Do You Think That Modern Imported Sewing Machines Are So Disposable?
 

My last Janome-made-Kenmore electronic assisted mostly mechanical sewing machine broke down last week right in the middle of putting together a small quilt top. It’s shy of me having it for 10 years this March. I replaced it with 2 new basic Janome completely mechanical ones from a big box store rather than attempt to repair it. The nearest Janome dealer is about 15 miles away. The last time I checked, they charge 50 dollars just to walk in, them it goes up very rapidly. It was hard to part with this machine. I always used to support either Sears or my local (only a short distance away) Generic Sewing Machine Repair Shop by bringing my sewing machines to them for tune ups and/or needed repairs. Sears no longer supports sewing machines like they used to (or even offer Kenmore Sewing Machines) and my generic local repair shop closed over a decade ago. Since then, I maintain and repair them myself with the help of the included instruction booklets and the Internet. If it’s more than I can handle or do myself…...I have to replace rather than repair.

I do this with every appliance or device I have now. I still remember the repair shops for every appliance or device in existence at that time lining up on the main streets where my parents, or later myself, lived. I also remember that the devices seem to be far more sturdy, reliable, and longer lasting than the plastic-y things that line the shelves and the web pages nowadays.

So my buying habits reflect this new reality. Both of the new sewing machines were bought from not only a big box store that offers a very generous long running 3 months return policy (in case the device is defected) I don’t need lessons-I was once a professional level designer/sewer & worked in the fashion industry for years before it was shipped overseas-or any hand holding beyond machine exchange or refund if it’s not working properly with little or no hassle beyond proof of purchase. Sometimes some of the dealers get a bit edgy when they are faced with a problem new machine. They might try to do a major tinkering around when the machine is simply a hugely defective lemon. They are now 100% mechanical built with a vertical front loading metal bobbin instead of the more popular top loading drop in one. Too much problematic plastic and no way of making at home adjustments since it’s set at the factory. I do keep only one drop in top loading sewing machine now that’s only a electronic assist (i.e. a 1 step Buttonhole option) mostly mechanical model SP3201 device from the former Spiegel company . I bought it last year before Spiegel closed down probably forever. It’s a nice machine that I am now “retiring” it to simply only making buttonholes and/or more fancy stitches. The other ones are better for straight or zig-zag construction stitches workhorses that I prefer and use 99% of the time anyway.

So my question for all of you are as follows:
Do you use/own Mechanical, Electronic, or completely Computerize sewing machines no matter what brand?

Do you upgrade your sewing machines periodically for more options?

Do you prefer the basic sewing machines (like I do) or go for possibly hundreds of stitch options and features beyond basic construction needs?

The next time you are in the market for a new sewing machine, would you buy from a big box store or a independent dealer?

How do you visualize the future of the sewing machine and quilt making?

Thank all of you in advance!

I have bought machines from big box stores and from dealers.
i don't consider either category of machine to be "disposable."
how long they last depends mostly on how much they are used and whether or not they are properly cared for.
a machine becomes "disposable" only when the cost to service or repair it exceeds to cost to buy one that has all the same features or one that has more.

i have one friend who paid less than $60 for a very low-end machine.
it lasted her for at least 10 years.
another friend has a $198 machine (also big box) that's still sewing like a champ after 6 years.
i sold a $350 machine to a friend. i had used it for 5 years and she's had it for more than 6 months.
again ... still works like it just came out of the box.

i sold two "dealer grade" machines last year. each had been at or near the top of the brand's range.
one i bought in 2007, the other in 2013. i sold them because i had upgraded and wanted to cover some of the cost of the new machine. they both worked as well as they did when i bought them.

because i have become very spoiled and self-indulgent when it comes to my machines i will most likely always buy from dealers from now on. (fingers crossed it will be many years before i take that plunge again. lol) but, that's only because i won't find the operating features i now won't do without in a big box store.

the future of machines is what we demand.
the future of quilting is what we make it. :)

I use one of two straight dtitch only machines. If need be I will replace them with exactly the same.

I can clean and keep them oiled as needed.

