New machine suggestions/advice?
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: North country Wisc.
Posts: 328
I've never met a Janome I didn't like. I bought the 4000 12 or 15 yrs ago & my 6600 4yrs ago. My sister has 3 the gold, platinum, & her latest for around $500 that she just loves!
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
Only suggestions I can give you are:
Check pawn shops, 2nd hand stores (as I found an Old singer w/cabinet for 20.00-may have to have some repairs done).
Go to your local sewing machine store and see what they have, a used machine
AND least of all try them out before you buy it .. Most places will let you ..
Check pawn shops, 2nd hand stores (as I found an Old singer w/cabinet for 20.00-may have to have some repairs done).
Go to your local sewing machine store and see what they have, a used machine
AND least of all try them out before you buy it .. Most places will let you ..
#34
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
Frozenmama,
They don't make a simple machine with just straight and zig zag stitches any more. I have Singer 237 that only has 2 stitches, course its almost 50 years old now and heavy. Most sewists don't use more than a few of the decorative stitches that are standard with their machines.
To get anywhere close to the machine you're describing, the Husqvarna Viking 118 is the only one I can think of; don't know if its still made. The 118 is mechanical, has needle up/down,adjustable needle position, 18 stitches.
I used to sell new HV machines, its a great machine.
They don't make a simple machine with just straight and zig zag stitches any more. I have Singer 237 that only has 2 stitches, course its almost 50 years old now and heavy. Most sewists don't use more than a few of the decorative stitches that are standard with their machines.
To get anywhere close to the machine you're describing, the Husqvarna Viking 118 is the only one I can think of; don't know if its still made. The 118 is mechanical, has needle up/down,adjustable needle position, 18 stitches.
I used to sell new HV machines, its a great machine.
#35
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I've had several machines over the years, starting out with a Stradivaro machine, then a Kenmore, then a Singer, but have had my Janome for several years now and it has served me well. I do have a back-up Brother machine that was a freebee and is my back-up when the Janome goes in for a check-up. At one time I had 7 machines, 2 of which were in cabinets, although I'm down to 2 now, well actually 3, but the Kenmore needs to have a hospital visit, but it was free. I love my Janome, but before that my Kenmore was my work horse machine until I burned the motor out. Seriously LOL. My advice, try out several machines to determine the best fit for you and what you plan to use it for.
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 192
Stay away from Walmart cheapies. Everyone I know has had to return. Singer is not up to what it used to be. Brother is supposed to be good but should be purchased from a dealer or checked out at a dealer and bought online. i have a little brother for taking to classes but would not recommend it for anything else. It is great and cheap.
#39
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Posts: 171
Purchasing a Sewing Machine
I'm pretty new to this board, but am loving all that I'm learning from reading through the posts. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share. I have been sewing for 28 years, quilting for the last 10 or so. (For some reason, I'm not able to "enter" down to a new paragraph - sorry if this looks like a giant run on!) I was given a great Kenmore 17 years ago, which has served me very well. I've never had one problem with the machine, sews like a dream and can handle everything I've thrown at it. BUT - I'd like to upgrade! I'd like a machine that has better lighting than the one I currently own, and I'd also like a machine that I can adjust the needle position. As well, I'd like the addition of a quilters extension attachment. I don't need much more than a straight stitch & a zigzag - so a machine with a million stitch functions is wasted on me. I'd also like to stay under $400 - that's about all I can afford right now. Where I live, there is no local sewing shop that carries machines, but I've been looking on line. Costco, Walmart, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the different brands, ones that I thought were good, I'm reading reviews saying the machines are actually not good after all. Any suggestions?
I have purchased machines online from Sew Vac Direct with great success. Their knowledgeable staff have always been able to match my requirements to a great machine and keep it within my budget.
I am a fan of Janome and Juki products but it is very important to consider the throat width of the machine - the wider the better for quilting !
I suggest contacting this company to see what machine they would recommend to suit your needs and budget.
Cheers,
Kathie
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