Monday is my Birthday, 71, and hubby is taking me to buy another Sewing Machine. Two years ago he bought me a Janome DC2010 which I love. The only thing wrong with it so far is that it won't go into the right needle position when I push the button to do so, I have to manually move it with another button, no big deal. I love it and use it daily. He said because I spend so much time in my sewing room that he'd like to get me another machine, but I have no idea what to look for. An embroidery machine? A machine with more stitches (mine has 50). Our budget is a little tight and I don't want to go over 600.00. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't have any suggestions. But I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. :) Hope you have a great day.

Happy Birthday to you and I hope you have a great day. Enjoy whatever machine you buy. Try them out first and make sure it is something you can really use.

Oooh oooh a Pfaff or one of those Viking Huskarvarnas thingeys! Thats what I would have bought if my budget was that much.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

New machine? Why not just think about what you'd like to do with a new machine and then test drive them. I like having my little spare so I can sew on one while I embroider on the other. My main machine is a 2 in 1 sewing/embroidery.

Happy Birthday! Spend the most you can afford to get something perfect! Shop around and test drive them all, that is fun in itself!

I just want to say, Happy Birthday, and, WHere can I find one of those husbands?

Happy Birthday! And I would test drive as many as I could also to get just the one I wanted. Life's too short to hate your sewing machine :)

Maybe a Janome 3160, it's pretty loaded. Pfaff has a new line, Ambition, and the 1.0 is $799 here, but maybe lower where you are. I'm a huge Bernina fan, but new ones are more than you want to spend.

Happy birthday Judy! May you have many more.

In that price range, I'd visit the Bernina dealers and see what used machines they have to offer. You could get an older, non-computerized model like the 830 Record or the 930. They are real workhorses and either model would be a great back up machine. (I'll admit my bias: I really love those older mechanical machines.)

Of course, if there's no other machine out there that strikes your fancy, a gift certificate for supplies from one or two quilt shops would make your day, don't ya think?

Thanks, I'll take a look at them. The only machine I had before I got the DC2010 Janome is an old J.C. Penny's and I'm amazed at the new machines today. I think an embroidery machine would be neat, but when I read about them, they really sound confusing with all the computer stuff.

Oh, embroidery machines are not confusing at all...just a little scary at first. Once I learned mine, I LOVE it and I have shown several people how to use it and they say "so simple"!! I have 2 machines, both Brothers, one a combo sewing/embr the other embr only. Of course, this doesn't count my growing collection of "vintage" machines. :)

Happy Birthday!! and what a sweet hubby!!

I've bought both my daughter and daughter in law Brother sewing machines. Great little machine for the money (both under $500).

have fun picking one out.

I have 3 Viking and just love them the first on I bought is still the best machine and will never sell it, all metal part and replaceable.

Happy Birthday.

I like my little Janome 750. It's only 12 pounds and is good for classes or retreats. I can't remember how much it is, but know it's under $500. I wouldn't have paid that for it.

Have a Happy Birthday whatever you buy and enjoy your day with that sweet husband of yours.

happy birthday!!!! I hope you find the perfect machine within your budget...you should be able to find a machine...either used or new with what you are able to spend.

Happy Birthday!! The Brother SE-400 is a good sewing/embroidery machine. It has allot of features that some of the higher end machines have. It will do 4"x4" embroidery designs. You can find it at Walmart for $389.00. If they don't have it in stock it can be ordered and sent to your local store. That is how I did mine and also got a $30.00 rebate offer with it. Good luck shopping and hope you find something that you will enjoy using.

