Contemplating a New Machine
 

My current machine is a Brother Easy-to-Use sewing machine. DH bought it for me for Christmas so I could try quilting/sewing. He paid less than $50 for it, and I spent another $15 or so buying a walking foot for it. The idea was for me to learn how to use it, see if I really liked sewing and then move up to a better machine.

Well, it turns out I love sewing and quilting. I have three quilts and several small sewing projects under my belt. I really like the Brother. It isn't fancy but it certainly does its job. Unfortunately, the no-name walking foot I bought without knowing any better has literally been eating through the screw on my machine that holds the needle in. It still works, but not well -- when I'm using the walking foot, I have to stop every 8-12 inches to re-tighten it as it keeps juddering around and getting loose (and all the while building a pile of metal shavings as it continues to eat my machine).

A proper walking foot costs $30 or so, but since the entire machine only cost $50 DH now thinks maybe I should just go ahead and buy my nicer machine now. I don't even know where to start, and I'm hoping you all can help me narrow it down. My needs are:

1. Less than $1500
2. Heavy enough not to move around while I'm pushing a quilt through (my biggest complaint about my machine)
3. A relatively large throat
4. Accessories (walking foot, quilting foot, etc) either included or not too expensive.

Extras like a needle threader, automatic needle raise (is that what's it's called?) and the like are cool, but not required. I also don't need a machine with a million embroidery features, because I don't embroider (and am not really interested in starting).

What else should I be looking for? I plan to keep quilting and would love to learn to FMQ. I'm also making purses, clothes, etc. I've priced out some machines and Berninas look to rich for my blood; some Janomes look like they'd work and there's also an upgraded Brother. I'm just not sure how to choose among them.

About the moving around problem - I keep a piece of shelf liner (that rubbery stuff they sell in Walmart) under my machine and it doesn't creep around anymore.

If you want a high end machine for less than $1500, then I suggest you visit your local sewing machine stores and see if they have any gently used machines with warranties that you can buy. You will get the bells and whistles you want at a fraction of the price of a new machine.

The brother 1500 has a 9in throat, comes with all the feet (FMQ and walking, plus others). Costs under 700.00. But is only straight stitch machine. Does great piecing and quilting. Has thread cutter and needle down features, also knee lift and small extension table. Have mine on a frame for quilting right now, have used it on table and it does not move. But later you may decide you want some fancy stitches or just a zig zag for basic machine appliqué which this machine does not have.

I agree with this statement. I trust the dealers I go to and have gotten 3 good used machines. If you want a high end machine for less than $1500, then I suggest you visit your local sewing machine stores and see if they hav e any gently used machines with warranties that you can buy. You will get the bells and whistles you want at a fraction of the price of a new machine..

Ditto on this one. It has your '1-4' requirements. Also thread cutter. pressure foot adjustment and a metal walking foot. It is the Brother PS1500. My favorite feature is it can sew up to 10 layers at a time. I've done 7 layers so far and it was like butter. Got mine for $600 withe free shipping. You won't be disappointed.

Needle down is a big plus for me. If you are going to try FMQ, you want a machine that will lower the feed dogs. Zig zag is alway good. I rarely use the fancy stitches but ocasionally I use a couple. As for the machine moving, like alleyoop1, use a piece of rubber shelf liner. Or I have seen someone use one of those small cushiony bath mats. This can be used as a pin cushion while you are sewing. Singer has some decent machines at the price you have in mind. Check with your fabric stores to see what they have and watch for sales.

Sorry to say that $1500 is not a 'high end machine' - I've seen some recently that head up near $5000. I asked if it cooked dinner too!

Got any major quilt shows coming to your area? Usually all the major manufacturers are there....and you can test drive.

Used machines could be an option too. It never hurts to have multiple machines in the house!

Nan

I sold my 440 because the throat was too small for quilting (for me). I also have a Janome 6600P with a nine inch throat which I love, has all of the above features mentioned plus many more. It has more stitches than I will ever use (I have a few other machines as well) It is a good solid machine and dosen't move around but I have since put it in it's own table. The walking foot is built in so you don't have to buy one and comes with lots of other feet. Don't trade in your Brother whatever you buy because it is always a good idea to have a backup machine. The best advice I can give is "take that generic walking foot off your machine before you ruin it " Good luck with your search and please let us know what you decide on.

My Viking Sapphire was $1100 new years ago. A used one would be alot cheaper.
It has a 10 in throat space. My favorite feature is that when in needle down mode the foot leifts just a little when you stop sewing so you can pivot your material.
It does not embroidery except for the build in stitchs which I dont use much.
It has been a great machine with no repairs.