I have a vintage straight stitch, heavy duty mechanical only machine and I love it. I got it in the 70's as a Christmas present when i was a teenager. It still works of course, and has a beautiful stitch. I also have a 12 year old Bernina I would call electronic or lightly computerized. I love this machine!! I just bought a new Bernina - more computerized - although not TOL at all. It's lovely, but not sure if I like the more highly computerized "stuff." It tells me things I don't need it to tell me, lol and has a few weird quirks that are controlled by the computer. I have been having a little buyers remorse, but need to get over that.Maybe I just need time to adjust.

So i have one of each type of machine. I prefer more simple, basic machines. I do like to buy from a dealer so that I have help and service, but have used an independent repair person for my older machine. I'm not sure I'd buy from a big box store, but I would buy online through a dealer if the machine had good reviews.

Jingle - what type of straight stitch machines do you have? Vintage? New?

I needed something from the Singer dealer (it’s now closed) and while talking with him, we discussed “Walmart sewing machines”. He opened the door to his back room to show me how many of those he had waiting for repair. He said those that can be fixed will cost more to repair than the machine cost and then there’s the others that haven’t a prayer to work again.

Do you use/own Mechanical, Electronic, or completely Computerize sewing machines no matter what brand?
Mechanical- all are vintage/antique dating from 1916 to 1990's.

Do you upgrade your sewing machines periodically for more options? No

Do you prefer the basic sewing machines (like I do) or go for possibly hundreds of stitch options and features beyond basic construction needs? Basic, learned my lesson with the machine I purchased in 1980. It had 11 stitches but I only used 3 on a regular basis. I have one sewing machine that I bought second hand that has 8 stitches, I only use it for the stretch stitches and buttonholes.


The next time you are in the market for a new sewing machine, would you buy from a big box store or a independent dealer? My first choice would be to find a vintage machine.

The last new machine I bought from Amazon. I used it for a week and couldn't bond with it and sent it back and got another model. No hassle. I've been happy with it. A dealer would never do that The same machine at the dealer was a little more expensive and no returns, The dealer said she gives free classes for the machine. I didn't need classes for the model and she knew I didn't but still would not agree to a return if I didn't like it. I have mechanical and computerized machines. Each have their place. I have several vintage Singers that I rarely use. They sew fine but no features that I am use to.

I've had a Bernina 150QE since 2001 and it's never given me a problem. Last May I upgraded to a 770 QE because I wanted more features but I kept my old Bernina. I also have a mechanical Juki and a few old Singers that I love. I got my Juki on Amazon but it's the only one I bought from a big box store.
So to answer your question - I like both mechanical and bells and whistles!
I don't have a longarm because I really don't want one. If I need one I send a quilt to a longarmer, like a King size or something special.
I still have my first machine, a Kenmore that my parents bought me. I'll never part with it and it still works fine.

My Bernina dealer is fantastic about everything. I wouldn't buy from anywhere else.

I will never, ever buy a new computerized, plastic machine. I have one almost 30 yr old Bernina170 Artista that I love. Once it bites the dust I will be more than happy to continue my sewing on my GMs 1935 Kenmore, my 1951 featherweight and my treadle. I swear by my old mechanicals.

You ask interesting questions for I hope a good discussion.

My first thought is we shouldn't expect machines to last "forever". The more "bells and whistles", the more there is to go wrong. Could we still be driving the first car we owned on a regular basis? (I think MrOK might like his 67 Barracuda back, but not sure how it would have survived almost 50 years and four kids, three of which are boys!) True there are many dependable mechanical machines out there. Singer's Featherweight comes to mind, but it only sews a straight stitch. I have had a Bernina Virtuoso QE (a computerized machine) which I bought used close to 15 years ago. I haven't had problems with it. About 8 years ago I bought a basic Janome for my Grands to sew on. Well I really like how this little mechanical machine stitches and find I sew on it quite frequently. It has only 3 preset stitch lengths and widths and that is a big drawback to depend on it completely. When in comes time to replace the Bernina..say if the motherboard goes out, I will replace with another mechanical machine. I'm not sure where I would buy it. I like the security of buying a name brand machine from a dealer. I also have a serger which I never use and a used LongArm which I love as I would never get quilts finished without it!

