New machine suggestions/advice?
 

I'm pretty new to this board, but am loving all that I'm learning from reading through the posts. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share. I have been sewing for 28 years, quilting for the last 10 or so. (For some reason, I'm not able to "enter" down to a new paragraph - sorry if this looks like a giant run on!) I was given a great Kenmore 17 years ago, which has served me very well. I've never had one problem with the machine, sews like a dream and can handle everything I've thrown at it. BUT - I'd like to upgrade! I'd like a machine that has better lighting than the one I currently own, and I'd also like a machine that I can adjust the needle position. As well, I'd like the addition of a quilters extension attachment. I don't need much more than a straight stitch & a zigzag - so a machine with a million stitch functions is wasted on me. I'd also like to stay under $400 - that's about all I can afford right now. Where I live, there is no local sewing shop that carries machines, but I've been looking on line. Costco, Walmart, etc. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the different brands, ones that I thought were good, I'm reading reviews saying the machines are actually not good after all. Any suggestions?

I have a Singer and a Janome that I both like. They aren't expensive machines, but the throats on them are about the same size. The next time I purchase one, I am going to base it on throat size.

Howdy and welcome, from TX! I'll let some of the more machine-knowledgeable members answer your question; I just wanted to welcome you, to the board. :)

Welcome from NE Ohio.

All I know about is what I have! I have a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 that I purchased new, when it was 50% off which made it under $400, about 6 years ago (maybe). This machine replaced a fairly expensive basic Brother, that was only about 6/10 years old, the Brother had been heavily used unfortunately, it needed repair. The Emerald has been a wonderful machine, used frequently, and has not caused me any problems. I also have 2 used Singers, and a used Necchi that work well (2 were free, one was $25), of course they don't have speed control, self threaders, and needle up/down, but for the price they are great. If I were looking at a new machine, I would first look at the Husqvarna's simply because my machine has done so well. Options I would want in a new machine, speed control, needle up/down, and a larger throat/harp (?) anyway, the area from the right of the needle to the side of the machine. I can quilt baby and lap quilts, but I have lots of trouble attempting to quilt anything larger; so I'm learning QAYG. I would have purchased a Janome...however the dealer I called lied over the phone to get me into the store...that didn't really work out too well for them. The Emerald was purchased at a Joanns.

http://www.allbrands.com/categories/67 with no local stores you could look here-great place

Hello and welcome. My sewing machine dealer in Houston has started selling used machines, with a decent warranty online. Maybe there's a dealer near you who does the same. BTW, you can never go wrong with a Janome. I love all mine :)

First off welcome to the board and I can't do the "enter" to a new paragraph, so yes it looks like rambling but that's ok. See how long my first sentence is? I've been looking also and under $400 is the way I'd like to keep it also. Just keep checking the reviews and go from there. Good luck!

Hancock Fabrics carries a Brother 9500 that is a good machine in your price range. In addition to being able to change the needle position it has variable speed, needle down, and built in monogram. Lots of stitches including stretch stitches. I love all my Brothers and this one looks very good.

Welcome to this wonderful board. You will love it here.
I only use two straight stitch machines, all I do. Good luck in your search.