I think Lori S. is right on with her advice. It depends on what's available where you live or nearby, of course. You can get way more for your money if you go to a dealer's store that sells higher-end machines like Bernina, and see what machines they have that have been traded in. I've bought three machines this way and they've all been checked out by the service people at the stores and repaired as needed. No issues with them at all, and one of them I still have after ten years. I gave another to a friend for her birthday and another to my daughter--no problems with those either.

Whatever you do, don't buy a machine off eBay. Lots of potential for problems that way.

Here's a website for a store here in Austin that has a list of recommended (and not!) machines: stitchlab.com.

My sewing machine repair person, dear Mr. Ruiz, says that the older metal mechanical machines are the best and in fact that's all he will work on.

Good luck! I'd love to know what you choose!

Lovin...have you ever thought of buying a good used machine?
I have two Bernina's that I bought over the years that are fantastic machines. I just bought a 1230...took it to the Bernina dealer to have it checked out. He told me that it was a "great" machine...if I were buying it today, it would cost about $2,200. Well, I paid $400. The older machines weren't made of all plastic. Just something you might consider.

I had one of those and really enjoyed it. It got carried around a lot and finally it just kind of hung up with the needle down...got it loose, used it a while longer, it did it again. Could have been because it traveled a little rough? But, in general, I loved it. BTW...it is electronic, so don't put a magnet near it, from what I understand! Oh...the needle had several positions...moved from side to side. To get a 1/4" seam, I had to move it everytime I turned it on. I have found some great older machines in yard sales and at thrift stores...you might want to check those out first, especially an estate sale!

The advice I got when looking was do not buy a low end Singer! I had a Brother from WalMart--not impressed. I was frustrated constantly (it would freeze up) so I decided to upgrade to a computerized White. I researched it and finally bought it online from a reputable place. I should have known to return it when the needle threader came off in my hand the very FIRST time I used it. That machine was in for repair more than I used it. Oh, and it made weird noises! The threads jammed constantly, once to the point the bobbin case had to be replaced. The last time it was repaired, it cost more than the machine did new.........and after 2 weeks I had the same problem again! So I took myself down to my LQS and bought a Janome. Best thing I ever did and I'm happy with it.

I learned to sew on a Kenmore. Lasted 26 years and finally died. I then got a 60 stitch Brother from Walmart and love it. I've had it now 5 yrs, and no trouble. Paid $179.00 for it. Its my favorite machine.

Check online for customer reviews of the companies you plan to buy from. I purchased a Singer about the beginning of the year that failed. Still within its warrenty, I contacted the Singer Company, who promptly told me how to thread it. The problem was that the machine would NOT run at all and the plug was so hot that I had to use a potholder to unplug it. It had only been plugged in for about 25 minutes. They would not even communicate with me further. I call that LOUSY customer service!

I have a Brother (4000) that I bought from a WalMart a couple of years ago. I LOVE it, it is light weight, has 40 stitches(including 3 dif. button holes), has needle down feature, needle threader, and is so very quiet!!!!!!
I got mine for $123 then. I recomend Brother to all the beginer students that are looking for a good machine.
I had had a New Home for over 30 years and when it died - I went looking for a replacement, and did not have a lot of $ to spend either. I am very pleased with my Brother.

I checked out Stitchlab.com and came up with STITCHLAB.BIZ I think it is the same place.

Thanks for the info.

Thank you all for the wonderful advice

My regular machine is a Brother from Walmart. A few less stitches than this one, but it made a lot of clothes, dolls, quilts, and coats. No problem. Oil it as directed. Keep the lint out of the bottom and head. Just a little noisier than the fancy machine. I put mine on 'mouse pads', on my dining room table as a muffler system. Worked fine. Best of all, when I finally was able to buy a fancier one, all the attachments from the old, are compatible with the new Brother. I am nothing, if not frugal. I think you will enjoy having it. I liked it much better than my old Signature machine.

Cat people are so smart!

I got a Brother SQ9000 from Walmart. It was great ... at first. I used it for maybe 45 minutes total, over a span of 10 days, and something apparently got out of alignment. It started making clunking sounds, and destroying needles. Not just breaking them, but bending and twisting them out of shape until they snapped. :shock:

I think it was $159, and it included a TON of extras. Lots of feet, an extension table, oodles of stitches, embroidery letters, etc. It would've been an awesome deal, if the machine had worked properly.

Maybe I just got a lemon, but I returned it for a refund. :(

I looked at other machines, but couldn't find any in that same price range that I liked. The ones I looked at felt more like toys than sewing machines ... all plastic-y and cheap-feeling.

So I bought a 1940 Singer 15-91 off eBay. It purrs like a kitten, and is solid as a rock ... and was half the price. :mrgreen: I'm still learning how to use it, but in the meantime, I'm sewing on my good ol' Singer 9323 (I think) from the late 80's or early 90's. It's like the Energizer Bunny. It just keeps going and going and going. :thumbup:

For me, staying with older machines seems to be the secret. :) They just don't seem to make 'em like they used to.

I have a brother and love it! But I would second some of these ladies suggestions and check into reconditioned machines. After I bought mine, I found for a few dollars more I could have bought a refurbished Janome.