Even though I have several decorative stitches on the Bernina, I seldom use them. I would rather piece quilts than use those decorative stitches. I challenge myself by making minature quilts. A person's machine preference depends on what they want to sew.

As for the future of quilting/sewing, there are fragments of the population that still sew clothes (I quit doing that long ago) and the internet has helped bring that community together just as it has for the quilting segment. There are people who appreciate handmade items; again the internet has helped those who don't craft find handmade items to purchase.

We are getting used to the "modern" and improvisational aspects of our craft; so what is next?

I have 1 computerized machine, a Elna Pro Quilter, which is at least 11 years old. I do have it serviced yearly and haven't had any real problems. I have around 26 machines, all except 2 are vintage, the 2 are from the 70's and 80's. I love all of my machines, but in general don't like computers. LOL

I do not buy from a dealership any more for a couple good reasons. 1. The dealership that was nearest me closed. Then next closest is close to 100 miles from me. 2. To even work with a dealership online I would not have the opportunity to touch and try. I need to be able to try out a machine. 3. The cost!. So I have gone to buying from big box stores if I need a new machine. Now I buy at garage sales or estate sales. If it needs service I will take it to be serviced. I have a number of good machines here that I can put into use everyday.

If you have access to a Mennonite or Amish community near you, that would be the place to go to find a sewing machine repair shop. They use the old mechanical machines and their repair shops still repair other machines, too. Ask if they would be able to repair your. Their prices are way better.

My main machine is a Husqvarna Viking Designer One that is 16 years old now. The dealer is 84 miles away. I have had it in a couple times in that 16 years for work. Well worth it to me. I have put a lot of miles on that machine and definitely do not consider it ( disposable) I also have a 1956 Singer 99K which sews the most beautiful, precise straight stitch. I love that little machine and use when I truely want as close to perfection as a human can achieve. And I have a Bernina that my uncle purchased for my aunt in 1994. I inherited it when she passed away. It is my backup machine and the one I get out when someone comes in wanting some sewing/ quilting classes.
my granddaughters have Brother machines that were bought at Walmart over 16 years ago. Those 2 machines may be plastic, big box purchases but they are good machines, have made lots of clothes, toys, purses, gifts and even a couple quilts. They have been repaired a couple times at the local sewing center. I don’t consider any of them -throw away machines-

I love all my machines, plastic, electronic, mechanical etc. They all have something that they do better than any of the others and that's why I have them. I don't really consider any of them to be throw away machines since they tend to last a long time even when being used under adverse conditions. I am hard on machines, sewing long hours and often pushing them to their limits in terms of fabrics, threads, etc. I have only broken one so far and it was probably a bit of a lemon to begin with, still, it sewed well for 7 years before the feed dog mechanism went. Then I used it for another couple of years as a backup quilter since it still did a great job at FMQ. I could have had the feed dog mechanism repaired, but it would have cost at about the same as buying a new one at $320, so that's what I did. I guess in that sense, the machine would have been considered to be a throw away by some, but I've known folks who have the high end non-throw away machines that also found repairs to be more costly than buying a new machine. So not sure at what point/price point a machine would be considered a throw away machine these days.

Rob

I love this question my Walmart brother is well over 8 years old, never been repaired, sew practically anything. I paid about 160 for it. Its plastic and I love it. I also have my high end brother which I love as well but don't get as much sewing time on it as my walmart brother. I dont consider any machines throw away plasticeor not machines Last as long as you care for them

I bought my Singer 401A in 1958. It still sews like a dream and I will never will let her go. I have bought two computer machines Brother from Walmart. The first I gave to my DD as she wanted one. The second has all the quilting feet and I have used it for several years and like it very much, If the Brother were to go out i would throw it out and buy another newer model at Walmart.

I bought a Brother XR3774 for around $100 2 years ago. It had a walking foot and a quilting foot and even if it only lasts me 5 or 6 years, I'd consider it worth it. Would a $1000+ sewing machine be easier to work with or last longer- yes, possibly, but I don't have $1000+ to drop on a sewing machine so it's a moot point.