Blessings!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday! Hmmmmmm what machine to get, think your going to have to decide do you want to expand your embrodery skills or do you want a work horse just to sew & quilt with. I have a janome MC10000 its my do everything dream machine then I have a JUKI that I long arm with on a grace quilter, its a work horse for quilting and sewing different thicknesses. I also have a little cheap Euro-Pro that is very light weight that is my take everywhere machine. Check your local dealers try several brands, see if they have trade-ins available that you might be able to get a better machine for the price because it was slightly used. Check EBAY for pricing whats out there in your budget range to help decide. If your going for embroidery go for something that accomodates a large hoop size because before you know it you'll out grow it and be saying I wish mine did a larger area! Again Happy Birthday.......what ever you decide don't trade the DH in! LOL He is a keeper!

Happy Birthday. Try something vintage!!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday! Some sewing stores have really great deals after the state fairs-they were a demo and I bought my embroidery/sewing machine that way several years ago and got full warranty and sewing classes free. The main thing is to go to several shops and sit down and try them and then ask if they happen to have any great deals. Hope you find just what you want.

happy birthday. i would go with a little janome or bernia.

I would stay with a Janome. Can you go to a dealer and try them out. Do you take your machine with you a lot. If so, I'd go with the 720 or 760 platinum. The 720 is going for about $450. If you don't carry your machine with you I'd try out the larger models.

Happy Birthday! My husband bought be a Hus Viking back in 2004. I took all the classes for embroidery and did use it some. I mow enjoy making quilts more and rarely use the embroidery part. The thinks I like about my machinne is it lets me know when it is out of bobbin thread so I don't sew without thread. I like the cutting button, the thingy that helps thread the needle, and it has a 1/4 " position. I really didn't need such an expensive machine.

Happy Birthday!

I can't make any specific recommendations but I know that Brother makes some great machines.

Happy Birthday! Consumer Repots listed Kenmore (Sears brand) as a top pick not too long ago - they are incidentally made by Janome. Catch one on sale and you can get a good machine for a reasonable price. I've been sewing on one for 7 years and have been very happy with it. The last time I took it in for a "maintenance" visit, the technician told me they were really good machines with very few "issues". He also told me the machine they had the most problems with are the new Singers. Hope this helps.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! I just returned from visiting our Grands, and used my DD Brother 400 SE to piece a large Dresden Plate. It was wonderful, didn't realize I was sewing with such relecks at home. I loved the no pedal, the speed control, the easy to read screen, the easy to find 1/4 inch seam allowance. Did I say I enjoyed this machine? Under $400. For the money, I think you should try it. I didn't even try the embroidery, but DD loves it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Just look around and try out a few, you will know which one to get when you play with them!

Love the cobalt blue in your avatar!

I would stick with Janome. Check the 3160. Some dealers will work with you, and you might get some trade in value on your 2010.

Happy birthday - and hope you find the perfect machine! I too would like a new "in-expensive" model, but don't know what to get either, but I do know from reading on here and other places, do NOT get cheapies out of Walmart or anywhere - they are throwaway models, that cannot be repaired, so I've been told.

Happy Birthday!!!

Be sure to ask about floor models too. Sometimes you can get a great deal on those. I have a Kenmore 19233 that unfortunately has been discontinued, but it is a great machine.

I have been searching for a new machine, with a larger workspace. One of the key things folks told me to do, was to 1. Shop around, try them all. 2. Take samples with me that would represent the type of sewing I would do. 3. Make sure you like the dealer, because that is where you will get your lessons on your new machine. And if you have an issue you want folks that are friendly and nice to deal with.

I really don't see any reason to buy another machine.
Unless you want to get a embroidery machine, but they aren't cheap. You may find a used one in your budget.
Keep in mind then you need to buy thread, stabilizer, designs,
it adds up, so be sure to allow this in your budget.
Happy Birthday. :thumbup:

I got a used Bernina from ebay that had been from a school for under $300. I was debating between that and a new Janome but I REALLY wanted the Bernina! :) Before you buy, go to Amazon.com and see if there are any reviews on the model you want. If I had done that before I got my Singer T&S a few years ago, I wouldn't have gotten the piece of junk! Everything is going to have a few bad reviews but if it's got a 2 star rating, stay away!