With you living in a big city go to the pawnshops and look and goodwill I've had some great finds there and they'll let you try them take univeral needles,thread and scraps to try with. Got a great dial-a-stitch that can sew through anything for $6.00

Look into the Janome's. Everyone that has one says they are great machines. Do some research and look on E-Bay, you can get a great deal.

Look into the Janome's. Everyone that has one says they are great machines. Do some research and look on E-Bay, you can get a great deal.

I always used Singer and one Sears machine. The machine from Sears I just sold with cabinet for $300.00. It sewed so very well. My Singers were also very good machines.

I would check out a reputable local dealer for a good used machine. Sometimes there can be trade-in value that will get you a new decent mid-priced machine. I bought two Pfaff's this way and been happy with my current machine that's 10yrs+.

Our Joann's is having a sale on all of their machines.May want to check with them.

I have a Kenmore that I bought pre 1996 - had it serviced once. Love it. I have a Singer in a cabinet from the '50s I bought for $20 that Billy on the Quilt Board serviced and I do most of my piecing on it. I have two Brother computerized machines, one of which is for Embroidery. The Brothersare both good machines but I prefer the older ones. Also, I just bought an old Kenmore from a friend for $20 - cleaned it up - runs smoooooth. Loaned it to a friend. She's very happy. I also have 3 old Singer treadles that I'm working on getting up & running.

I'd check Kijiji or Craig's list and get the best you can afford used. I have a Singer Featherweight and a Singer Rumina. I like that there is usually a Singer store pretty well in every city. It's easy to buy attachments for. I see though that everyone in my quilting class almost had a Viking.

I think this is a good time of year to get a good deal on a new machine. I have many machines but still love my Kenmore 26 stitch.

Be SURE to at least look at Pfaff machines. They are well built and I've never known anyone to trade a Pfaff for another machine brand.