Here is an example why it is important to purchase from a local and reliable resource:

I just remembered a story about my first sewing machine research.

DH and I went to Wards because we had credit there and they carried sewing machines. The sales guy from the mattress department came over and was surprised that I wanted to test a machine. Of course, none of them were complete to the point of actually doing that (testing). Mr. Mattress went in search of a bobbin and he climbed into the storage cabinet looking for I don't know what. (He had NO idea what a bobbin looked like - lol) In the meantime, I had pulled a bobbin from one of the other machines and loaded it into the machine I wanted to drive. The sales guy apparently did not like my assertiveness and informed me that it was HIS job to do the setup CORRECTLY.

Drumroll please: He then yanked about 2 feet of thread out of the bobbin and tried to PUSH the thread up through the throatplate. I don't think I ever laughed so hard (internally).

NO, I did not buy a machine from WARDS.

that was a hilarious story! :twisted: :D :D
Thank you so much for sharing it!!

montanaquilter -

You have gotten lots of good advice here. The best piece of advice is purchase from someone "local" (or someone who you can reach) who will help you if you have problems. Used machines from a dealer are a great bargain if you can find one.

I have had several machines - so here is my 2 cents worth. I had an old Viking 6370 which I gave to my daughter (which I now regret - it was a great mechanical machine for heavy sewing). I now have two Pfaffs both used (one purchased from a dealer and the other one from a gal who worked in the local Pfaff store and listed on Craigslist). I have a 2054 for sewing and a 2170 for embroidery. I bought Pfaff because if the IDT foot (built in walking foot) - I love them both. I just sold a Babylock Ellageo to a friend which was a sweet machine and I sold Vikings for two years which were also nice machines. Each name brand company has good machines - the support is the key.

Good luck and let us know what you get!!! :lol: :lol:

thank you everyone for all your advice. I now have a place to start looking anyway. Guess I'll have to try a few brands out now and see which one works for me. I can't wait to "test drive" a few new machines. :D

Take a look at Janome machines as well. They're great machines and tend to be less expensive than some of the European brands.

If you want to quilt, check into a Pfaff with an integrated walking foot. It's perfect to keep layers of fabric from slipping when quilting, but also great for other fabrics, too. I use it all the time! Plus, with the integrated walking foot system you can use other feet with it, unlike a regular walking foot attachment that most other machines have. So you can use the stitch in the ditch foot and the open toe, etc. WHILE quilting and not have a problem. I've had a Pfaff for over 20 years, and he integrated walking foot is the reason. Plus it's an excellent machine!

I bought a Bernina last year, although I bought one with embroidery since I do that too. I've had Singers and Babylocks, and loved them when I used them, but Bernina is by far the best I think. I have the stitch regulator for quilting which really helps with free motions quilting, but it is expensive. Bernina takes trade-ins so you may be able to get a deal on a slightly used machine. They always service them before they resale them too. I had my machine serviced under warranty recently, then decided a week later to upgrade. When I took my machine back as a trade in two weeks later, they were still going to service it again, even though I'd only sewn on it for about a week. Good luck with your decision!

Don't forget to go try the pfaff most all quilting and allplying the bindind will tell you to use a walking foot the pfaff has a built in one I use mine all the time it works great you might go to a dealer and find a recondioned used one you will love the walking foot better known as the IDT foot

Loretta: I actually did wonder what Betty Crocker was doing making sewing machines but thought "What the hey, only my grandkids think I know everything"...I decided maybe I had missed the BC machine! :lol:

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I DID buy a machine from Wards back in the very early 70's and it was a work horse. In 1991 I bought my New Home Memorcy Craft and sent the Wards machine home with our daughter who used it and used it. At Christmas this daughter said she finally RETIRED the Wards machine as it needed work that the repair person told her would be more costly than buying a new machine ...between us we got almost 40 years of very good service from that machine and I think I paid something like $169.00 for it new. DD is now ready to take possession of the New Home !

When I bought my New Home I got it through a dealer and WOW, did they ever go all out to give me instructions and had an 800 number for phone support and would even call me periodically to see if I had any questions. I stopped in the store about a year ago and they were still just as quick and ready to help me out. I like doing business with them and when I replace the New Home I'm pretty sure I'll be going back to this same dealer.