Anyone have thoughts or advice on these 2 machines? Does this sound like a good deal for the price?

http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/singer-...99268&ocm=sekw|items_recently_aired

http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/singer-...65685&ocm=sekw|items_recently_aired

Well -- My first thought is, do you need a serger?? My second thought is that the heavy duty Singer seems to be the best deal. Both sound like you could have potential problems. The first one won't use heavy duty thread -- does this mean you can't quilt on it? The second machine is for heavy duty work but one user doesn't seem to be able to do "delicate" work. I'd go for the heavy duty machine. The price seems to be very reasonable. :D

Being new to quilting I am no expert, but after reading the reviews on the second machine I would be real hesitant on buying that one. I think I would read what others have said on this board about different machines and keep shopping.

I somewhat agree with Sewjoyce about if you don't need a serger, why buy one, but on the other hand, I would stay away from the low end Singers. My opinion.

Definitely read the reviews at http://www.patternreview.com first.

I am not, in general, a fan of Singer sewing machines at this level of quality. I worked part-time in a sewing machine store and IMO the low-end Singers did not compare well to other low-end sewing machine brands in the store.

One thing to keep in mind is that all of these descriptions are inflated. The serger is only a 4-thread serger (5-thread is better), and most of the things it is listed as doing *any* good serger will do. For example, all good sergers have a color-coded thread path illustration on the machine for convenience. I have an older 4-thread Bernina serger and it never gives me any problems. I would be extremely hesitant to buy a 4-thread Singer serger.

For a sewing machine, I would prefer to look at new Sears Kenmore and Janome machines for that price range. I'd also check dealerships for older used machines.

It's no use getting a good price if the machine isn't going to work well. That's why I recommend checking out specifics on these models at patternreview.com before making a decision.

Thanks for the advice...I knew I could get a "non-inflated" answer from everyone here. I have heard similar things about the low end Singers and your expertise just confirmed that for me. I have a Kenmore machine and am looking at getting another full size, yet portable machine for carrying. My Kenmore is not that portable. I have been looking at the Janome brand. I have a Janome HF107 I bought for my DD about 4 years ago. It doesn't have the extra features I am looking for when it comes to classes etc. I would like to get a serger....no need for one anytime soon. If I can get a great deal on a good one worth the price...then I will get one...otherwise....not in the market for one specifically at this point. As of now....I am reading, searching, and shopping around for a good portable....but yet fairly versatile machine. In my area, a new Joanns is opening up...and I am hoping some more classes will be available. My local Hancock Fabrics doesn't have any classes. I would have to drive to the nearest one of 45 minutes...one way....just to take any classes.

I agree, stay away from the lower end Singers. I purchased a Singer Quilters machine and did not like it at all. I made one oversized lap quilt on it and felt like I was constantly wrestling it through the machine! Probably would be ok for straight stitching, although the stitches weren't overly straight. Keep researching the different machines. (Oh, I now have a used Bernina 440 and am in love).