ok, i understand the needle up and down now. that was what my mom does manually to raise and lower her needle, thanx

I bought a used Bernina from a sewing machine sales and repair shop. Bernina was coming out with a new model and people were trading up. I got lessons there. I love it! 8 years later it works like brand new. However, it is heavy. Since I go to Sit & Sew and a quilting Lock In Nite and other quilting groups - I got tired of lugging it. So I bought a Singer Featherweight. It was made in the 1940's. I bought it at my "home" quilt shop. The owners get them from E-bay and fix them up before selling them. They also showed me how to use it. Now I carry the Featherweight when I go out and use the Bernina at home. I tested to be sure both machines were sewing the same 1/4 inch for seams.

Choosing a machine takes time. I think they each have different pros and cons. When I was beginning, I just wanted one that would go backwards and forwards. I didn't know about self threading and bobbin warnings, etc. You can't miss what you never had. I would start with something simple and trade up as your skills improve.

Good idea to check out used machines at a good repair shop.
I find the needle down option is a necessity.
I really like the stay stitch option too.
You can get a walking foot for any machine.
I have a large throat area and find it is a must if you quilt your own quilts.
Would love to have the Bernina with stitch regulator but cannot afford one.

I love my Janomes!! You can try them out at the dealer's. also, most places will give you lessons if you need them. I have a new embroidery machine (Janome) and I call my dealer with questions all the time. I also stop in when I'm over there and he will show me things on the machine while I am t here. Just tell your dealer you will need lessons--they will be free, of course! Hope this helps

Just had to get my 2 cents in.. I've sewn for YEARS.. but I (did) quilt and piece by hand.. My machine would not handle a quilt.. I was in Target the other day and found a Brother XL3750 that has "quilting features" for only $99. Talked it over with my roommate and decided to get it... I think it's a wonderful machine for a beginner.. be it quilting beginner or stitching beginner.
The handbook is VERY thorough!! and that's important. also if you're just starting to sew on a machine.. a very good basic sewing book is a handy thing to have.. it explains all about fabric, etc and basic machine sewing.. I know that Vogue makes one, as does Singer. Who knows you may want to branch out and make an apron or something down the line. As I said.. just my 2 cents worth. :-)

I have 4 sewing machines. 2 Kenmores & 2 Babylocks. My 1st Kenmore I got about 1970 & it was barely used. Sewed a million miles on it & it still sews great just didn't have a free arm & you had to use a buttonhole attachment with it. Got the freearm Kenmore, built in buttonhole about 20 years ago. Still sews good, mainly use now to sew denium. Got the babylock Quilter's Choice Pro. Love it, couldn't ask for better machine just doesn't do zigzag. Now the queenbee of the bunch is my Babylock Ellure Plus. I got the embroidery thing down but the decorative stitches have given me the blues. Makes beautiful buttonholes. Just put button on the presser foot & it makes it the right size. Decide what you really want to do with it. Do you really need all those decorative stitches or what. I would defintely try some out first. Also note if you buy a sewing machine from Walmart or other discount store, the embroidery machines only do a 4 x4 frame. Not much room for anything. If you want one with more size save it for it because mine only does up to a 5 x7 & I wish I would have saved up more money & bought the next one up.

Take some scrap fabric with you to the store. Ask to sew on that. Most all are dealers have machines set up for demos, but they have fabric with a lot of sizing and it alway sews beautiful. If you mostly use cottons, take those scraps with you. Ask such questions as how do I sew a straigh 1/4" seam??? How many extra feet come with the machine???? What kind of thread should I use??? What kind of needles do I use for ______??? Let the salesperson demo, then ask if you might sew. Don't be shy or imtimidated!!!!!

Thanx. I think I will go cheap at wal-mart or somewhere, my husband says the worst you cab do is break it!! :shock: But if I start out with that then I can get to know what I'm comfortable with and then really go looking around at the dealers for something bigger and better

I would strongly suggest picking up a used older machine at a thrift store or such as that. Good solid machine for quilting, and you don't have to spend much. As you get into it more and then you will know what you want to spend your money on. A lot of quilters have more than 1 machine,
I have 3 machines. My old singer, what a workhorse, and 2 janomes that I really love. Take your time and don't rush into it.
Just my 2 cents worth.
:wink:

If your looking for new, Janome has several smaller light weight machines that are reasonable. Janome Jems. Pretty nice machines, several diffrent machines to choose from. I have one, love it. If you plan on attending any classes, might want to choose something light weight that travels well. My first Janome I bought was the Memory craft 9500, nice machine, love it. kinda pricey, since it embroderys too. Way to heavy to haul around, started taking classes and that is when I bought my smaller one. Much easier to tote up and down stairs and in and out of classes. Food for thought anyway!

