I buy reconditioned machines.

I am sending you a PM maybe we can work something out to where your out only shipping.

Billy

Thank you all for the suggestions! I think I will keep the Singer, and find out how much it costs to get it fixed. I know it will cost me more than the machine cost. I've been looking at machines all day online and as a couple of you told me, I can't get anything with more space for that price range. I'll keep looking for used/refurbished machines but I think I'll have to save up for a more expensive one.

In the meantime I may try learning to hand quilt. I'm recovering from tendonitis though so I probably won't get very far before my wrist feels like it will explode. lol Thanks for all the machine brand suggestions; when I can afford a pricier one I will go to a dealer so that I have support with it, like you guys suggested.

Carla

I will be listing several Machines in the classifieds pretty soon including my 1963 Pearl Iris Kenmore that was less than 4000 made. If you are looking for anything in particular let me know and I might have it.

Billy

I have had good luck finding Berninas for around $400 to $500 for my daughter and niece on "sewitsforsale" yahoo group. I also purchased a really nice older Elna. My advise is to put out a note or watch the site. I would also purchase an older machine rather than a new one for that amount of money. The older ones are all metal parts and are usually workhorses. Might I ask what you broke on your featherweight that cannot be fixed. I have 3 and love them.

Just remember that hand quilting is like any other exercise, it takes awhile to build up the muscles and be able to quilt for extended times, so don't be discouraged if you can only quilt for 10 minutes or so at first. Hope it doesn't bother your tendonitis too badly. I've got arthritis so I can sympathize.

1screech: I don't know if it is broken beyond repair or not. I am going to take it probably tomorrow for a free estimate at this place that sells and repairs Singers. Maybe it won't be too expensive after all, but to me, it looks like part of the machine was bent by the needle (the needle bent too).

Tiffany, you're right, I think it will take time to get used to (handquilting). I did a little bit today, but not for very long. It's good that you have a nice machine, with having arthritis; then you don't have to handquilt. That quilt behind you in the photo is really pretty btw.

Carla

.....I started quilting on a cheap Brother machine (the XR65)...and even I was surprise to find out that I actually finished a big quilt on it...Then I decided to get the Brother PQ1500 (9"throat space and much better stippling but no zig zag).....I am very happy with my machines (I also have a cheap Brother with plenty of decorative stitches on it....But if you have the money: I would get the Janome 6600...It has the 9"Throat space space all the fensy features and also decorative stitches...(of course it cost a bit more)....Whatever you choose: have a happy quilting with it.... :lol:

First of all, I agree with everyone who says get your Featherweight fixed. I have three (1936, 1951 and 1964) which all still sew like a dream. It's the best piecing machine you can find and is great for garment making, too. And if you take any classes, it's one of the lightest machines available. Plus, it's all metal, where the new machines are mostly plastic, even the expensive ones.

Second, I wouldn't recommend buying a machine from WalMart, Target or any other chain store. Find a dealer who also services machines. That way, if something does go wrong, you've got the warranty and the service to go with it. Baby Lock has some wonderful sales going on right now. Bernina, Janome, and Pfaff are also good brands.

Third, don't buy a machine unless you can try it. Any reputable store will have salespeople who can take you through the basics of any machine they have on the floor. Check out features like free-motion quilting and the walking foot. If you get into quilting your own tops, you'll need to be comfortable with these options.

Most machines now have built-in embroidery stitches. Of course, the more expensive the machine, the more stitches it will have. Find out about varying the length and width of these stitches to give you different looks.

Be sure it comes with a selection of feet for different uses -- 1/4" piecing foot, free motion foot, applique (satin stitch and zigzag) foot.

Part of the fun is going to the different stores and trying out the machines. Keep looking until you find the one that's just right for you. Happy hunting!!

Is the Singer featherweight a vintage black machine or a newer white plastic machine? If it's the white plastic, it is *not* worth fixing.

I'm surprised no one here has mentioned the Janome Jem series of machines. There are several in the line. Here is a link to the gold one, which I think is the lowest in the line:
http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janome660jem.html

The Janome Gem doesn't have the larger throat space you are looking for, but many quilters like this line of machines for both home use and taking to classes (because they are lightweight). If you want to buy locally, several people have posted that the same line of machines is sold under the Kenmore brand at Sears. Since you already know how to sew, I don't think it is necessary to buy a machine in this price range from a dealer. You still might want to check local dealerships, though, for a used machine; sometimes you can pick up really good deals that way, since many people periodically trade in their machines for newer ones.

If you want a new machine in your price range and want to purchase locally, I would go to Sears and see what they have in the Kenmore line.