I own an expensive sewing machine and won't take it to retreats or classes because I know people will think I am a snob. I take my old machine with me. I am not a snob. I just like my good machine. My husband bought it for me and I love it, but I know there are the other kinds of snobs out there...the ones who look down on people who have expensive machines. They always had a "put down" about my machine...about wasting my money, etc., so I quit taking it. So remember, there are two kinds of snobs and I am reading about the second kind right here right now.

That is crazy. Before I got my Ruby I took my Kenmore to class. I was the only one there that didn't have a big machine (mostly Vikings) but no one cared. When we started doing some of the designs I was the only one who didn't have to stop and change needles because they were all having tons of issues..I kept on trucking along. I did the whole class which every block was a special technique. One block that had cutwork needle work would have been easier with the bigger machine but I learned how to do it the old fashioned way and that was great for me. It worked out great for the store as well because as shoppers came in and saw what we were doing and commented they didn't have a big machine the teacher and owner was proud to show them as long as your machine had fancy stitches like mine it would work. They showed off my blocks to let others know it doesn't matter what machine you have. This is the store where I bought my Viking Ruby and I still only take it when I'm doing embroidery classes where I have to have it. Just about every LQS that I've taken classes in there has been such a mix of machines and no one cared. I don't know if you have a sew n vac in your area but they have an embroidery club and welcome all machines. The store I go to and the others in my area do charge a yearly fee plus supplies but welcome all machines. They know we all get what we want or can afford and it's not up to anyone else to deside what we chose for what ever reason to learn on. I've read many times on here how those with Brother machines are happy with what they got and how their machine does what they need. It's not all shop owners who do this so maybe you can check around and hopefully find someone who isn't a snob. You could also check to find a sewing guild, not quilting because they offer help with all areas no matter what your machine or knowlege level. I get happy to learn when someone wants to learn to do more and never think about what machine they have. I hope you produce many great designs on your machine and don't worry about the snobs.

When I bought my Brother PE 770 online, I drove to Plano, TX, from Oklahoma and paid $75 to take a one day class to learn how to use it. There were only three of us in the class, but the teacher was very good and gave each of us a lot of personal attention. I even called her several days later when I ran into a problem! She also showed us some of the bigger machines and what they could do. I felt like my $75 was well spent.

You were a "lost" sale. That's what's with the attitude!! Shame on her! Now you'll never go there to buy another machine if you happen to need one!!

I hadn't thought about it - but jcrow is right about there being sort of a 'reverse snobbery'

It is probably envy (sour grapes) that is behind those types of comments.

If one can afford a very top of the line 'whatever' - use it and enjoy it!

If one can't afford a very top of the line 'whatever' - but can afford a 'whatever' that does most of what one wants/needs it to do - use what one has and enjoy that!

I can understand her wanting to charge for the classes but to be a snob about it is not good business practice. If she had treated you better I bet you would be more willing to make fabric purchases in her shop even if not purchase a machine.

I have a sewing machine, an embroidery machine and today I am expecting a new quilting machine to arrive via Fedex. ALL of my machines are BROTHER and so far I love them all.

Over 30 yrs. ago my sweet husband bought me my very first sewing machine and it was a Singer and I had it for over 20 years. Worked like a dream. There are MANY wonderful brands out there and they do not have to cost thousands of dollars to be a great machine!!

Enjoy your new one!

recently I went into a shop who sold berninias they were very nice to me untill they found out that I had a dressmaker made by necchi I which they told me that called the mess maker . they asked me if I was in the market for a new machine I said that if I was it would be an older singer because I dont like the new machines and then I walked out I wont be going back ther any time soon don!t we have a right to choose the machine we like best ( or can afford at the time)

The dealer where I purchased my combo machines from offers
FREE classes to anyone even if you did NOT buy your machine
from them.

They have 4 (maybe 5) locations in Colorado, so if you happen
to be in or near the areas of Arvada, Aurora, Colorado Springs,
or Littleton (maybe Westminster not sure) call Rocky Mountain
Sewing & Vacuum ask about the FREE machine classes.

I frequent the Littleton store because that is closest to me, and I
LOVE the people who work there, they are polite, willing to assist
you IF you want/need it or will let you wander around on your own
looking if that is what you choose to do.

A++++ marks for RMSV.

Gratz in Minneapolis sells Janome machines - and maybe another line - but they have been very nice when I've brought in my little middle-aged 'ordinary' machines - the only comment was when they laughed when I brought in three Singer 237s at one time.

This is about an hour drive away - and well worth it!

One person in one of the stores that sold Pfaffs was VERY PUSHY! And that was ten years ago and I haven't been back since.

It takes a LOT to undo that sort of damage.

:D I cannot believe this thread has been chugglng along for six months. I posted an opinion in January and have thought about it off and on. I believe the problem comes down to basic manners. Courtesy requires a respect and concern for others which is fading in our culture. When people are judged by their material possessions they are in effect reduced to objects. This judgmental attitude can be found across the spectrum of society.

