Which Machine to choose (grad prezzie)??
 

I have a daughter who wants to start sewing and has asked for a sewing machine as a present for her graduation (Bachelor's degree, she's 23).

I am thinking something dependable and versatile around $1000 or less. I am a fan of Bernina's but there are no older used ones in my area just now. I have an Artista 170 and love it!

I am thinking a Janome?
https://www.amazon.ca/Janome-3160QDC...st_sto_dp&th=1


Advice, opinions, user reviews welcomed.

Love my Janome 6600 Professional

I got a new Bernina under $1000 but it was on sale. It was a little "red machine" (215) I think is the number. It is a basic machine that has needle up/down two speeds, 11 stitches and the ability to adjust the stitches. I actually got it because it is smaller machine and light enough to take to classes. I think it would make a good beginner machine and also be sturdy enough to last for quite a while and later serve as a travel machine. Check it out. It is not a bernette....it is a real Bernina. It also came the little table that attaches to the free arm
oh...and the sales person told me it had a better motor than the Janome's they also sell in that price range.

I would recommend looking at what brands are available where she will be living so she can get service. Then maybe visiting the shops there so she can try them herself.

Sewing machines are very personal. Just like cars and brands of jeans. Some you hit it off with, others are frustrating, and everyone is different. Let her try several and see which "feel" more intuitive to operate. The more approachable/intuitive one's first machine is, the more likely you are to stick with the hobby.

The Bernina 335 is right at $1000 and is a great little machine. I wish you could find a used Bernina.

After I posted about the 215, I went to the website for Bernina and saw the 335, It does look like a neat machine that does a bit more than the 215. It looks interesting.

JANOME IS A GREAT CHOICE. I have a "family" of them. I bought the 3160 for class Machine. Great machine for the money.
If your daughter is just learning, you may want to arrange for basic sewing classes...if you are not close by. The 3160 is easy to transport and travel with. If you are thinking about buying from Amazon, contact a dealer Close to your daughter and see if they will match the Amazon price for you. That way she would have a place to go and get free instruction on her machine.. Best regards.

Thankyou all for the insights. I do not think there is a single dealer in her area, of any brand, but I have a great machine tech where I live so in a pinch we can have any servicing done here (he sometimes has good used machines in but not right now). There is a nice quilt shop near her that offers sewing classes (on Berninas!), so she plans to connect with them and take a few of their courses.

Still ruminating!

You might also check out the Eversewn line.

I have no personal experience with them, but I've heard good things and they are comparatively inexpensive.

My "newest" machine was purchased in 1984 or 1985 - and I'm it's second owner, so I have little information about new models of machines.

I am also considering the Janome HD1000, if anyone can give a personal review on life with that model!

Amazon has the Janome HD 1000 priced at $ 329.00! If I didn't already have my beloved Pfaff it might be worth it!

I have a Janome Gem, lightweight for classes and a Janome Horizon which I'm very happy with after having many Berninas. I couldn't see if the model you're looking at had the needle down feature. I like that and use it a lot. And Congratulations !

I have the Janome 3160 and love it. Great machine for piecing. Light weight. Versatile. I bought it to have a machine to travel with but end up using it as much as my designer machine..

I'm another who feels compelled to encourage you to keep searching for a used Bernina i.e. 730, 830, 930 series.. All of the bernina sewing machines from that era are solid workhorses that are simple, solid, mechanical machines that stitch exceptionally well and are easy to use/maintain. I have a Nova 900, a 930 and a newer computerized 770QEE and am most often found sewing on the 900 and 930 (or my Juki straight stitch machine). They are simple, solid, excellent machines. FYI - I found the Nova 900 two months ago on Craigslist for $225. Any of these machines are likely to outlive all of us if cleaned and oiled regularly. Good luck with whatever you decide is the best for you!

Well, no used Berninas around right now, so I sat down with the local Janome dealer and we decided on the Janome 625e
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was a good entry level price, a nice suite of features to get her started, and I will report back on how it goes with our sewing newbee!

Thanks to everyone for the help and advice!