I know some don't or won't purchase a Walmart machine, but, to those who would purchase, I have a dilemma.

My Walmart is moving some machines out because they are going to be bringing new ones in. So they are really marked down for clearance and one is the Brother 80 stitch that is normally 199.99.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-80...chine/14237606

It is marked down to 154.00.

There is also the Brother Project Runway which normally sells for 149.00. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-50...chine/14237605

Marked down to 109.00

Which one is the best deal. I'm leaning toward the 80 stitch due to the table it comes with. But, the Project Runway is consumer's Digest Best Buy and would save me a few dollars when money is tight.

Oh right now I have a 10 year plus Baby Lock Proline with like 20 stitches. Never ever had a problem with it, I just want one that does a bit more and it is time to upgrade.
Thanks for any input.

Frankly, we buy almost everything via using consumer's report's ratings and have rarely been disappointed. You can always buy the table or an aftermarket later on when money may not be so tight or have someone cut you one out of plexiglas at a local shop. Have fun with your new machine!

I have the sq 9000. It has been a reliable machine. I bought a Janome but kept this as a back up. For the price it is a good buy.

We are clearing out the 50 stitch for $109.00 and just now getting back in the 80 stitch. and it will be selling for $144.00. At least that is what the papers say right now.
The difference is the SQ9000 has the monogramming you can do with it. BUT the monogramming can't be adjusted to a larger size nor can it be any more that capital letters. It is the only thing I don't like about th SQ9000. I do like having the extra table for quilting that the SQ 9000 has that the 50 stitch does not have.

Good luck in deciding.

be sure you check out the opportunity for service. Buying from a dealer may be best in the long run because they will have service and advice.

I would think that the one with the table with it is the best-- I've got one like that and I love the little table. When quilting, it really comes in handy!

Check out the user reviews on patternreview.com

The reviews for the 50-stitch consumer best buy machines are really good. Complaints are bad lighting and lack of needle up/down.

The reviews on the Walmart site are quite positive too.

Yep, I just read those. Also, one woman said you can program the up and down needle. I've never even had a machine that auto stops in a down position. lol

I like the up/down needle position. I have the walmart project runway. Been using it for yrs but now having problems with bottom tension and no way to adjust it. Otherwise love the embroidery Features!!

It has embroidery features? lol, missed that little notation.

No comment on deciding which one, but my local quilt store will not work on a machine that is bought from one of the "box" stores. Just a thought if you need service.

My Walmart has them on sale as well. I did pick up the 9000, but looked hard at the Project Runway. I haven't had a chance to open the box yet, so maybe this weekend. I would be anxious to hear responses also. Only thing bad about my Walmart (because it is so small)...they only have one of each on the shelf. Decisions, decisions......

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/warra...em_id=14237606

These machines come with a warrenty. I don't believe an authorized repair person can refuse warrenty work.
Now if something's not covered you may have to ship it back to Brother for repair.
http://www.brother-usa.com/VirData/C...Embroidery.pdf

Can't live without that option!

Yes, anyone can refuse to repair a machine. Happens all the time. Or the cost of the repair is more than the machine cost originally.

I have the Brother Project Runway machine and I love it, never have had any problems with it. I have made a king size denim quilt on it and it sewed wonderful. But its up to you which one that you like best. Hope you will enjoy your new machine when you decide which one you want.

I've had 3 Brother machines. The first one came from Walmart. I had it serviced at an authorized Brother dealer, but she did tell me that not all will do it.

How can they be sure where you bought it?

I have the SQ-9000. Never a problem. I like that it came with quilting feet. The walking foot was great. I like the up-down needle position but the best thing I like is not having to use the foot pedal. Push a button and your off and running. :thumbup:

My friend has the sq 9000, I taught her to sew on it. I loved it and have wanted one for a while now. I am going to look to see if my walmart has them on clearance. She made a nice twin size quilt and even quilted it with the fancy sticthes.

I can tell you I own the the Brother SQ 9000 you showed a link to and I like this machine. It is a nice starter machine if you can't and I couldn't afford an expensive machine. It does a lot and comes with many attatchments. I paid $170 buying off of ebay new, so if you can get it for $154 go for it, especially if you ship site to store. No shipping charges.