I have received this initially painful treatment a few times during my years but now, after recovering from the surprise of such rudeness, I discover I don't give a rat's patootie what snottiness/snobbery/snootiness is directed my way. It only reflects the person's poor manners no matter what their economic status.
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Wouldn't it be fun to put wheels on our treadle machines and trundle them into class?
What chutzpah to bring a bundle of carefully deconstructed shirts a la Bonnie Hunter instead of new material.
How about showing up with thimble, needle, thread, pincushion, scissors and some pasteboard for patterns and no machine at all?

I completely agree! I have two Bernina's, and although neither is new or top-of-the-line, I've felt guilty for having them! The first I bought with an inheritance after my dad passed; that was over 15 years ago and I still LOVE it. It's been knocked onto a concrete floor (by a cat!) and absolutely no damage done. It was the only "splurge" I made for myself with the money I received.

The problem is that the machine is fairly heavy, so not easy to take to classes/retreats/sew-in's. So a few years ago, I started looking for a smaller, lighter machine. After a bit of research, I bought a Janome Gem Gold. Hated it as it's not computerized - can't adjust stitch length to what I would like. So I sold it and bought a Janome Jem Platinum. Although I liked it, I still wasn't happy - so finally found a used Bernina Activa, which I like almost as well as my original 153QE.

I doubt I'll ever buy another machine. Yes, I spent more than many folks can/do. But we don't go out much, no smoking, drinking, etc. We all have to decide what how much discretionary money we have, and what we will do with it. I know people who think nothing of eating out three times a week, going to the mall for a new outfit or shoes on a regular basis, or buying a carton of cigarettes every week. To me, that's just wasted money - enjoyed for a small amount of time and gone. The health risks associated with smoking are a whole other subject...

I think the attitude in most people boils down to one of 3 main factors - #1- jealousy over something they cannot afford/cannot justify buying for themselves, #2 - worries that they've overspent on their own machine, and lastly for this woman in particular #3 - they want to sell you something.

I don't let snobs bother me. I'm snobby about some things myself (like I'd never wear my pajamas to the grocery store like so many people do!) so I know my snobbery is about ME, not anybody else. Snobbery is a reflection of the snob's values and issues - not yours!

I love my Brother SE350 sewing and embroidery machine. I bought it thru Wal Mart and it is really a nice machine. I think you should use what you like I have heard a lot of people say they have problems with their expensive machines. I also have a White Quilting machine I think I bought at Joanne's which I love and I also have a Singer/Singer/Sewing that does heavyweight jeans great. I think if someone has the $$ and wants to have the big name like clothes they should have it but it's not to say other machines are not as good. Happy sewing/quilting/embroidery. Sue

I bought mine on the internet. I have Singers and most dealers put them down. Everything I learned i pretty much taught myself. It isn't that hard. Keep manual hand and use the internet. It is a wealth of information.
Snownannie

I think its funny that its ok to sell your old machine on ebay so you can buy a new one from them but they don't like you buying a machine on ebay. My dealer was great when I got my used designer 1 machine. She gave me the lessons for free as long as I supported the store. Worked out for both of us. I have bought a SE and a Diamond since from her.

Shops are like people -- some good, some not so good. Making you feel uncomfortable is never acceptable in any setting. By the attitude the instructor displayed she has now lost you as a customer. I too have a Brother. I'm one of many who have economical machines and find that they get the job done --- like on the freeway, the BMV and the Honda all travel the same roads! Have fun with your quilting -- and enjoy your machine.

My goodness! This thread has been going for quite awhile, hasn't it? I have a Viking (actually 2...a Lily and a Rose). No, they are not top of the line at this point in time. Before that I had a Singer which had an unfortuate accident a very long time ago. As for why I do not have another Singer....to get to a store to purchase/service a Singer would take me at least 45 minutes. The LQS I go to sells Vikings...I can get there in 20 minutes.

I take my Lily to classes at the LQS all the time. None of the other 'students' are ever critical of my lower end machine. And, I do enjoy seeing the capabilities of their higher end machines. For one thing....a BOM class I am doing currently uses the decorative stitches on our machines. They have so many more options to choose from and I am quite envious! The LQS ladies know that one of these days, I will trade up...no pressure ever during a class.

Regarding classes: I do know that they offer classes to people who purchase the high end Vikings from their store to help them learn to use their machines. If you want to take one of those 'operator' classes and you did not purchase your machine from the store, then there is a fee. I see no problem with that, whatsoever. I know there are circumstances where one comes across a machine that is simply to good of a deal to pass up. However, I would always be cautious, if purchasing from ebay or craig's list.

Now, I will also say...I have had the opportunity to help some beginning 4Hers who have had relatively inexpensive machines. First, I agree...no parent is going to buy a higher end machine for an 8 year old who 'thinks' she wants to learn to sew. LOL But, I wish all the sewing machine manufacturers would put speed control and stop in needle down position on all their machines! Those 2 things would make helping these little gals so much easier! That is the only thing that has bothered me about their machines.