I have a Janome 6600, which I love. BUT, my all time favorite is my Singer featherweight.

After many, many years, I decided to purchase a new sewing machine because I wanted to get back into quilting. So, I bought a Singer quilters edition. I thought I spend a lot on it $398. I was satisfied until I started really quilting and then I felt like I was wrestling the material through the machine. Then I started watching some online quilting shows and took a local class. I noticed that a few names serviced: Bernina, Janome, and a few Pfaff's. So just on a whim, I went to a Bernina dealer and test drove a few. Now they can cost as much as my last car, but I finally found the Aurora 440 QE...it was love at first touch! I got the BSR a stitch regulator that will make my learning to stipple a possibility. I go a good used one and then 3 weeks later invested in the embroidery module. I am in love. Quilting on this machine is like a hot knife through butter, effortless. And the best thing is, if I decide to upgrade to more bells and whistles I will get a trade in that is almost the same as what I paid. Test drive all you can and get the one that you like. You will do a whole lot more sewing with a machine that works like extension of you rather than a wrestling partner. Good Luck!

nursie79- Glad you found the 'one' for you. I hope to find one like that also. thanx

I love my Janome6500 and it is also a huge technical improvement over my 38yr old Kenmore which is still a workhorse but I use my Janome unless it is in the shop getting a 'tune up'

You do get free classes when you buy a Janome and what I was impressed with was all Janome dealerships will give you free classes anytime anywhere. I bought my machine 3 years ago from one dealer and then moved last year and took it to a different shop...they were eager to let me know that they have monthly Jamome classes and that I was welcome to come whenever I would like and as often as I'd like for FREE. I am all about free, LOL. I believe that all the large brand names give free classes

Go to any sewing machine dealer (you can do an online search to find one near you, whatever brand you want to try) ...you just walk in and tell them you are looking for a new machine and need help deciding on what to get and you would like to try some out. Take your own fabric with you so that you can sit and sew....if you need directions and assistance, they are happy to help...they all want to make a sale. If they aren't giving you good customer service, go somewhere else...you don't want to buy from a dealer starts out not giving you time and assistance.

good luck and let us know what you finally decide on

warm quilt hugs, sue

Where I live (greater Atlanta area), 25-30 miles can be a BIG deal because of heavy traffic. My 2-bits' worth of advice on the sewing machine purchase: the more "bells & whistles" it has, the more there is to go wrong with the machine. I have several machines, from a lightweight basic to one with all the bells and whistles. The bells and whistles one weighs about a ton and has been to the shop to be serviced and/or fixed more times in the last 2 years than all of my others put together have been in the last 30 years. If I were you, I'd buy something basic, made by a company that has a solid reputation. It's really nice to have the up/down needle feature, right/left/center needle positions, and important that the feed dogs will drop. A good dealer has good used machines as well, with good prices.

Star,

My 5 cents' worth mirrors some other comments. I now have 4 Husqvarna Viking machines Iincluding serger and mega quilter and love every one of them.

I originally was going to purchase a Bernina - had the cash in my pocket (Christmas and Anniversary present from HUBBY)...Went to the local Bernina dealer, asking about machines, and every 2-3 minutes, salesperson would walk away from me to talk to someone else who just walked in and wanted to chat...After 2.5 hours of this, with very few of my questions answered, and not even able to start trying the machines out, I left that shop (SERVICE AFTER THE SALE IS AS IMPORTANT OR MORE SO THAN MACHINE BRAND OR FEATURES)....and drove to the closest Viking Dealer.......They demo'd 4 different machines (I wanted to do it all - I sew garments, do machine embroidery, heirloom sewing, quilting and home dec)......After the issue with the staff @ Bernina, I had several questions regarding help I might need after the sale......was told - just give us a call, or if more convenient, come on in - we will always be happy to help you!....

