Need a "class" machine that actually works!
 

I have 2 lightweight Singers--one my Mom's Inspiration that was pretty cheap and the feed dogs just chew the fabric, the stitch is so loose I can pull the thread out with my fingers cause the bobbin sits so "rough" and it sounds like it's going to "clatter" into parts any minute. So, I bought a more expensive, lightweight Singer last summer from Tues Morning--a H74, that is no longer made but was new and seemed like a good deal --has needle up/down, lock stitch, several different stitches, etc. But it has issues too! It also chews the fabric when you use the 1/4" foot (okay with the general foot and a 5/8" seam), and again, the stitch is not tight and neat--it practically falls out of the fabric unless the tension is tightened down almost all the way. I've taken the Inspiration apart and cleaned/oiled and got it running again when it totally shot craps. I haven't pulled the H74 apart but plan to tonight. My daughter has the same machine and doesn't have the same issues--so I'll probably take this one to repairman??? Guess what I'd like input on is whether it's even worth the effort to get these repaired or if these newer,lightweight machines are just trash. And if so, other than a Featherweight, what others are using for their "travel" machine? I go to classes about 10 times a year and a couple of retreats and would like to be able to get my machine in and out of the car without problems. Thanks

I got a brother from Walmart 8 yrs ago for $80 and I love it! Up until last year it was my only machine. I would look for a cheap Brother I think they are always made well

I would not repair a machine like that; not worth the money. I would also never buy a non-vintage Singer.

Walmart has some nice Brother machines that are light in weight and relatively inexpensive. One good thing about buying a machine there is that you can try it out and make sure you like it; as long as you have the receipt and are within time (30 days? not sure), they are good about taking machine returns.

A lot of people like the Janome Jem, which weighs about the same as a Singer featherweight. There are different machines within that line, depending mostly on number of decorative stitches. There are other lightweight Janome machines that are inexpensive also. Check Amazon for "janome jem" to see the possibilities. Weight is always listed in the specs on Amazon; as long as you keep it around 12 lbs it will be similar to a featherweight. You can also read all the user comments about specific machines to get a better idea of what they are like. Amazon is very good about returns too, as long as you are within the time period. If you simply don't like the machine, you need to pay return shipping; otherwise return shipping is free if there is something wrong with the machine.

Overstock sometimes has refurbished Janomes and Brothers too.

I love my little Baby Lock Audrey--it is there smallest, portable, but has all the features plus about 15 decorative stitches. Great for piecing, and quilting up to a baby size quilt--too small for quilting anything larger. Weighs only about 11 pounds I think--have had it for over 3 years and no problems. Also has a short-shank walking foot to buy separately.

Take a look at the Brother CS6000i. I know a lot of people look down on machines you can get at Walmart, but this is a really nice machine with a lot of features for the price. I've been using mine for about 6 years and had no problems. It is pretty lightweight and I've taken it with me on trips. You can do a search here on the QB, some other members also have had good luck with this machine. Also look online for other reviews. For low cost and lightweight, I think this one is a winner. The throat is small so quilting any big projects is difficult, but for piecing or quilting small items it works great. Below is a link to it on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featur...rother+cs6000i

Sears has very inexpensive plain Kenmore sewing machines with walking feet available and they are made by Janome. They also run sales all the time.

I really like my vintage Singer 301. It is slightly heavier than a FW, but very easy for me to manage carrying.

I definitely would not spend money on a repair person for those machines you have.

Hancock Fabrics (if you have one near you) sells a nice Brother machine. They are on sale frequently and if you decide you don't like it or something goes wrong with it, you can return it with your original receipt without any problem. Keep the box to return it in.

That's what I have! The Brother CS6000! Mine is the older version without the i but I love it.

I don't think Sears sells Kenmore sewing machines any more.

I second this! I have one of these too and it's a decent machine. Very lightweight and so far totally reliable (I've had mine about 2 years) and easy to use. I had a 5 year old sewing on it just last weekend! I made and quilted a twin-size quilt on it. Handy and capable little machine. :)

Another vote here from cheap brother for walmart, mine was 180 and it goes to classes and is also my travel machine. The SQ-9050 if they still sell it. Love mine.

