New Sewing Machine Purchase
 

I am planning on buying a brand new sewing machine. Primarily, I quilt and make assorted craft items like burp cloths, bags/diaper bags, etc. Lots of assorted crafts but not much sewing of clothing items so far but I would like to start making simple clothing items like tank tops, skirts, re-purposed clothes, etc.

I have been sewing for 32 years on a $99 JC Penney sewing machine my Mom bought for me for my 25th birthday. It has been a good and faithful machine and I have made hundreds of quilts on this machine that range in size from baby crib to king sized. I hate to admit that I am a bit emotional over the reality that this machine has probably sewn its' last quilt.

I also have a Janome Decor Excel II 5024 sewing machine that I purchased two years ago from our local schools' surplus auction. It was the teachers' model. Honestly, I have not been able to figure out how to use this machine properly but it seems clunky and awkward so far. Maybe some one can tell me why or how to figure out what I'm doing wrong with this machine.

I have a price range of $800 to $1,200 to spend on a new machine and would greatly appreciate input as to which brands and models quilters here who have much more experience with various machine would be willing to share. I believe I would prefer electronic over mechanical and would really like a larger variety of stitches but beyond that, I'm fairly clueless as to what I should look for.

My requests comes from searching for reviews on a Singer 8500Q that is on sale at Joann's. My heart says to buy a Bernina and lots of reviews say Brother makes great machines. It's all mind-boggling for sure but I need to make a decision and purchase very soon.

Thanks to all of you in advance for any and all input.
Cindy

I have Brother machines and love them both. If a smallish throat space doesn't bother you, Brother has many to offer with lots of stitches.

I'd say see what you can test drive. Go to some stores. Go to your friends. The more you touch the better informed you will be.

I just bought the Babylock Crescendo (same as Brother Dreamweaver). This is my first Babylock and I am very impressed. I know my machine is above your price point, but I think all their products rank high in the ratings. So for the money...go to a good Brother or Babylock dealer and try some. If you go to dealers....they all very in prices so don't be shy about looking around.

There are some new brothers/babylocks coming out in october that look amazing. I would check those out when they arrive, they have a new type of feed dog that looks great for quilting and garment sewing. They are the new midrange line, lots of different models with high end feature but are supposed to be midrange prices. That would be my choice for your budget

Step away from the Singer. Friends don't let friends buy modern Singer machines.

I would definitely not buy a Singer as they are no longer a good machine. I don't think you would get the support and service from Joann's that you would get from an authorized dealer of some other name brand. Take your time and do your research. Price isn't the be all and end all of a machine purchase, especially if you are going from mechanical to computer.

I love my Bernina's others love Vikings or Janome as you have discovered with the school model support is key. Ask around for dealers who offer good support then try out their machines. A used machine from a reputable dealer could be an option for a better machine with more features.

You can get a Bernina 330 for $850 to $900. Solid machine, but not a lot of bells and whistles. The Bernina 350 is around $1300, but comes with a walking foot, free-hand system, more stitches and a couple extra quilting feet. If you could find an older used Bernina they're great, but may not have the blanket stitch for applique.

Good Luck with your search!

Listen to Mitch's mom... don't do it. Go test drive and buy yourself a nice machine.

Too many bad reviews on Singer I agree. I had a Kenmore for 30 years and wanted a few more features, like feed dogs down and more decorative stiches. I also only use my machine for crafts and quilting. I' have made some small clothing for children. I went with a Janome. I couldn't afford the larger throat, so I went with the best I could afford. I also found out that it was the same as my old Kenmore, but more digitized and updated. Very pleased with it for I'm not looking to make show quilts.