So - I bought their top of the line machine, and have never been happier.......If I run into an issue with a project at 7PM - a quick call will usually get me the answer........

They have ongoing classes (both owners and created classes) and the owner's class is NOT restricted to just one class......You can come in and sit for any of the classes as many times as you want/need.

Many of the machines have very similar features - some are very partial to a particular brand........

For my money - I wanted the most features I could get, from a dealer who would be around - was honest, and who would have varying classes to show off machine features and spark creativity. The Viking Dealer here did all of that and more..............

Good Luck!! Take your time.....go in, and go back a second time.....all shops have sample fabric to stitch on.........try every machine they have....ask questions...........and when you are comfortable with how it works and what it costs - GO FOR IT!

Star, The dealer should have a variety of floor models for you to sit and sew. They should be happy for you to take as much time as you want to test out the different features on the machine. They should also have trained service people and accessories. I have a Bernina QE 440, which replaced my 30-year old Singer Fashion Mate. One thing I really like about my Bernina is the knee lever to lift the presser foot.

If you don't want all the bells and whistles, I'd suggest you try to find a Singer 221 Featherweight. Singer manufactured these machines from the 1930s to the 1960s, and they do one thing -- sew a straight stitch (forward and reverse). They only weigh 13-14 lbs. (without the case), so are great for taking to classes. And they are very easy to maintain. There is a Yahoo! group for FW owners and you can get a lot of good information on buying and servicing them. I have a 1939 black machine and a 1955 white machine and I do almost all my piecing on them. The feed dogs don't drop, so you can't do free-motion quilting with it unless you have a cover for the feed dogs, but you can do straight stitch quilting with it. Of course, the throat is very short, so it's hard to handle a lot of bulk. Most FW owners I know use it to piece and have another machine for quilting.

Your right, you can't go wrong with a featherweight! I am have that on my list. You know what your getting and really a wonderful machine for the price. Not fancy but steady as she goes.

I love my 4 year old Viking Scandinavia 200, but it's not made anymore, and Vikings aren't made in (Sweden?) anymore, they're made in China. And also, the 200 is a pretty basic machine, but VERY good for quilting!

First sorry to nursie76 not 79(my oops).


thanx for all the info on the featherweight I got from everyone this is a basic machine that is getting lots of props from everyone so i will be checking this one out. because until i get the hang of a machine straight lines and pieceing is probably all i will be doing on it.

I am very partial to Bernina, they are very user friendly. And I have a dealer fairly close. I WOULD NOT buy a cheap one at a discount house as they don't care what happens after you walk out the door, they won't give you any lessons on how to use it, and they won't be there if you have any problems. Go in a dealership and ask to test drive some different models. Tell them what you are going to do with it and don't let them start with their most expensive model. You'll fall in love with it!!! :D You can do this at several if you are in a big city, and then make a decision.
That said, Bernina does make some very nice lower end models. Jan

I got my Viking from Joann's and they do have classes on how to use it.I my machine and haven't had any problems with it. , it's a Saphire 850.

The salesperson at the shop will sit down with you and show you what the machine does, and let you try it out. Tell them you are a beginner, and they should help you get the feel of the machine. That's why it's better to buy from a sewing machine dealer than online or a big box store. There you can't test them to see how they feel and sound.

Hello Star,

As a previous sewing machine dealer (Husqvarna Viking), you need to ask yourself a couple of questions, write them down and take them with you when you go sewing machine shopping. Question #1: What features are important to me(example: needle up-needle down etc.) Question #2: How often am I going to use the machine and for what purposes. Question #3: What is my budget. Hopefully, the dealer (please go to a dealer...they are knowledgeable and can help you) will demonstrate the machine and its features for you. If not, ask them to. Dealers will also give you free classes on how to use your machine. Hope this helps. Good-luck. By the way, I love my Husqvarna Viking.

