New Kid In Town
 

Hello...
This is my first day here, first post. I'm coming to ask for your opinions and help in buying a new sewing machine. I have been a loyal Singer sewing machine for years, but I'm ready to move on to something better. Anyone have any recommendations? I need something that will sew through layers (quilt), but don't need frills. I don't prefer all the fancy electronics and would like to get something metal or at least heavy duty. It seems I just beat up the plastic machines (without meaning too). I'm thinking Janome, but want to see what other people think. Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you!

I still sew on my $99 Brother, but from what I have read here if I ever get another one I would look at the Janome..Of course I have been beating up the one I have for 8 years now, and it is still running great, so it won't be any time soon

You mentioned you want to stay away from a plastic machine :)

Then look for a vintage Singer. QB even has a separate message board for those of us with the "Vintage Obsession": http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...thusiasts-f22/

Most vintage Singer's sell for under $100 (more likely around $20 to $40) and you just can't beat them - they last a looooong time.

One of my oldest Singer machines in constant use was manufactured in 1919 ... and she just keeps running. :)

Shari

Hi and welcome to the board. I have two machines that I use. One is a Viking Lily which I've had for close to 20 years. It has more of the fancy stitches which I use for certain applications. My machine for quilting is a Juki TL2010 which I bought last year. It is only a straight stitch machine but it has a good amount of throat space which is nice when working with larger quilts. It also pieces beautifully. Good luck in finding your machine!

Hi, and thanks for your reply! I've had several of the $99 dollar version machines that worked well until they broke. The problem is, when they broke, the cost to fix them was more than what I paid for them. Of course my machine broke last night right in the middle of a project that is due the day after Thanksgiving so I need to get a machine fast. I just don't want to get another cheap machine and go through this again. I'm looking on line at the Janome TB12. It looks like a work horse and around $200. I don't have a lot of money to spend so I'm looking for advice from fellow sewers.

Awesome! Where would I find one to check out and/or purchase? Thanks for replying!

If you want something sturdy without bells and whistles stick with Singer, maybe an older version.

Can you still buy the older versions in stores, or do you have to get them online? p.s. Love the baby pic!

Hi, is your Juki plastic or metal? I don't mind a straigth stitch machine, that's all I use anyway. Thank you!

If you are asking about the vintage Singers, check out your local craig's list. Also feel free to ask at the link I posted to see what vintage Singer's people are using. I have, amoung my 'herd', models 66, 99, 201, 301, 401, etc., etc. Basically speaking you want a Singer built before 1970 - after the vintage they started adding plastic gears.

And if you ever need your shoes mended (LOL) I also have a Singer 29-4 (nicknamed "The Patcher") that will do the job very well. :)

Shari

HA! Good to know. Thanks! I'll keep you in mind for shoe patching too! I'll check out your recommendations...

I just got a Janome hd 1000...metal body, no frills, heavy duty. $299. I'm very happy with it. But, i also agree that the vintage machines can be great. Two weks ago i found a 1975 kenmore at the Habitat Restore for $35. It's a great machine.

Nice, where'd you get the Janome?

my juki straight stitch is a wonderful metal machine.

Thank you! I'll check it out. I need something fast...

Do you have a local 'sewing machine store' they should have some trade-ins....sounds like what you are looking for
look especially at the size of the throat....and ask what they service, and history of the machine you are buying.

I'll check around. The only sewing machine store around here is scary. I mean, the guy that runs it is right out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Creeps me out to go in there so I'll check somewhere else. Thank you!

All I can tell you is that the arm and body are made of die cast aluminum and that you have to keep it oiled, so I assume the bearings are metal. Many people on the board love their Janomes, but I've never used one. As far as vintage machines goes, some folks love the Singer 201. They are supposed to be workhorses. You might check your local craigslist to see what is available. Good luck!

i found a great singer at the thrift store for $24 and it's all metal

I've also had several of the cheaper plastic machines....decided to upgrade and found a used Janome 6600 from a dealer for a great price (can't live without the thread cutter or the needle threader)....best decision I've made concerning quilting!.....she will sew through anything without problems, including my finger (not one of my better moments).....there are so many threads here on buying machines....do a search and you will be surprised!....welcome to the board...you will love it here!...so many wonderful quilters and great advice.

I have three machines, oldest from 1950s is total metal, other two are plastic outside metal inside, only thing that counts. My Daughter has a Brother 1500, plastic body metal insides. All of these are straight stitch only. 9" throats.

Welcome to this wonderful board, lots of help here on everything.

Hi and thank you for your reply. I'm going to check around and see if I can find something metal. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond!

You've come to the right place for advice. I have two Janomes and love them both. I'm like you, don't want to pay for 89 stitches when all I want is a good straight stitch. I do prefer to work with a reliable dealer. Good Luck

The "old" Singers I have seen for sale here in my area her on the West coast run around $300.

If I was getting a new one, I'd get another Janome--I have 3. However, for quilting, piecing, etc. I use one of my vintage Singers. I have a 1951 model 15 (aka "the Beast") with a motor which sews through anything. I also have a 66, a 27 and a 128 treadle, which I love. DH laughs at me sometimes because he can't figure out why I have very expensive machines and he comes home to find me treadling away! Sometimes men just don't understand.