Please recommend a reliable, no frills sewing machine

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12-18-2010, 04:39 AM

#21

Surfergirl

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Palm Coast, Florida

Posts: 1,045

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazeljane

I would look on Craigslist for a vintage machine. I have a pink '61 Atlas (Japanese made, all metal- runs fabulous) $28.00 and a 1953 Singer 15-91 ($60 in perfect cabinet).

You cannot buy a machine likes these today. The 15-91 is a total workhorse- will sew through leather, and is a straight stitch. The Atlas will do zig zag and some fancy stitches with cams.

For your money- buy one that will never wear out, that you can oil yourself and has no plastic parts. My new Juki, which also fits that description, runs about $700.00, but for less than $50, in a thrift store or on Craigslist, you should be able to find what you need. You will never regret it.

I agree. Vintage is the way to go. I have more than a dozen of these machines and love every one of them. I have a 1931 Singer 15-91 and I just love it. You can easily buy parts for them, if needed, and they are so reliable.

12-18-2010, 05:22 AM

#22

rannyof3

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Port Angeles, Wa.

Posts: 220

check out Ebay. they have a lot of Brother machines.

12-18-2010, 07:22 AM

#23

MS quilter

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Lake, MS

Posts: 627

Hi, I'm from Lake, MS.

12-18-2010, 07:50 AM

#24

rudiemom

Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Seattle

Posts: 33

I just ordered a brother on Amazon for my grand daughter. Just under $60. Basic, and easy....I love Brother's...

12-18-2010, 08:08 AM

#25

UCHSCPSYCH

Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Posts: 69

I am so glad to see I'm not the only one looking for an older machine! I recently bought a Brother 660 and although it works "okay" it certainly does not have the power and heaviness of my old Brother 8500. Oh how I wish I had it back! I have tried several internet sites and this model is not available. I don't even care if it has the embroidery set up or not--not a fantastic workhorse! The machine is at least 20 years old so I don't know how good my luck will be to find one. I've read all of our threads but if anyone has a suggestion I'd appreciate it.

12-18-2010, 08:12 AM

#26

Mkotch

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Posts: 2,180

I would go with whichever cheap machine has local service. It is a drag to drive far just to have the machine cleaned.

12-18-2010, 09:48 AM

#27

mjsylvstr

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: Spring Lake, NJ

Posts: 2,458

Love my Kenmore...

been using them for many a year.......

and still buying them

12-18-2010, 11:12 AM

#28

catrancher

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Newberg, OR

Posts: 1,911

I had a bare bones Janome that I hated. Wouldn't recommend that brand, although others love them. I bought my DIL a Pfaff, and she seems to like it.

12-18-2010, 12:41 PM

#29

baglady65

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2010

Posts: 397

Don't go too cheap you will have problems!!

12-18-2010, 03:57 PM

#30

whenpigsfly

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 117

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCHSCPSYCH

I am so glad to see I'm not the only one looking for an older machine! .

MANY THANKS to everyone who encouraged me to Go Vintage! Today I found this beauty in a local thrift shop for $40. Still pinching myself! Ironically, 47 years ago I bought one that was almost identical, maybe a year or two older than this (and which I'm positive would still be running if not for a freak accident).

Thanks for all the good advice.

Janet

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