I am with you. When I decided to join the quilt guild I bought a new machine. Absolutely hated the thing. Picked up a 301a for $75, it goes to evey guild meeting and UFO day. While the others are fidgeting with their shiny new machines mine just purrs on with beautiful even straight stitches. The others have shiny new ones with a multitude of fancy stitches, but mine is a dull tan with one very dependable stitch and I would not trade for anything.

I went through a similar experience taking classes with my Kenmore sewing machine. Everyone had a Pfaff or Babylock or Bernina etc and there I was with my Kenmore-my only machine that I had bought when $ were really tight. Now don't get me wrong I would LOVE a computerized sewing embroidery machine one day but I have to tell you-my machine is an absolute workhorse-sews ANYTHING I throw at it. I even quilted a queen size quilt on it before I had a clue what I was doing. I have to admit I love my little Kenmore geared for quilting which cost me around $129 on sale.

Last year, I bought a Singer Stylist computerized machine. I thought it was time to upgrade. I took it to a FMQ class and had more trouble with the thing and got really frustrated, was working on another project and it was skipping stitches like crazy. So I pulled out the manual, did everything it said to do and it still skipped stitches, it didn't like the thread I was using, I was breaking needles, etc. Finally, I just pulled out my old trusty Kenmore because I just needed to sew and whattayaknow....she just sailed right on through and I was so excited. I just recently oiled it and cleaned it (under the throat plate and all) where I found what looked like felted material :lol: and she still works like a dream....I'll figure out what's up with my fancy Singer eventually, but in the meantime, my Kenmore does me just fine!!!

Me too!!! I pieced my avatar on it, I made several big quilts on it and all kinds of stuff....I love my Kenmore.... And mine was a gift...it didn't cost me anything!!

if your machine does the job then don't worry. I worry about students who come to class with machines that can't do the projects - like the Gems for a free motion class. Although I've done free motion on featherweights but projects were small. So find out what the project will be.
If the smaller macines make good stitches and even and consistent then that is all you need.

always "test drive"

I have a featherweight and she is adorable with a great stitch, BUT, my dinky cheap Brother is my go-to machine. Never had a problem. It isn't fussy about thread. So enjoy your little Brother and the great quilts you can make on it.

If anyone says any thing, tell them it is your carry around machine, you other one is at home. They dont need to know. LOL. lots of folks have a smaller, cheaper machine to carry around. DH uses a cheap Jenome, it sews great.

You should never feel embarrased about anything you have! I wouldn't dare take my so called good machines to a class. You define good machines as you see fit. We are all at different stages with our machines, sewing and quilting.

I would advise you just first decide what you can afford for a machine that would serve your pupose and then go from there. Then look at the capabilities of the machine...straight stitch, buttonholes, fancy stitches, embroidery etc., then you will be more able to determine which is best for you. What are you interested in for now and the future will be your best determining factor. If you think you would enjoy getting into more than basic sewing then look at ones with more features, if not then look at the ones that are tried and true for the features you desire. You just need to worry about what you need and what provides that need and NOT what others think about whatever machine you may have....

I learned to quilt on the same machine, it suited my needs. A straight stitch is a straight stitch and that is all I needed at the time. A few years later I upgraded to a Kenmore Elite because I wanted to be able to add some fancy stitches to my quilting. I am very happy with it.

I love my mid-line Brother with the needle down feature. I do have an old singer with a good stitch but rarely use it as I get too frustrated with out the needle down The best invention on the newer machines...the rest I could do without.

I never pay attention to the other machines in class. I have a Janome 6600P and love it but need a smaller machine to tote. I don't like the Janome Jem but a lot of other people do. I hear it is a workhorse and very reliable. Just not a lot of options.
Diane/Wyoming

I have two Brother machines. I love them both.

If you're happy with it, then don't let other peoples machines or comments affect you.

