Deborahlees

I would go with a used trade in....and go from there....do you have a local shop to go to...ask questions, ask questions....and yes need and want ARE two different things. I have a friend that has spent a small fortune on sewing machines, every year getting the newest one out.....with all the additional bells and whistles....and NO she does not use them, and yes all she does is sew forward and back.......and I don't think she is any happier than I am .....with my older machine....

Sewnoma

When I bought my Janome, I had very specific desires. Make sure you know what you really want in your new machine - test drive lots of them to find out what you want. I REALLY wanted a bigger "throat". I wanted a heavier machine that had the thread cutter button (I LOVE that button). A few other things were on the "have to have it" list.

I also wanted a machine I could "grow into", so I deliberately got something more advanced than I felt I currently needed.

Then I tried to figure out how long I expected to use the machine. I expect this machine will be my "main" machine for at LEAST 10-15 years. This helped me sort of amortize the cost out a bit and make sure I was getting enough "bang" for each buck.

In the end, I'm very happy with my machine, zero regrets. Happy hunting for yours!

Neesie

Who's been saying negative things about your sewing machine purchase? Tell us and we'll go stomp on his/her/their feet!!!

cmw0829

Sewing machine dealers - oh my!! Almost as bad as used car dealers. They will take a look at you and try to sell you what they think you can afford. They will try to sell what they need to push in any given month. (I wanted to look at the Horizon but they poo-pooed it saying "you dont' want that - it has had mother board problems") and then steered me to a Viking 875. The next month, still looking, they steered me to the Horizon.

Figure out what you want and then go shopping for machines that have the features you want. Trust other owners for the issues they've had rather than listening to the dealers.

Good luck and try to have fun with the search.

misskira

I love my brother pc420. It was $420 on amazon, has a gazillion stitches and is easy to use. It has a decent amount of harp space and many of the features of a $2000+ machine. For someone like me who is on a budget but still wants a high quality machine with computerized features, this is a good way to go.

Glenda m

I love your Avitar. Wonder why? LOL

Amythyst02

When I went shopping about this time last year, I went with my list in hand of things I HAD to have on my new machine. I went with the fabric I was working on at the time, so I could test drive it with my fabric, not theirs. The one thing I learned here from all these kind folks was we are all different in the things that are important to us, so chose what is right for you.

I do not have a top of the line machine but I do have a very good one, for me. I found her sitting over on the shelf with the used/trade in machines. There she sat all by herself because she had been a store display machine. There is another name for them, but for the life of me I cannot think of it. She had all the things that came with her new, and even the large add on table. Does she do everything I wanted? Yes, but now I have thought of things I would have added to that list.

I am one of those folks that truly love all those decorative stitches and I use them. So the more stitches the better. lol.

But at the end of the day, no one can decide what is best for you, but you. Don't let the pushy sales folks steer you in the wrong direction. I was so lucky, the lady that helped me, was so nice, and continues to answer my questions, and help me even today. She let me try out every machine I was interested in. She told me the pros and cons, but never tried to convince me one was better than the other.

Good luck in your search. Have fun, and hope you find that perfect machine !!

QuiltinMama

Write down what you want in a machine such as wide throat space, blanket stitch, etc... I have to have the needle down option on my machine and I love the option that i have to make the stitches wider .... it is like everything else you have to do your research and if there is a quilt show near you ...go and try out the machines ... and sometimes at the shows they give Great discounts ...!!
hugs
quiltinmama

hunters grammy

I started out with a small Janome a long time ago - I still use it going to classes or special events - it is light weight and does a good job at sewing. I work part-time at a fabric shop that sells Babylock and Viking machines. After watching, listening and learning about our machines, I bought a Viking Sapphire 875 - I love mine too. I have now added a Viking Ruby embroidery machine.....I love it too. One good thing about Viking - the bobbins, feet and accessories are interchangeable on all Viking models. And, like Rose Marie says - the large throat is a blessing in handling large quilts. That was one of the main attractions of the Viking when I was looking for a machine. I have friends with Berninas - Try a lot of different machines - don't let them confuse you. Just try them - you'll know if you like the features and if it feels good to you when you sew - kinda like driving a new car. Make sure of warranties and if you need something replaced, repaired or just a good cleaning/tune-up - it is helpful to know a good reputable place to have it done. I am a believer in good machine maintenance and a trustworthy person that works on them. Good luck to you and let us know what you decide.....

coopah

I have a FW which is and looks used. Also have a lovely Pfaff. The FW is my machine of chnoice unless I need decorative stitching!! So do as others suggest and figure out what you really, really NEED and then go gor a good quality machine that does what you need.