Micha

I've going to auction myself off....or a least my knowledge. I want to put together a package for our school auction, where I will auction myself off to teach quilting or sewing. I wanted to add an inexpensive used sewing machine in the package and I thought I could find a descent looking one that worked well on Craigslist. I'm not having much luck. Most are either out of my price range or look like they haven't been gently used. So, I thought I might try a different route and start looking for a new machine ($100 or less, I could go a tiny bit higher). I'm finding it difficult to choose in this price range, they all seem so wimpy. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Micha

BellaBoo

Kenmore has some great portable machines under $100. I don't know if the Sears stores still have them in the store but they are on the website. Simple and easy to use. I found this new Kenmore for $60 on the website. Good luck.

http://tinyurl.com/6ugecex

purplefiend

I would look for an older sewing machine. For example a Singer from the 50s or 60s, nothing newer than that for a Singer. The new machines for $100 or less are mostly junk.

BellaBoo

At an auction, a new machine will bring more bids then a used looking sewing machine unless it's a FW and the bidders know what the heck they are bidding on.

bakermom

the lower priced Brothers are actually quite nice. I've bought a several (CE 4000, CS 6000, CE 5500)for my DDs and they really love them. THey do mostly quilts with them and have had no problems. They all run abit more than $100, but for the money they are nice little machines. check Eaby or overstock and you should be able to find them at a reasonable price.

Buckeye Rose

I would check with a reputable dealer and see what they might have used, or a repair shop. Ask them for the best deal, including the info on the auction...they might knock off a few bucks for charity.

Stitchnripper

I have been enjoying my low price mechanical Brother sewing machine for going on 8 years. It is not fussy about thread and sews through almost anything.

Dolphyngyrl

I have to agree, I got my XL-3500i on overstock.com for $109 refurbished, it has never given me a lick of trouble, have had it for 5 years. However if you do go overstock, try it right away because I had to return the first machine because it wouldn't start, because I hear of people buying machines, not using them then they try them and they don't work and its been too long to return them.I also have a brother for 180 that I got from walmart new, absolutely love it. Have had it about 6 months.

SewExtremeSeams

I think you have a terrific idea and I hope you are successful in finding the right machine for your budget and for the auction. May you be richly blessed by teaching and with whom bids the highest on your auction.

coldquilter

I just happened to look on ebay for a machine for our local quilt guild and they have several brother machines for $129 and they are the project runway model? I don't know how they are but brother sure has a good reputation from what ladies on here say. I have been debating on the same issue for quite some time. Good idea you have though.