I have a used machine, that I have tried to fix several times and it keeps breaking down. Time to get a new one, but an inexpensive one will have to do - any suggestions?

Hi Mary,
Check out the Janomes. They are nice machines and some are very reasonably priced.
lots2do

There are a couple of great Kenmores out there for under $200. My friend bought one this year and she is very happy with it.
This is the one she owns and it is on sale even!
They are made by the same company as Janome. I have a Kenmore and a Janome and am happy with both. The Kenmore is older and I have never had any repairs needed for it.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ame=Electronic

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome...VVviewprod.htm

This is an excellent machine for the price and I speak from experience. I bought my daughter one for her birthday this summer and fell in love with it myself!

Watch the sales - I got my Kenmore real cheap a couple years ago on a Christmas time sale.

My son has that Janome and he loves it.

I just got a new plain jane Babylock on sale for $188, at a small independent sewing shop. So far I be lovin it! :-)

I second the BabyLock. The "Natalie" is a good deal for around 175. at my LQS. They also have the BL9 which is a very basic BabyLock for only 99. I also have an older Kenmore and they are very good machines too. The good thing about the BabyLocks on special for that price is that they come with extra's from the LQS - like lessons, sometimes extra feet and upgrades within a year. Whatever you decide on let us know, we LOVE hearing about new machines!

I got a Brother XL3750 with a Quilting package not long ago, on sale at Target for $99. It's a great bargain for a very nice machine. The regular price was $139.

Is $399.00 too expensive?

If you know anything about Viking/Husqvarna, their Emeralds are on sale for $299.00 to $499.00.

I got the Emerald 118, AND, I love the machine! It is a good stitcher with a perfect 1/4 inch without changing the basic straight stitch settings. Needle stop down, variable speed slide control to help with those careful curve applique stitches, and a needle threader for unnecessary bonus.

My dog got it for me. He is older with doggie dementia and it upset me to hear him paceing back and forth upstairs while I was trying to work in the room downstairs. So, I got a small portable to use in the dining room. I know, isn't the dining room table a step backward? Yes, but the pup is much calmer now that he can find me and see what I am doing.

I like Kenmore and the older Singers, almost bought a Janome, but don't have a repair resource here for them.

Check out the Viking Emeralds if you have access to them in your area.