BAD Rags

I agree with Terry and Loretta. It's not the machine that will make you a better machine sew-er. (Just like a fancier computer hasn't made me any smarter :lol: ). Get your feet wet on a less expensive machine to see if it's for you. Then as you develop your skills, you can go on to bigger and better things. As far as I'm concerned, I think a good straight stitcher is all you really need to do piece work, but some of the "bells and whistles" do make things a little more interesting. What I like most about my Janome is the needle down feature and the fact that I can move my needle position. The decorative stitches are nice but not really necessary. I think the most important thing is that you have a machine that is in good condition and makes a good stitch. If ever "step up" I would like one with a roomier throat (is that what it's called?).

I agree with what the girls said. Buy one at a store that offers free lessons and repairs for at least one year. I love my Viking SE, but it is also an embroidery machine. Viking does make a quilting sewing machine. Some women I know love their Babylocks. It's true that there are so many to chose from. Try talking to different people and also try out different machines. Good luck.

I talked to my mom and she has my grandmas old brother machine that she is going to give me. I am going to try that out but I am still going to a sewing shop that offers several different machine brands and free lessons and support for my questions. Their site was very friendly looking and had quite a bit of info.

Honey, take that Brother machine to a reputable service center and have it cleaned and put in order so you can learn on it. You are so lucky that your mom has offered this to you. Then when you are more experienced, you can buy a machine that will suit your needs. Happy sewing.

Star, I'm so glad your mom has a machine for you. I started out with a machine that only did straight stitch and didn't even reverse. I guess a lot of us did. Anyway, you'll have a machine and you can get started and explore other options along the way.

Best of luck with your new baby!

I've had Singer, Brother and 2 Bernina's. If you can afford it, I highly recommend a Bernina. I love mine - just got the new 830. And my dealer gives free classes to those who buy from her. I would think that would be a requirement of a Bernina dealer, but maybe not. The Bernina website has a world of information too. Good luck on your purchase!

And if the Bernina is out of the question, which would you prefer, the Singer or the Brother. I've had Singer, White, and New Home (and Janome), but never a Brother. How does it compare?

Brother over the Singer, but then it was the newer of the two. I had an Esante embroidery machine. I really liked it, but then it started messing up some. I had two friends that had Berninas and they convinced me to get one. I bought a 730 in March of 2008, and my dealer said she'd give me full retail on it if I upgraded to the 830 (my 730 was still less than a year old). I just couldn't pass that up and got the 830 this past March with 36 month no finance charges. My DH told me to get a new machine as much as I like to sew, quilt and embroider. I told him what I wanted was really expensive, and he said to get what I wanted, so I did. Love Bernina!

That DH is a keeper !

Most definitely! He also let me get the quilting frame at the same time!

sounds like mine he is always trying to get me to buy something but I am the one looking at the price tags!! once I get going then he can get me something bigger! :lol:

Good for you!

You're so lucky. By the way, have we seen a close-up of the quilt in your avatar? I like what I see. Is it a kaleidoscope? Or are those stars?

Thanks so much. The pattern is called Tilted Squares and it was my first time paper piecing., which I really enjoyed once I got the hang of it. I'll see if I can attach another picture. I made it for my daughter that just graduated from college. She picked out the material and you can tell she likes bright colors. I tend to go be drawn more to traditional and dark colors. I didn't know how it would turn out, but it's actually my favorite of all the quilts I've made. Now my son, who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007, wants one in VT colors, which are orange and maroon. He's picked a pattern with lots of tiny pieces that calls for about 35 different fabrics. You can imagine how hard it is to find that many fabrics in those colors ( he said I could use other colors, but he prefers most to be VT colors), especially ones that are masculine. I've bought the fabric, but am almost afraid to start it.

I love it even more seeing the close-up. Gorgeous. And I can imagine your dilemma with the 35 fabrics. Did you go with all the ins and outs of oranges and maroons? I would think you could range from the almost-yellow of the yellow orange to the dark brownish maroons....and anywhere in between. I made a "pink" quilt for my GD#1's h.s. graduation. Went from the palest of pinks to the darkest of maroons. It was really nice. Lot of HSTs. Have lost the pattern, darn. Would love to make another one. It was in an old magazine.

The choice of colors in your avatar quilt is really nice. :thumbup:

Thank you for the compliment. And your suggestion on the shades is what I tried to do for DS's quilt. I need to make a design board so I can play with the fabrics before I sew them. Do you have a picture of the "pink" quilt to share?