Sewing Machine
 

I am trying to find a basic computerized sewing machine for my daughter-as a beginner machine. I am very familiar with Pfaff and Bernina machines but it is hard to find something (even used) for just a couple hundred $. I know someone who has a Babylock "Grace" and I do not think she paid a lot for it. Anyone on here have that machine? What are your thoughts on it? Is it economical to buy? Ever have any problems with it? Do Babylock machines ever come on sale?

Check with your LQS. They may have a machine or know someone on their customer list wanting to sell a pre-owned in good condition.

Check out the Janome gems

I love my Bernina. I have had both of them for over 15 years and not any major problems. Might check in with you local Bernina dealership or send an e-mail requesting if they have any used ones and prices. They do seem to keep their resale value.

I have a basic Janome computerized machine - the 2010. I believe they just use the year as the model number for this one. It is a really great machine - costs maybe $450 (?) new. I also love my big Bernina (the 750) although I doubt you could find one of those used cheap enough...anyway, like several people said, check your local sewing machine shops for trade-ins and make sure you like the repair person, in case you have to take it back for tweaking!

Margaret

You should check at the on line Hancock fabric store too. They have the janome's on sale a lot. I enjoyed my janome Memory Craft when I had it. And I have to admit, it was a great machine. But I was used to the bernina brand, so I sold it and bought another bernina. The specialty feet for the janome are very reasonable in comparison.
For example a walking foot was somewhere around forty dollars for the janome and almost two hundred for the bernina.

[QUOTE=MFord;6750558]I have a basic Janome computerized machine - the 2010. I believe they just use the year as the model number for this one. It is a really great machine - costs maybe $450 (?) new. I also love my big Bernina (the 750) although I doubt you could find one of those used cheap enough...anyway, like several people said, check your local sewing machine shops for trade-ins and make sure you like the repair person, in case you have to take it back for tweaking!

Margaret[/QUOT

Was this Janome 2010 bought at a Sewing Machine Dealer or at Hancock's?

It will be hard to find a computerized in your price range except for brothers, most janomes run about 400, You can find a good computerized brother in your range and they are good beginner machines. I absolutely adore my SQ-9050 and I know the CS6000i is also popular and you can easily find these 2 models in your price range. the babylocks are going to also be in the 400 range as well unless you find used, you might be able to find the brother equivalents for cheaper but they will still be in the high 300's for the grace model. I have had brothers for well over 20years from the 100 to 6k range, never had problems with any of mine. I know the babylock audreys are a little over 300 so the grace is probably around 4 as it is a higher model. I haven't heard any bad things about the grace which I think is the NV-40e on the brother side

Brother makes Babylock. Many Brother sewing machines are usually less expensive than Babylocks. Even the Brother sewing machines sold at Walmart for $150-$200 make great beginner sewing machines.

You could also check your area Craigslist. I see many different machines at many different price ranges on Craigslist.

I have a Brother Simplicity that would be a great starter machine. It's really light, has a extension table that I use for classes and piecing. This little machine works great, never a problem and has a perfect straight stitch along with 30 or so other stitches. I paid $229 and love it.

There is currently an older Janome on Craigslist for SW MN for 80>00, says in excellent condition. might be a good starter machine without much expense.

I bought a basic computerised Janome which unfortunately doesnt seem to be available in the US. The only thing that I can find thats similar to it is this Janome DC1050. If its even remotely the same then it works fine, might not be the most advanced machine but whats the fun in learning if the machine does everything for you.

I have been quilting since 1992. I have a Brogther SQ9000. I LOVE it. Only $200.00 at Walmart, but I don't care, as it is perfect for me. It's nearly 4 years old and has never had to go to the shop.

I am a die-hard Bernina girl, and was in the same position you are in, I have purchased two Brother machines for my daughters from Costco in the last few years. They are both happy with them, and is in your price range. Costco has a wonderful return policy to back up their products. They also sell them on line, and you can return a product at the store even if you purchase on line.

I love my Bernina too but invested in a Janome Gem on the advice of several women in my guilds. I use it for workshops and have been happy with it. Every one who has one just loves them.

Thanks. I haven't even looked on Craig's List yet, but will right now.

You might think about a older sewing machine for her. They are build to endure almost anything and she really can't hurt them. Only break a needle. Taught my grand daughter on a old singer that cost only $20.00. Just something to think about.

As others have said, Babylock is made by Brother. Sometimes, Brother makes an equivalent model to Babylock, but adds a few features.

