if you learn on a 301A slant needle Singer you will be spoiled forever by the perfect stitch. My DD finally found one that is actually a year older than mine and in perfect condition. I really recommed one of these 'old' machines to learn the basics, and to have when your fancy stitchy ones are being cranky

I'd buy an older one---avoid plastic at all costs---and have it professionally cleaned and oiled so it's like new. I use a 1941 Singer daily and not the several plastic ones that I own since they just aren't as reliable.

I bought my DGD a Brother fron WalMart, on sale for maybe $70.00. She is doing fine with it. The only problem I can see is the foot pedel isn't as sensitive as on the better (that translated to more expensive) machines. By that I mean it doesn't always start when stepped on, so she presses harder and then it races. I think she just has to get used to it. Does anyone else notice this with their machines?
Sue

I bought my DGD a Brother fron WalMart, on sale for maybe $70.00. She is doing fine with it. The only problem I can see is the foot pedel isn't as sensitive as on the better (that translated to more expensive) machines. By that I mean it doesn't always start when stepped on, so she presses harder and then it races. I think she just has to get used to it. Does anyone else notice this with their machines? Another thing, I was afraid of a used machine, sometimes there is something major wrong with them--that is why they are for sale.
Sue

Give them your old Janomes or buy them vintag eones on Criagas List. It might be very furstrating working on the cheap plastic ones. Even some of the old singers from the 70ies might be nice.

I have the brother CS-6000 and I love it! I've been sewing on it for about 6 years now and it's great for basic sewing and I've also done some quilting on it as well. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. it's the machine I'm taking to my class today and it has all the extra stitches I might need but don't use too often. You can't go wrong with this brother... it's the machine I learned on and fit me well.

[quote=girliegirl]thanks!! u read my mind! overstock.com has ones and i saw a singer at Kmart for 69 $ A great xmas gift !! so they will use my janomes and xmas will be their own if they keep the interest !! and sewing baskets with notions for now!

I bought a Singer for my daughter from Joann's. It was around $299. We ended up selling it for $100 and buying her a used Janome for $150. The Janome was great! The Singer was horrible. Everyone told me that the newer Singers were junk. Dumb me...had to find out for myself.

A couple years ago I bought a new Singer (about $150) that literally flew apart in less than 3 months.

I'd go with a cheaper Brother or maybe an older machine often found on Craigslist or ShopGoodwill.

I bought my daughter a 100. singer at Walmart a couple years ago. I made about 4 lines of stitches and put it back in the box. Told her to try and sell it for 50. if she could.
piece of junk after using Janome. It made me very frustrated. wouldn't run unless you turned the wheel. o' maybe that's for safety! But I think I would rather of found a gem and gave to her. maybe a little more money but not so frustrating.

OOPS --I copied the wrong response so I just deleted it. But I am talking about the Brother cs6000 (get the one that has the quilting accessories with it.)

This would be my recommendation as well. I've used mine extensively--My friend, who pieces a lot of quilts has used this model for several years. I don't think you would be disappointed.