I have a Pfaff and 2 Singers and a Kenmore. I went to a retreat and took my Featherweight. Several people came over to ask whether that was the only machine I had brought. After talking for a while they were impressed. The next day one of the husbands dropped in and she brought him over to show him the Featherweight so he would know what to look for at auctions so she could get one too. I look at the heavy machines that others bring to retreats and most of them are doing only a straight stitch. If I know I am going to need a zigzag stitch I take the portable Singer which has some fancy stitches too. Use what you have and feel sorry for all the weight the other have to carry in with fancy machines.

I wouldn't worry about it. Yes, the fancy machines are nice, but not very portable. I've been thinking of buying a smaller, less expensive machine to travel with and take to MIL's when we sew together.
In the end it's the talent of the seamstress/quilter, NOT the sewing machine!

Don't feel badly about your inexpensive Brother machine. If it sews the stitches you need for the class, then you are fine. I know the feeling though. For years I went to a week-long sewing conference. Almost everyone there had Husqvarna-Viking machines. They looked down on my Bernina Artists 200 and it probably cost more than most of their machines. I love my Bernina and I got over the others looking down on it. At the last conference, I did notice that several people had newer model Berninas and one person even had an Elna so I wasn't alone anymore.

I have one of those fancy computerized machines. But the only reason I have it is because my old faithful finally died on me. I had it for over 25 years and it sewed 2 little girls clothes and numerous quilts. My husband told me to find a really good machine becuase I worked on it so much. So I did. I got a Pfaff Creative 4.0 and do not regret the decision. The only drawback is that it is so big and heavy that it is hard to take to classes, retreats, etc. I am thinking of getting a littler machine for that.

I'm like everyone else if it works for you don't worry about it The fancy machines are nice but if you don't need all the fancy stuff on them then it is a waste of money. It's like buying a Cadillac to drive to the mailbox and back.
Enjoy the class and be happy that you can make just as lovely quilt as the rest.

I just started getting involved in my subdivision's weekly sewing group and took my Featherweight(I have a BAD back & can't carry heavy objects) to class and was shocked at everyone's machines. They had the HIGH end machines(money was evidently NO object for these ladies) and I only had the OLD machines(White & Kenmore) that are in cabinets so I didn't get involved before until I acquired my Featherweight. The next week I went to class three other ladies brought their Featherweights. They all said they were tired of carrying their HEAVY good machines to class when all we do is straight stitch sewing anyways. I just consider all the extra money that I can spend on fabric. Sure I'd love to have a high-end machine, but being on disability this will never be in the budget unless my hubby wins the lottery and we both know this won't probably happen either, lol!!

Millstreammom

I have expensive machines and some very old machines to be very truthful I will take my older machines for quilting any day over the expensive machines. the old sears kenmore gives a very good straight stitch and free motion quilts good too. The old old singer only does a straight stitch, but boy can it give you a good stitch and also has more room for free motion quilting. Also I can clean and fix them myself without paying my dealer apprx. 129.00 a year to clean and check my expensive machines. Please don't feel any less for having the machine you have, just use what you can afford and what works for you.

good Luck

suzy

I am a Singer person. I was raised with Singers and just never strayed off. All of my friends have Pfaffs and the high end Brothers, but I always liked the wind in bobbin feature.

We all take different machines to classes, mainly due to weight.
No one really pays attention, we are too busy.As long as you are happy with the stitches, then keep taking your Brother to classes....that's sounds funny....my brother wouldn't be caught in a quilt class....If you want a good dependable starter computer machine, try your local dealer, shop around there, then go to allbrands.com. They always have a deal on a computerized machine and free shipping...also no tax. I have purchased thee machines for daughters and never had any problems at all. They have the following on sale for $299, reg. $500 - Janome DC1050- 50 Stitch Computer Sewing Machine 1/4 & 1/2" Lift, 3x 1Step Buttonhole, Threader, Tack St, Memory Needle Up Down, Speed Limit, Drop Feed. Just a thought....
D in TX

WOW!

I love my 50 stitch Janome and it was very reasonably priced because it was last years model. I also have a 401 Singer Slantomatic from the late 50's. It's a great sewing machine too. I'm not really considering upgrading as these can probably do way more than I can.