I'm still trying to figure out how to use some of the features. If your looking for fancy on the like the embroidery though it is very basic letters, and I haven't figured out the stippling stitch yet. Just haven't taken the time. Yes you can program the needle up/down feature. Good Luck.

not necesarily. If they are an authorized repair shop the manufacturer authorized to do their warrenty work and they refuse, the company can remove their "authorized" status. If an authorized repairman refuses, contact the company, they will set them straight.
Been there, done that.

I bought my Brother embroidery machine about 10 years ago at walmart and still love it.

Didn't mean to cause a rukus but just a heads up. You might check with your LQS that carries that brand. The model numbers that Wal-Mart carries are not the same as sold through shops (at least not where I live). I would think you could open the box to check out the warranty info that should be inside if this is a concern for you.

I have the SQ9000. It is doing everything I need a machine to do. I do recommend rubbing the needle rod holder with a little bit of machine oil every now and then when you are first using it. I find no value in the embrodery option so I would not let that be my decision maker. I do find value in the walking foot and other accessories that came with it. I machine quilt as well and the machine handled it with no problem.

We will have to agree to disagree then. Yes a dealer that is authorized and must fix machines they've SOLD. If they did not sell the machine they are under no obligation to repair it. Most will to try to get repeat business, but many will not. That's why buying machines over the internet and at big box stores can be such a hassle. Warrantee work is basically for free as the dealer is not receiving any money for their labor or parts, so they don't do this for free for everyone and many times refuse to work on warrantee machines they haven't sold. One of the first questions my dealer asks is "Was the machine purchased here.."

Regardless, and to stay on topic, I'd buy the machine that got the highest consumer ratings over the other.

Every dealership has a database with customer names and machine serial numbers....

Personally, and this is probably not what you're going for but I'd buy a vintage machine that will last forever for $25-$50 and buy fabric with the rest.

:thumbup:

I'm not familiar with the WalMart's 80 stitch machine, but I have the Brother HS2000 with 70+ stitches & I just adore it!! I got it early June of 2010 & this machine has been sewing quilts almost continually, hemming jean shorts for my DH, and hasn't had very many days off since it got here. It has not given me one ounce of trouble. I love it! I got mine online though as a refurbished machine & it was on special with a serger. It was one of those deals you dare not pass on. So glad I didn't!! Good luck with whatever you decide!

I have the project runway 50 stitch as my original machine. I then upgraded to the Brother PC-420 Project Runway. Love them both. They are so user friendly. Sure they don't have a million stitches but in that price range - the project runway gets my vote.

I purchased this SQ 9000 last fall for $199.00. This is a buy! So far this machine has been great for me since I am a starter! I didn't want to invest in an expensive machine, yet. But when I do I will use this one as a backup.
For the price, this machine has alot of "extras".

I find for machines sold at box stores, you pay for the basic machine and then the price increases by how many fancy stitches you get. I am quite leary of the warranty service on these machines and you may have to send them back to the Brother company.

It is a hard decision but it looks like most hear would go with the consumer report. Good luck and enjoy whichever machine you buy.

I don't have those particular models but I do have an inexpensive Brother and access to an even less expensive one and they have served me very well. My XR-52 will use any thread and sew through almost anything. It is not fussy about anything, and if I were in the market for another machine it would definitely be a lower end Brother probably from Walmart. Good luck with your decision.

Today my husband bought a Brothers at Walmart on clearance for $59.00. It's their basic machine, but what a price.

My first sewing machine came from a dealer. My next two sewing machines came from Walmart. (A brother CS-8150 computerized & a brother XR-65T.) I have never had a problem with them. I am not sure which machine you should get, they both look like a good buy.


debra

Sounds like you have a nice machine now, and 20 years is not old for a machine. If you have had it for 20 and it is fine, is the extra sts worth the $. Do you do other sewing or mostly quilting? All you need for that is a straight stitch.

i have the project runway and love it.

I taught a high school textile class and purchased walmart machines. My ad vice is DON'T buy a walmart machine. You are better off with a used machine with metal inners. You can get better quality. The machines I purchased from walmart were awful.

The first is 25% savings and the second is 30% savings. I would also trust the consumers best buy advice.

I actually have both of these machines. I originally bought the project runway model. Then at tax time i treated myself to the SQ9000. I love them both!

I think they are fools, because this is the way they could bring in good customers to their businesses. Just my opinion.

Good luck on your decision.