Thank you. I always try to make people think about the sewing/quilting process. I feel it's just as important as the right sewing machine and it's offered features.

A person after my own heart. Although I decided recently that I am still keeping 1 plastic-y electronic assist sewing machine only for more fancier stitches (it offers 32) and it's one step Buttonhole feature. I still make clothes as well as quilt. The store bought clothing does not fit very well and it's thread and fabric are just plain awful. Sure to have a wardrobe malfunction out in public! I want quality just like I want in my quilts.
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When my old 1981 Kenmore died back in the mid-1990s, I thought I burned it out or something. Since then, I noticed a pattern forming. Not only I cannot get affordable service for any machine, they seem to have a lifespan of a certain amount of years (5-25 or so) before dying. So I adapted. I clean and fix as best as I can then just as you experienced, nothing personal at the Big Box Stores.

Interesting topic.I must confess I love sewing machines, loved them since childhood & I am now 80 years old.. I love vintage mechanicals, love inexpensive machines from big box stores & top of the line machines from dealers. I am fortunate to have some of each & use them all, depending on the project, my mood, my location. I take the lightweight plastic machines to Stitch Camp, always feel sad when the weekend is over & I have to pack it up. Recently I had right shoulder replacement surgery, am still in an immobilizing brace but I can sew pre cuts on my computerized machine that has a knee lift, auto threading, auto scissors, etc, I can't sew on my machines without those features for another 4 weeks.
We are fortunate to have so many choices. to my knowledge the only US made machines now are the large quilting machines, all of the regular machines are imported.

Like Maire, I love sewing machines too. From the small little hand held items to the very large expensive ones. My DH thought I was crazy one year for Christmas I wanted this very small plastic sewing machine. It was advertised as a child's machine or quick use machine. It holds a bobbin for the top thread - but it is cute and fun to play with and very loud.

I fell in love with the FW and ended up buying three! Gave two away when I realized machines work best if they are used periodically and my sister was doing a lot of sewing and only had one machine, and my niece too only had one machine. But I have the machine my mother taught me to sew on - a Singer 15-91 in a cabinet. That's my favorite. But I bought the Janome MC6600P because it has the bigger harp, and then I got the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 20 because embroidery looked so much fun and discovered with a friend that it is! I have my great-great Aunt May's 1925 Damascus treadle machine - it is so fun to use. (And I read the Amish still consider an item made by hand if it is sewn on a treadle. So I have made a couple hand made quilts and used my treadle to put on the binding.) And one day I was watching HSN and they had this portable little machine which they called a "Quilter's friend" since it was light weight and came with the table - it was perfect to take to quilt group meetings so I had to have it. Still take it from time to time when I need more than a straight stitch from my FW.

I stay away from thrift stores or antique stores because the machines want to follow me home. I really want to up grade but believe I need a real reason to do it since they are so expensive now.

When people getting into sewing ask me what to buy I suggest they buy the most machine they can afford. A really good machine makes sewing more enjoyable and if it has more bells and whistles you are more likely to continue to grow.

I have very expensive Bernina 880 upgraded to a plus with the embroidery module. My dealer is 1 hour away but their service department is fantastic! They have a program where they go through it thoroughly once a year then you get class tickets that equal the cost of it. They are pricey machines and many models are computerized but as far as I can tell are not “all plastic” on the inside. My 880 will last me for the rest of my life. I’ve already had it 5 years. We sell and service featherweights so they are also a favorite. I use them in the camper, at retreats and a monthly quilt group. I would never buy a machine without checking with others about the quality, responsiveness and attitude of their repair department. After using Vikings from a store for most of my sewing career, I switched to Bernina because the last Viking I bought wouldn’t wind a decent bobbin. It spent weeks in shop and then getting it back without solving the problem several times. The thing was a lemon and the store refused to stand behind it after all my years of patronage.

We must be twins, lol I also have a treadle and a hand crank machine, just in case we have to live without electricity and I love looking at them too. You would love a hand crank machine for your collection. I found mine years ago, can't remember where, fun for the grandchildren. I see you are in California, I'm a native Californian