I have a janome Jem 720 and I love it. It only weights 12 lbs

I purchased a Brother machine a few months ago, light weight and sews really great! Got it from Costco.

If you can think of it as an investment and something you will really use a lot, then you have more options. Most every good brand has a lightweight machine. They differ a lot. So, check you budget, your needs vs. your wants, and plan on some way to make going the rounds fun. If you are open to gently used or reconditioned name brands then you might have a few more options. Remember to negotiate.

Some of our LQS's have bulletin boards where used machines are posted for sale. Obviously these aren't the LQS's that sell machines.

Right now I have 3 Brothers. One is the 4" sewing and embroidery, one is the quilting and sewing - which has a larger throat (not huge, around 6 or 7 ") was $189 about 6 months ago when I bought it, and one not quite bottom of the line mechanical that I got for about$75.

The mechanical is kept in NJ for when I visit. It's noisy, but works very well.

I love them all. The user manuals are GREAT, detailed, lots of illustrations and easy to understand. The machines do the job and are relatively lightweight for when I want to take them to guild.

The fact that they're easy on the wallet is a big plus to me.

I also acquired a Singer from Wall Mart about 5 yrs. ago. Great machine does all I need for under $80 . But my LOVE is my 221.

I have one, too, and can recommend it. (Brother CS6000i)

I had a Singer machine about 20 years ago that I bought about 25 years ago at a Sewing Mahince Store that sold Singe machines. It was $600 which was alot of money for a sewing machine back then. I used it a couple years and then had tension issues with it. I did not get it fixed. I bought a different brand machine and have never considered a Singer again. I have two friends who bought Singer machines from JoAnns and both of them have tension issues with their machines. I would not spend the money on taking your machine to a repairman. Put that money towards a different machine instead. If you are on a strict budget, you could contact your local sewing machine dealers and let them know you are looking for a used machine, or look on ebay or Craig's list. I sold a Bernina machine on Craig's list once, very economical once, as I was having financial hardship at the time. So that may be a way to find a good machine that is not out of our price range.

Several years ago my husband bought a refurbished Brother SE270D for me from Overstock. That little machine was quite a workhorse, I used it daily until I found a used Brother 1500, which is also a workhorse. Only reason I switched was because I needed more harp space. The little Brother still works great, it's now my backup machine.

I also have a Brother that I take to class. GREAT MACHINE....I have the Simplicity model but its really the same as the CS 6000i..It's so lightweight (actually lighter than my Featherweight) and the little sewing table that is included is so great. I think it would be a great choice. I checked out Janome and Viking but this little machine has more features for the price.

Janome 3128. Hancocks has them on sale for less then $100.00 several times a year. I've had one thats taken lots of abuse. Almoswt as good as my FW.

I bought a used Bernina 1260 to take to classes and workshops. I have a Janome Jem that I take as back up. I never go away from home to sew without a backup machine.

thank you all! Looks like my super nice Elna Quilt Pro Queen will go to class this Saturday--along with the Singer H74--the Singer to have a friend that works at JoAnne's with the machines to take a look at and give me an opinion. I definitely will not be spending a dime on the cheaper Singer that was my Mom's (the Singer Inspiration)--it will be donated to the local thrift shop. At Christmas I gave my cheapie, WalMart $90 Brother to my DIL to learn on--I really liked it when I first got it, but after about 4 years it was not meeting my needs of dealing with more complex blocks. Think I will wait and see what the friend that knows Singer's has to say about the H74--it was a nice machine in the $300 range and if she says it's not worth messing with, I'll take it to my local shop that sells lots of different brands and see what they have I might trade up to. I do like the features of the H74, including the table that comes with it. Will keep you posted! Thanks again (and despite both machines be a problem yesterday, I did manage to get my Twisted T's block of 185 pieces for a 12 1/2" block finished last night--on the Elna!)

I once bought the brother CS6000i from Walmart....but because I "read" not so favorable reports on it, returned if, purchased a "higher end" brand....wished I would have kept that Brother!!!!!!!!! This one, believe it or not, has the same footprint, but costs more. I am beginning to think all are put together the same, then different names slapped on the front!