Not sure if anyone has said this yet but I just went to Overstock.com and they had all kinds of better machines for less than $150

I have that Brother machine and love it. It does everythin I need for it to do. Both my husband and myself made our first quilts on that machine I just can't say enough good about it. I've learned free motion quilting and thread painting on that machine. It has many decorative stitches. Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Have to disagree about the Ebay comment. I have three machines from Ebay with no problems. Have also use Sew its For Sale group on Yahoo to buy and sell with no problems. Shop around. I would never recommend Brother or Singer, but I like high end machines. Viking being my favorite.

The brothers machines are great.... This machine is a great choice of you don't want to spend much...I have a similar that runs perfect....
They are not too good for free motion quilting but will work great with all the decorative stitches and zig zags...and of course the straight stitch......
I wouldn't recomend you to buy from Sears....Once my kenmore died ...They never respond and it seams that they don't have parts ...
So for me ...no Kenmore and nothing from Sears.......
Good luck

I bought a used Brother off Ebay two years ago - have had no problems with it. Have used quilting cotton, thick denim, and thin bridal tulle and it handles everything just fine. I love it!

You're right, it's stitchlab.biz. Cute store.

Dana

The only problem I see with buying from Wal-Mart or other places in that line, is the operating and the learning of this and that. These women are only there to actually cut fabric and keep track of inventory. (If you have a [problem or a breakage something after the fact), you are going to have find a dealer who will fix it. Wal-mart does not have the where withall to show you how to use it and I beleive they send under under warrenty machines to the factory to resolve.

Like I said earlier. My brother 3500 was the only machine I used for 4 years. Yes, I purchased it a Walmart. I made many quilts, hemmed how many pairs of jeans, costumes, all sorts of things. Then it started braking needles left and right. Was bearly able to finish a small double wedding ring quilt for grandparents 70th anniversary. That is when I took it in for repairs and told too broken to even try and no parts for fixing it available. :-( I truely enjoyed using that machine it had everything I needed. I just don't want to replace my sewing machine every couple of years.K

Important info if you buy a used machine...You can now get most of the manuals for used machines free or at low cost online. I lost mine in a move, and the new one was free, I just had to print it. Never buy a machine for use, that you don't get to see run. Do your research. Some things are NOT fixable. Good Lock!

I have only bought 2 new machines in 60 years. The first was a Kenmore zig zag when I was a sophmore in college.
The second was a Pfaff 2040 ten years ago. It is the only electronic machine I have. Right now the part that covers the end of the machine won't stay attached. Of course, it is plastic. I haven't even tried to find a replacement part yet. Duct tape is curently holding it in place. I have seven other machines all purchased used. I agree with those who offered suggestions of gong to a sewing machine/vac dealer (NOT A QUILT SHOP) and look for a good used machine. The cost will be much better for the money. Unfortunately many of the newer machines have a lot of plastic in them. Ask the repair technetian which one he sees the most often..Then don't buy that model. My oldest machine that I use regularly is a 1936 model Pfaff. My mother sews on her 1953 model Pfaff that has all the fancy stiches you would ever need. It has only been in the shop one since 1953.

I know it's difficult to find. Not sure exactly what type of upgrade you are looking for, but in my book Janome is the bomb. I agree with the advice to check out the Kenmore made by Janome. They make a lot of brands that people are not even aware of.

Cost Co has the same machine, with the case and quilting table for $149.99! I use my Brother, same one that you are looking at, to take back and forth to quilting class. So far, it's been great!

Your location is in hiding? Costco is not available in many parts of the country, especially the south

Overstock.com has reconditioned machines at a fraction of the price. I bought my serger there and have had no problems, couldn't tell it wasn't brand new.

I bought the Brothers sewing/quilting machine last year at Walmart. Checked price everyday until it got to $99.00 from around 150.00. It has been a good machine and I love the quilt table attachment that give you more flat work space. It has several quilting feet attachments included. I did have to buy the one I use the most (1/4 inch quilting foot) It was reasonable priced at Walmart so I got it easily. I wanted something I could transport to camper or classes. Shop around and wait for a sale to get what you want. Watch especially ONLINE ONLY sales at Walmart with free ship to store.

Good tip I read last week is the smaller machines are not made to sew continuely so give them and you breaks.
Good shopping many sales will be available with holidays approaching.

I had a Brother ps 1200 for close to 20 years and used it like a work horse. only reason I do not have it now is that the mover broke it. just last month bought a basic brother with 25 stitches online at Joann's fabrics. was regular 99 bucks, on sale for 69 with coupon and free delivery. like it immeasureably better than the 500 dollar pfaff that I am going to get serviced and sell like a hot potato!

I bought a 51 stitch Brothers at Walmart about four or five years back and I use it everyday since 2008 for sewing quilt tops. I go to retreats with it too. The only problem I have had is that the bobbin winder doesn't wind tight enough, so I bought a small bobbin winder unit for around $19 and I have everything that I need.

I love my Brother machines , I have 3 different types and all work great. All were bought from Walmarts and i wouldnt trade them for anything.

I have several brothers all but 2 have been bought at yard sales or thrift shops, I personally love them. I had one that I paid $20 for and used it for 7 years to mend bluejeans, replace sippers on it and never had any problems. I now use it for free motion quilting and its still going strong. All ive ever had sone is a good home cleaning on a regular basis. I dont think you can kill one if you tried.

If you get a good used Bernina that is not an embroidery machine, you won't be sorry. I have 2 of them and an Ellegante Babylock with upgrades that I love. The Activas or the Bernettes are very fine sewing machines. Babylock has the A Series machines that sew nicely. Very affordable.