started quilting just before my visit to that shop. She made me feel like an intruding lower class citizen and have never returned there. A shame really, for her, because I spend A LOT OF $$$ on fabrics now!!