I am thinking about getting another machine, so my poor singer can become a back-up. The machine I have, Singer 1027 is a very simple machine, and I would like to get an upgrade in about 6 months. Not singer, exactly, I'm thinking Elna because there is an Elna dealer quite close to where I live, and she has been in business 35 years, Plus free lessons with the machine. What sewing machines have you had and loved? The most I can spend on one is 700 $ no more, otherwise it will take me a lot longer to save up...
Thanks
Emily :)

I have two machines. A Kenmore, which is pretty basic (no computer) and very very reliable. The other machine is a Janome 8080 with computer and although I love how it sews, it is in the shop about twice a year.

I think less complicated is a lot less headache and expense.

i have a basic/computerized kenmore which serves as my applique machine and I have a new Janome 1600P which i LOVE for piecing and quilting - it is a single stitch machine, and will fit on my frame when I get it put together. The Janome is between $700 - $1000 depending on which 1600P you get and which store.

i have a janome 8000, about 2o yrs. old. i have it serviced only when it needs it. my daghter has a more basic one and also loves it. my best frind has the newest computerized janome and she also loves the way it sews, but she's sorry she spent so much for the bells and whistles. i say go for the best janome you can afford. my daughter's is too basic. $250. there's one for every price range.

Singer used to be a good machine (love my featherweight) but I don't think they are made with the same quality anymore. I'd avoid them. Classes have proven very valuable to me. I have been sewing for a lot of years and there is always something new to learn.

I have 2 machines that I use regularly. One I bought new & had classes and the other was given to me so I had to learn as I go. I just feel like there is so much more the machine does but I just don't know what to do.

Before I bought my machine, I checked out
http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Reviews
You can get reviews to machines by people that have them. It helped me out.

Mary

I would definitely stay away from the new Singers. I have 2 Elnas and I love both of them, one is a Quilter's Dream, but it is more expensive than your price range right now, but you might see if the dealer has a used one, that's how I got the Dream.

I have 2 kenmores, one of which is a computerized. I also have a bernina.

whatever you buy, make sure you try it out first, even if you don't buy it there. also, if it's reconditioned make sure it has the original manual and at least most of the original feet. sometimes it's hard to replace those simple items.[b]

Please take a look at the Viking machines. I have owned Singer machines, the last one was a 328 and believe me, they are not as good as they used to be. If you doing quilting, you might want to take a look at the Sapphire line which has a 10 inch bed. Viking is, also, coming out with a machine that has the 10 inch bed and will do embroidery. The reason I brought 2 Viking machines - Designer USB 1 and the Sapphire 850 was due to the lessons that were given free to learn how to use the machines, plus, I am also able to get help 7 days a week at the stores. :-)