I only need to sew plain stitches on cotton. Cheap would be a plus.

I just ordered this one from hsn. 4 payments of 74.98 I LOVE it :) Its very much like the one my mom has that is 25years old. (Singer brand) So I would say its durable.

http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/singer-...=ct0053&ocm=CT|ct0052|ct0053&prev=hp!sf!cat&ccm=CT|ct0052|ct0053

Go to Wmt or Overstock.com and buy the Brother Project Runway. It even comes with the 1/4 foot! Great buy, reliable, and under $150. Has a 25 year warranty on the motor and self-threads.

I love mine. I've had it for 2 years and made about 20 quilts with it. I've only had one of those quilts long-armed. This machine is lightweight, but really works hard.

I got a $165.00 Brother from Costco last year for Christmas because "all I needed was to sew clothes for the kids"... Then this summer I picked up quilting and wish I'd gotten a little better machine when I did buy. However, I will use this til it falls apart then splurge on something better.;)

Go to a local sew and vac , and shop for a good used machine . The early machines were simple , all metal and real workhorses. Since these machines are non-computerized the dealer or sew and vac is very likely to give you a warrenty as well.
All of the machines my grandmothers used are still running( and they have had decades of real use). My local dealer always tells me just keep them oiled and clean of lint and they will run forever.
So many of the new machines have plastic parts and computer chips , all which are lmore likely to have problems than a simple all metal , no chips machine.

I would look on Craigslist for a vintage machine. I have a pink '61 Atlas (Japanese made, all metal- runs fabulous) $28.00 and a 1953 Singer 15-91 ($60 in perfect cabinet).

You cannot buy a machine likes these today. The 15-91 is a total workhorse- will sew through leather, and is a straight stitch. The Atlas will do zig zag and some fancy stitches with cams.

For your money- buy one that will never wear out, that you can oil yourself and has no plastic parts. My new Juki, which also fits that description, runs about $700.00, but for less than $50, in a thrift store or on Craigslist, you should be able to find what you need. You will never regret it.

Talk to Lostin51. He has all sorts of machines.

or check out the Vintage Machine section here. Lots of knowledgeable folks will help you. Billy (Lostn51) is the head elf of the machine rescues.

try craigslist.

I've found postings about vintage machines, but haven't located the dedicated section ... can you give me the link?!

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.

I agree. Vintage is the way to go. I have more than a dozen of these machines and love every one of them. I have a 1931 Singer 15-91 and I just love it. You can easily buy parts for them, if needed, and they are so reliable.

check out Ebay. they have a lot of Brother machines.

Hi, I'm from Lake, MS.

I just ordered a brother on Amazon for my grand daughter. Just under $60. Basic, and easy....I love Brother's...

I am so glad to see I'm not the only one looking for an older machine! I recently bought a Brother 660 and although it works "okay" it certainly does not have the power and heaviness of my old Brother 8500. Oh how I wish I had it back! I have tried several internet sites and this model is not available. I don't even care if it has the embroidery set up or not--not a fantastic workhorse! The machine is at least 20 years old so I don't know how good my luck will be to find one. I've read all of our threads but if anyone has a suggestion I'd appreciate it.

I would go with whichever cheap machine has local service. It is a drag to drive far just to have the machine cleaned.

Love my Kenmore...

been using them for many a year.......

and still buying them

I had a bare bones Janome that I hated. Wouldn't recommend that brand, although others love them. I bought my DIL a Pfaff, and she seems to like it.

Don't go too cheap you will have problems!!

MANY THANKS to everyone who encouraged me to Go Vintage! Today I found this beauty in a local thrift shop for $40. Still pinching myself! Ironically, 47 years ago I bought one that was almost identical, maybe a year or two older than this (and which I'm positive would still be running if not for a freak accident).

Thanks for all the good advice.

Janet

Janet....WOW!!! What a gorgeous machine!!! Merry Christmas to you, you lucky girl!!!

Ooooh. Turquoise. Pretty. I have a pink Atlas (1961). I love the mid-mod machines. And Billy (Lostn51) has a whole section on cleaning and maintaining. For my money, they are much easier and cheaper to deal with than the new computerized ones.

I love your new vintage sewing machine! What model is this? I've not seen this one and I have quite a few. I know you're going to love it.

It's a 327K made in 1964, and I LOVE the color, too!

I got rid of my newer singer, worst machine I've ever had, and got a Kenmore. Love it!

MANY THANKS to everyone who encouraged me to Go Vintage! Today I found this beauty in a local thrift shop for $40. Still pinching myself! Ironically, 47 years ago I bought one that was almost identical, maybe a year or two older than this (and which I'm positive would still be running if not for a freak accident).

Thanks for all the good advice.

Janet[/quote]

Congradulations!!! What a beauty!

How do you get a hold of lost in 51?

PM Lostn51

If you just want to straight stitch, go for a featherweight or one of the older singers. I bought one a 185J for $5.00 at a thrift store and replaced the belt, cleaned and oiled and it sews like a dream.

Check Craig's list or there are usually FW's on ebay. I would rather sew on my featherweight than my $7k Bernina. The stitches are wonderful and they never wear out.