Consolidating machines, need advice
 

I am considering selling my Janome Artistic SD quilting machine AND my Janome 8900. I want one machine that sews, machine quilts, pieces, and embroiders. Where do you ladies go to safely sell your machines?

I have never sold a sewing machine but I would suggest eBay. Too worried about listing anything on Craig's list. You might also ask you LQS and quilt guilds to let quilters know what you have for sale

There is a yahoo group, sewitsforsale, that I have used to both buy and sell.

I have bought and sold quilting machines on Craigslist...I find that people who are quilters/seamstress and very honest.. Anyway that has been my experience. Local quilt guild and quilt stores are a very good option.

Check with the dealer where you will buy your new machine to see if they take trade-ins. May not get top price, but it's safe and hassle free.

I'm curious ... which machine do you think you will buy? From what I've read on QuiltingBoard, there is no one machine that does everything perfectly .... What are your thoughts?

I just bought my HQ 16 via local online classifieds. Very happy transaction.

If online is intimidating for you, then I would ask at your local guilds if they would put the word out. I know my guild will announce such things at our meetings.

You could also ask if you can put up a notice in your LQS, Church notice boards, community notice boards etc.

I think you might be happier keeping at least two machines if you have the space for them.

From what I understand about embroidery machines, once you have some embroidery set up, you are committed to that project until it is done?

I agree with bearisgray. I have a small Brother 4 in embroidery machine that is fine for up to a 6 in block. My sewing machine is a Viking Sapphire. So far Im happy with the small embroidery machine. Use it only for quilting. Since embroidery is so time consuming there is alot more wear on the machine. So a separate machine takes the wear off your sewing machine. Used the embroidery for a set of bear designs, mother goose designs, a nice round design, and a set of leaf designs for a table cover.

Trust me you do not want to get rid of all your machines.....if you embroider you also need one to use when it is "working" if not you will be unhappy with having to setup and take down over and over again. Ask me how I know. LOL Even if it is to do a quick repair job....it not practical to not have at least 2 machines.

I am so glad I have 2 machines. I'm thinking about getting another with simple stitches and lightweight. FWs around here are at lowest price $350.00. Not paying that. I'll definitely purchase local.

Yes, I agree. That's why I have 8 machines.

I end up gifting mine to girl friends.

One recommendation to think about: You may want to keep one as a backup machine to take to classes or to use when the main workhorse has to see the sewing machine doctor. Depending on how much you embroider, you may want to do some sewing while it is running in the background.

Keep both machines and buy a machine that just does embroidery. If you have the space and money, you won't be sorry. Each machine does different things and it is very nice to go from one to the other without changing feet, putting embroidery unit on. Can do different projects without all the hassle. Good luck on whatever you decide.

You might want to keep one of your machines and trade in the other for the new combo machine. Embroidery projects do tie up the combo machines so I also recommend keeping, even just a basic machine, in addition to a combo embroidery machine.

I didn't want to deal with public u sell sites like craigslist or even yahoo groups... too many risks now so I traded in two of my machines toward a combo machine with a dealer. Really glad I didn't trade in all of my machines though... comes in really handy when my combo is tied up doing embroidery projects. Saves a lot of time and trouble.

A local quilt guild might be good way to sell your machines if you don't want to trade your machines in...you can sell them at a guild (if they will allow) and let a potential buyer see that the machine(s) works, with witnesses to that fact; not to mention a safer place to be.