Manufacturers make "special" machines for high end sellers such as Walmart, and on-line retailers such as QVC. The seller tells them what they want and the manufacturer makes it for them. They can be a really good machine or a piece of junk. It's a gamble. I use Pfaff or Babylock machines and I really love the Babylock for general sewing but it doesn't like to quilt. The Pfaff doesn't mind quilting and is a good general all over machine as well. I learned a long time ago not to buy the cheapest machine. I've worn our several of them and been aggravated to death by several more.

Singer featherweights and/or 301 are the best for class work if you don't need to zig zag and are only piecing. I have quite a collection of them and DH fell in love with working on them after reading the posts in the vintage section of this site. They sew as nice or nicer than the fancy Bernina 880 I just purchased. But I love it too. Just don't want to lug the big thing around. I can hardly lift it.

LOVE LOVE LOVE mine also'

My goodness, you are so lucky to attend 10 classes a year. I get to take about three, but I love taking my Janome 3160 to class. Is 11 lbs. and has the thread cutter feature, which is great of piecing,....that is all I do in these classes is piecing, so it moves along quickly with the cutter feature. It has a lot of other features as well, check that one out.
If you don't want the cutter, then opt for the Janome Jem. Janomes have a metal frame so it will stand up to a lot of use. Check dealers for a used 3160 is the price of a new one is too high.

I forgot to suggest not getting a machine at WalMart. They have new return policies, and they will not repair anything that goes wrong with the machine. Then you are stuck with the shipping costs back to Brother, Singer etc.
Also many of the Brothers do not have a metal base and do not stand up to quilting. I too, would only purchase a feather weight Singer. But since you will be piecing and may like the thread cutter and start button, up down feature, then check out the Janome 3160. Many dealers will put you on a wait list for a used 3160. Brubakerssewing.com does this. Also dealers discount their machines that they take to shows..

Janome 3160 or 4120 Definitely worth every penny. Good Luck

Vintage Singer Featherweights or Singer 301's are super machines for straight stitching. You could find a featherweight for around $200 to $300, or a 301 (or 301-a, they are the same), for around $75 to $150. Shipping is never good for a machine, but these two machines can be shipped, and are readily available on that auction site. Also, they are fairly common finds at estate sales. Have you tried Craigslist? You can maintain them yourself, but if you don't want to, you can have them serviced at any sewing machine shop for minimum charges. Vintage machines are the only way to go, IMHO. The newer machines are just too "flimsy" for me!

I have a Brother XL2600i. I bought it from Penny's. It weighs 11lbs, sews a very nice seam. I really like this machine.

I also have a Singer 301 (known as the Featherweights big sister) and love it. It lives in a bentwood case when I am not using it.

Until recently I would have said Janome (my last one was love at first stitch) BUT I have since converted to Pfaff because of their IDT ('built-in' walking foot). I recently bought the new Pfaff Passport specifically for class - in fact I keep mine there!

I have a BAbylock Audrey for classes and retreats...it's great.

I use my Featherweight, or my 301A. Great machines!
Perhaps a small Pfaff, or a Janome. Do you have a local SM shop you can go look-?

I have the inexpensive Brother from Walmart also, and I have the high-end Brother quilting machine. Both are fabulous. The biggest difference in them is the high-end one will sew sideways, thread the needle, and cut the thread for me, sew an alphabet, and lots more stitches that I seldom use. It also runs a lot smoother than the less expensive one, but I would not give up the less expensive one for anything, I just put it on two mouse pads to keep the vibration down. It has made two cross country trips under a Greyhound bus, and still works like a champ. Keep them clean and oiled is all I do, and have never had to send mine in for repairs. I have used my inexpensive one almost daily, for 11 years now and it still works like new.

I have a featherweight and I love it for taking to classes and there is not much to go wrong with them. The newer machines are nice, however they are made with plastic parts that will wear out lots faster than the older vintage machines... What ever works best for you is best. I also have a Janome and it is about 20 years old and no longer works.. My featherweight and 301 are all older and still little workhorses.