needing a new sewing machine
 

A friend of mine is on need of a new machine. Se is new to sewing and is starting to put together some easy quilt projects. Any recommendations for a machine priced around $300?

Depends on what else she may be wanting to do? Is she planning on doing only straight line sewing - ie., piecing, FMQ? Is she planning on any home dec or garment sewing as well? Need/want zigzag or other decorative stitches? Personally, I think these are questions that should be asked/answered/discussed before deciding on a machine. Those variables could make a difference.

I have the Brother SQ9000 from Walmart. It was only $199 before taxes, and has 80 stitches, and bunches of attachments. I got mine in July of 2010 and it is still running great.

I have heard only good things about this sewing machine. It is certainly worth looking at.

My sister teachers beginning quilting lessons and has had several students buy this machine and bring it to class. She says it is a very good machine. In fact, she and 3 friends bought one as a wedding shower gift yesterday, and she was showing me the box today, showing me that it even came with a walking foot, and I think she said it came with a 1/4 inch foot also.

Dina

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000XD...oOL&ref=plSrch

This is $350 but it's the one I've been thinking about for a travel machine. It has a knee lift, thread cutter, needle up/down, lots of feet, the extension table is extra but only $57. There are tons of positive reviews for it.

She'll get the most bang for her buck in that price range by buying a used machine, wither from an individual or from a sewing machine dealer who has machines which were traded in.

I suggest she consider a machine that has at least an 8 or 9 inch throat (at minimum) so she doesn't get frustrated trying to manipulate a quilt when actually quilting it after piecing.

I always tell people to test drive the sewing machine just like you would a car.