Check out this Project Runway model which is feature heavy, https://www.brother-usa.com/homesewi...W#.U5bvRBaCjVJ

Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you decide.

Check out Ebay. I have purchased some fine machines there.

I just bought a brother SQ9185 yesterday at Walmart. It seems very nice and was 179.99 through walmart.com. My walmart had it for about 20.00 more. They wouldn't match the .com price, so I went home. Ordered it for store pickup and was able to pick it up at the internet price later in the day. Stupid! But got what I wanted. Anyways, all that to say, it seems like a very nice machine. I have a bernina that I love but it is very heavy and I wanted a light machine to be able to take to group settings etc....

Try Kens Sewing....they have a Janome 8077 computerized machine with a Bonus package of extra feet marked down from $500 to $299! http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/jano...e-p-30444.html
Janomes are great machines. Also, ordering from Ken, no sales tax....unless you live in his state.

The janome jem is a great machine. I purchased one for my quilt guild sewing. It sews well and is lightweight for easy travel. You can get them on ebay for a good price if you watch. Good luck. The baby lock machines are good as well and usually user friendly.

How about a sew and vac shop? Ours sells refurbished machines and provide a warranty

Have you gone to a local dealer ? Ours right now is running a sale if you bring in a machine they will give you so much off another machine.. I have seen quite a few machines cheap under 200.00 there. Also check your local 2nd hand store as they have machines come in .. A friend bought a newer Janome at the pawn shop for under 100.00. So check around there are all sorts of bargains out there....

Our church bought several Brother Runway machines for our quilting group and they are working out very well. $200 range.

Brother CS 6000i
 

This is a super little starter. I use mine to cart around to classes and guild. You can buy it off Amazon for about $150.00. It is computerized and sells for$350.00 from a brother dealer. Friends have had theirs for over 5 years now without problems. I bought one for a daughter-in-law and she loves it. Her 10 year old daughter uses it all the time as well I have recommended it to lots of other very satisfied people. This is mt choice for a starter or carry about as I use mine.

I bought the Janome DC 1050 online for $299 new last year when I was learning to quilt and wondering if this hobby would "stick" (It has! I'm addicted!). The DC 1050 is computerized and I love it. Intuitive, easy to read, good manual, reasonably priced accessories and the feet are compatible with my old mechanical Kenmore. Used ones don't come up often on Craigslist because they are just so darn reliable.

I got a Brother SQ9000 at Wal*Mart a few years ago for $200. I really liked it; and although I bought a Bernina next because of the harge harp and other things, my Brother is my travel machine.

I got my Brother SQ9000 for under $140 off Amazon from dealer in AL. several years ago, It has been a great machine and has 80 stitches and not the big harp space needed for quilting I am making quilt blocks now and love the on-off button so no foot control needed, too tempting for the dogs to nibble on. Have 6 older machines for quilting, but this is so handy. If it (I) mess up I just shut it off and it comes back on and runs fine. Have an older Kenmore 19000 which is a Janome 9000 embroidery machine, and someday I may go for a brother so I can download things from computer, but for now, will use what I have.
It was Ken's sewing through Overstock.

I bought a Brother sewing machine to take to classes because it was very lightweight, and cheap to buy on eBay. Since then I have learned Wawak has Brother sewing machines at a great price. The advantage there being you can return it if you are not satisfied. They have great customer service and if you sign up for their emails you will save at least $10 and probably get free shipping. I believe their Brother machines are a better quality than found in Wal-mart because the frame does not easily twist. I checked after watching a documentary about buying cheap machines in big box stores. I twisted a machine I bought at a rummage sale and it easily bent, the Brother I bought seemed sturdy and had metal rather than plastic interior frame.

This one seems like a good one http://www.wawak.com/products/produc...Sewing-Machine
but I found on my machine I really missed the needle returning to the correct position, in other words continuing the loop around the bobbin. The one I listed does not state if it does that. On mine I have to manually turn the hand-wheel to the correct position or I'll get snarls. I put a line on there with permanent marker to do so but I would rather have a machine that returns to the correct position.

A new sewer might hate sewing if they run into snarls all the time.

I think it is great little machine

I found one! I went to the MN State Quilt Show today at St. Cloud and bought a Viking H/Class 110Q electronic machine. It only has 20 stitches but y daughter will most likely only use the straight stitch anyway. It also included the 1/4"foot so I didn't have to buy that separate. The MSRP on it is $499 but St. Cloud Sewing Center was selling it for a show price of $349. I am going to sew on it tonight to try it out. My friend also bought one to use as her traveling machine. I will let you know in a couple days how I like it.