How about checking out thrift stores and yard sales, even auctions. I've bought 5 of mine from the above, the most I've paid was $20 for one of them.

How about checking out thrift stores and yard sales, even auctions. I've bought 5 of mine from the above, the most I've paid was $20 for one of them.

Sears Kenmore machines are reliable and come in a fairly broad price range.

Kenmore Drop In Bobbin Sewing Machine 90 Stitch Functions, Built-in 1-Step Buttonhole
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1

Awkward name for a nice old school machine. Many reviews on the Sears site if you'd like to read them. The current low price is $141.99. At other times, the price is higher but the sales do cycle. Miss the low price now and it will have another low again later.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm

It's long long thread- just go to the end, or use the search feature. It's where all the knowledgeable vintage folks hang out.

Good luck.

I love the Brother machines. I buy lower priced machines at WalMart, K-Mart, Sears etc. My last Brother was model #VX-1435 and it has lasted me a long, long time! I've learned the best way to help your machine last is oil it VERY frequently! If I'm sewing all day, I'll probably oil it twice that day, once before I start and once a few hours later. If I don't the machines tend to jam up with birds nests under my fabric then I'll have tension problems, then they are done in. I'm getting a Brother CS6000i for x-mas this year because it has some quilting features I want and has great reviews on Amazon and Walmart sites. Looks good!

I totally agree to get a vintage!! Fabulous and not expensive. Be sure to keep us posted!

I agree with the Brother Project Runway. I have one and it's a wonderful machine. It was easy to learn to work. I sew both quilts and garments with it. My husband learned to sew with it and we both haul it to classes. I paid around $125.00 for it and it has a good warranty.

I have a Singer 301a, which I bought from a local repairman, for $75. I love it. It is all metal, but just a little heavier than a Featherweight. Also, have a Featherweight, but don't really care for it as much as my 301a. Check shop goodwill.com, you might find a good vintage machine for not much money and then read Billy's vintage machine thread and you will be able to take it apart, clean it and put it back together and you will have a very loyal companion. Good luck finding your "New Best Friend"!

I teach quilting in my county and have recommended the Brother 5000 project runway machine to about 25 of my students. They all love it. Right now you can get one for just a few dollars over $100 plus I think they have free shipping, if not free it is never more than $2.95. Great little machine.