economical basic machine?
 

ok folks- i have a question for ya'll. i started off quilting on a $100 singer- basic machine. i do patchwork- so mostly just straight lines, although i have done some free motion quilting. i think i have about worn this machine out- would like to upgrade some- but can really only afford about $150-$200. is it possible to get a decent machine to quilt with in this price range- or am i nuts??!! don't need bells & whistles- just a reliable machine that will do a little better than this one. your input will be greatly appreciated!!! (i do make quilts of all sizes).

Brother makes good cheap machines. Just bought a lightweight one for classes for $80.
My first quilting machine is a Brother that cost $129, it came with a walking foot and table.
I still have that machine for backup when my computerized Viking is getting a checkup.

I came across a 1946 Singer 15. It cost me $60 to get it up and running. I Have 3 other machines but this is my "go to" machine. I love my 15 for piecing and FM quilting.

Yes, there is a Brother quilting machine at Walmart that works awesome and is priced right at the $200 range. I bought it and have been sewing for hours a day on it since last Christmas with no problems. Keep it clean and change the needle and the machine will work like a dog for you. I was in the same situation and needed a machine right now and that is what I did and I am not sorry. Has lots of beautiful decorative stitches, monogram ABC's, and lots of extras that will get you going for quite some time.

Are there any dealers in your area? If so, I would look at a trade in. Usually you can get a great machine at a decent price with a warranty and sometimes lessons.

No need to buy a cheap, big box store machine when you can get a Singer 301 for that price. And it won't die on you.

I am a die-hard fan of the older machines. Besides my embroidery machine (which is not working), all my other machines range from 1902 to 1978, and they all still work, even the treadles. I heartily recommend these older machines; the price is right, they are built to last for generations, they are easy to clean/service, and I just like to look of them. It would be nearly impossible to wear them out.

I have my trusty Singer 401A and the Brother that Wal Mart sells and I have been using the Brother for over a year in June and love it. It does everything even good free motion. If it goes out on me now I have more than got my money's worth out of it. For now it is running like a dream. I love the walking foot that comes with it also. I only payed $170.00 for mine.

Check with local sewing machine dealers and repair shops. The dealers have trade ins and sometimes people don't come back for a machine they are having repaired. I bought 2 used Pfaffs for $200 and $400 from a Bernina dealer who used to sell Pfaffs. I got a year warranty and a free cleaning at the end of the year. The $400 one was barely used. It may take a little time on your part to check around but it could be worth it. And there is always yard sales, estate sales and CL.

janome also has a little sewing machine. i have one that i take to classes
and it is a really nice sewing machine. just simple.