This is the one that I bought when I first started quilting about 1 1/2 years ago. I love it and have not had a bit of trouble out of it. Have made a lot of quilt tops with it but I do not do my own quilting. I send out my tops to have them quilted. This is from Sears and I would buy another one if I had too. I really like this machine. Make sure that you get the 1/4 in foot for it.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02019110000P

Thank you so much ladies. I think I have decided to go to Sears tonite and pick up a sewing machine. I've done some researching online and I think I have settled on a Kenmore sewing machine. I read the reviews on each machine through the sears website and everyone has wonderful things to say about them. I'm always impressed when someone publishes a positive review instead of a negative review, people who are unhappy are more likely to voice their complaint so it shows me when someone posts a good review, they really really like it.

Plus they are within my budget (about $100).


Another random question:

What is a 1/4 foot? I mean i know about the 1/4 seam thing, but what does the 1/4 foot specifically do? Is it like a guide to follow? Becuase at the moment i use the guide on my faceplate (or whatever its called). Thanks1

You will need to get a 1/4 inch foot to help you with your seams it is a guide ( need to keep all seams that 1/4 inch) and then you will need a walking foot. Ask the sales clerk about those attachements. Invest on a middle of the road machine at least $200 to $300 remember you get what you pay for!!!! You want it to last be durable and have some good added features. :roll: :D :P :lol:

yes, the 1/4" foot has some type of guide. some you just use the edge of the foot, others actually have a little vertical piece that keeps the fabric aligned. very important for 1/4" seam accuracy.

also, i think if you're buying a new machine, this won't be an issue, but make sure you can lower the feed dogs.

have fun shopping!

I was going to say, whichever brand you go with, stay away from Singers. I agree with the girls who said to go with the midgrade range of Kenmores. Many moons ago, I bought a cheapie Kenmore, it wasn't even worth throwing out. But I do have an older Kenmore, that sews just fine.

Since you have most of your blocks done it would be a good idea to measure what your seams are on the blocks you have done. Then by moving the needle and/or where you line up your fabric attempt to get that same distance with your new machine. This will help to maintain the same size blocks as those you already created.

After you finish this quilt you'll be able to use the 1/4 foot to maintain a set seam allowance on your future quilts. When following patterns it's good to use the same allowance they did for pretty points on stars ect. fabicluvr explained the different types of 1/4" presser feet perfectly.

Buying extra feed and bobbins as you learn more is very simple, you will just need to know what type of shank your sewing machine has. In the case of my Elna it can take both snap on feet and low shank feet, and I think the Kenmores currently avail. are the same.

Happy Shopping!

My old Brother did the same thing to me and I wasn't sure what to do either at the time so, went shopping and w/very little money. I did not need one to get up and make the coffee...just sew and not stress me out w/all the gizmos:))I ended up buying the basic Janome 3200 at Hancocks for around $300....I still love that puppy and in fact still use it very often. I have since added on to with a Janome 6600 to do my quilting..even though I was doing fine w/it at the 3200...just a smaller throat space then the 6600...well, that is where my trail led me:))Good luck!! Skeat

Oh and one last little thing, no matter how little money you have don't let them sell you a child's sewing machine, after working on a full size machine you'll only be disappointed.

The 1/4 foot and the walking foot are so worth the money, no matter what the cost. They have each saved me many heartaches. I have had a Singer of one kind or another since I was 16, I've had a Simplicity (still have it as a spare, oh, wait, I loaned it out about 6 months ago), I've had a Kenmore (one of the 1966 variety, many moons ago) I suggest you try them, right there in the store. If they won't let you try it, maybe there's a reason....? I make them open the box, I try the machine, and the foot pedal. Saves a lot of heartache sometimes.

IMHO,
Sharon

Please let us know what you purchase!!