Millstream Mom

Why would you get rid of what seems to be working? Just look at the money that you saved on the stitches that you are not using! I guess that what I am trying to say is, if you are happy with your current machine then save your money! Or I guess you have to ask yourself do you really need all you extra stitches, gizmos, and gadgets to sew straight lines? Personally all I need is to go forwards and backwards, straight stitch and zig zag, so everything else would be lost on me! lol
Thoughts to ponder!

TreeFrog

I have a Brother LS1520 that I paid $20. for.
A Singer Fashion Mate 288 that I paid $7. for.
A Singer Fashion Mate 252 that I paid $2. for.

They all work just fine.
I also have 2 others on the carport
with 3 cabinets that were FREE.
That I have not checked out yet.

Ok with me (5 machines) that I paid $29. for.
J J

I am encouraged by your post and the replies to it. I love my cheapy Brother, but felt "funny" at the prospect of taking it to classes. Now I don't. Thank you.

Occasionally I teach basic sewing classes to interested persons, usually they bring their own machines, by far and away the two that show up are inexpensive brothers purchased at walmart, and vintage kenmores. I had one student that took back a balky brother that jumpstarted everything, and she found a pre owned brother at a yard sale for 35$ that was almost new and worked like a charm. I have lots of vintage singer machines for student use, and prefer the simpler machines for teaching the principles involved in sewing. Most of the time the new, flashy machines are just too complicated to absorb when learning to sew. All you really need for quilting is a dependable straight stitch and a few attachments. LESS is always better in my opinion!:)

I have one machine that is a Janome Memory Craft 3000 That is about 18 years old and although I would love to have a Tin Lizzie and a fancy embroidery machine I am very thankful for what I have. I am sure the others in your class thought nothing of it. If they did it is them that has a problem not you.

I have my 30 year old Kenmore yet...still going strong and I have a FW that I take to classes too...Love machines

I got a great find at a yard sale, it ended up costing me $45.
to get cleaned up and the electic cord, and stuff replaced,
It only sews straight stitch, and it is great for just taking
for classes, I know it is hardy and I don't have to worry
about my good one getting banged around transporting.
I also have a $7.00 iron that I haul around for classes,
it's great, I like it better than my good one. Don't worry,
Quilter's aren't sewing machine snobs.

This probably won't help you much, but I tend to like the older, non-computerized machines. I still have my over 30-year-old Kenmore. I got a wonderful treadle last summer, which sews beautifully. My sister bought me a new Brother last year, too. I just bought a vintage mid-arm machine. When I see what they can make, I feel like a queen.

If you're happy with your machine, that's all that counts. I have a Brother SQ 9000. I got it for taking to classes. It only weighs 10 lbs. I have a bad back. Have a Bernina 930 at home but it's not easily portable - too heavy among other things. Don't let those other quilters intimidate you. You'll have beautiful quilts without putting out nearly the money.

I feel if you are happy that is what matters. Your's is paid for and maybe those others in the class aren't...
Nothing wrong with a machine that meets your needs. Don't be embarassed, you have a nice machine.

I have a one and only machine and it is an Elna. I like it because it is light to carry or move. I had a Necchi I bought for $500 in 1957 and had it for 45 years, but it was so heavy you needed a fork lift to move it. I like my Elna and does everything that I am interested in plus a few extras that if I get up the nerve I will try.
Rita

I totally agree!

Well seeings how my "newest" machine is a Singer 403a that my Mom bought new in the 50's or 60's and my other machine is a Singer Featherweight...I guess you could say I don't really care too much for the newer ones do I? lol Might be fun to play on someone elses just to see what one is like, but as long as mine keep working I don't see myself buying one of the new fandangled ones.

My fancy Viking stays home when I go to a class. I slip a small antique Feather Weight into a tote bag and grab my supplies while the other ladies fight with huge wheeled suitcases - lol

My mother sew on a Brothers for years and they are a great machine...if it does what you want(mostly) good for you....you have more money left over to buy fabric.