SO I broke out my machine over the weekend and it doesn't work. :( I had purchased a couple of small kits from Joann's and was anxious to give it a whirl,but no dice. So, I'm in the market for a new machine.

I've read that the Janome's were good machines. Does anyone have an opinion on them? I'm looking to spend no more than $300 on a machine. I had found one a few days ago, but can't remember the model #.

Anyway, I was hoping to get some recommendations on machines in that price range. Anyone have any suggestions? It doesn't have to be a Janome, just something that is good quality and will last. I'm completely clueless on sewing machine brands. :o

I did lots of research and I would highly recommend http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Reviews for sewing machine reviews. They list the good, the great, the bad and of course the ugly. I have an Elna 2600 through a dealer you can buy it between $250 and $500 depending on the day and the sale. I love this little machine. It would and has worked it's self nearly to death (death wouldn't be even on the horizon if UPS hadn't dropped my poor machine). And even with all that I can still convince it to work for me.

Any sewing machine you think you might be interested in you can plug into that website they are listed by Brand and then by date, so you do have to sort through the list, but they also so a price paid, so you'll know if you're in the proper price range.

Don't forget to think about what you need and what in a sewing machine. Do you want to be able to use your old sewing machine feet for instance? Perhaps you would prefer electronic over mechincal? Are a lot of stitches important or do you prefer to have length and width control?

I have a Janome and love it, it is a workhorse and have had it for 10 years with no problems.
I would like to get a new one that has a longer arm but haven't found one yet. So the Janome is highly recommended by me anyway.

I have 2 newhome /Janome mx3123 and we bought our daughter one also.
Am very satisfied with the machine, it has 23 decreative stitches.

I have a Kenmore made by Janome - Sears 19-900-and pleased with it. 50 stitches, heirloom , embroidery, and quilting capabilities. It's quiet, easy to operate, has nifty features like needle up/down positions, and stitching in place. I got a great price for it on sale, but I think the usual cost is just below $300.

Ruth Camp did a lot of research a couple months back - look at her threads about what people like and dislike about their machines. I think you'll find them useful.

Like Elizabeth said, you can find Elna's in that price range that are very good, not top of the line, but they should last you. I would stay away from the Singers though, personal opinion and that of many people I think you will find. They are not like they used to be.

Count me in for the Janome I have the Qilters Companion and love it .Wilma

Janome is my first choice, I have three of them and they are trouble free. Marge

They are all good machines.......at least if you get a good machine. The only Machine available localy for me {within 10 miles] was a Kenmore. The majority agreeded its good to have the dealer close by. I spent about 250 with tax and the feet I wanted.

I have two other Kenmores and old singers all thrift store finds......I thought about it and I like Kenmore

I would tell you go with the brand YOU know and like....good luck :D

Be aware that Singer , Husquvarna Viking and Pfaff are all owned by the same company. Also Elna is owned by Janome. Some of the intro level Bernina machines are made by Brother so watch out for sales in any of those and you can probably get a pretty good deal. Kenmore contracts out for their machines and puts a different plastic cover on the whoever gives them the best contract. That can change from year to year. Good luck on your quest.

~~Jennifer