MS quilter

Well, you guys must have better shops than I do. I was pressured to buy a machine, they wouldn't take it back, & I got no training. I won't go back there and there are no others within 60 miles. I prefer the older, metal machines anyway -much more reliable & fixable.

mltquilt

My first machine I purchased was a Singer purchased in the 80's. It still works and #2 daughter has the machine. I replaced it several years ago with a Bernina. As everyone has stated, try out machines at various dealers. Check out the reputation of the dealer. Listen to customers when you are in the shop. After finding a brand of machine and dealer then ask about used machines. They take trade-ins just like car dealers. Just make sure its the machine you like, not what everyone else likes or what the dealer wants to sell. Good luck.

mltquilt

lonestardreams

The best part of my sewing and embroidery machines is the dealer. They offer great support. I agree with those that mentioned working with a good dealer. I consider the dealer I purchase from a friend after all the time I have spent with them. AND, I love my machines.

missbelle

If your machine has a low shank (distance from screw holding foot on to machine bed) screw on foot there are generic feet that will fit. I think that from the age of machine it probably has screw on foot. Some fabric/quilting stores carry these feet. Generic feet are also made for the snap on foot. There are some generic shanks that use snap on feet. Lookup all information on machines through the internet, not necessarily through dealers. missbelle

quiltbuddy

I've always had mechanical machines such as Bernina, Pfaff etc. and just bought a Janome Horizon and I'm in love. I didn't think the computerized features would make a difference but they do and I absolutely love, love, love it.

Lena1952

The machine is how old and you've never had it serviced!! Here is a thought, PM with the model and let me see if I can find the manual. My son repairs machines for a living and has access to lots of older model manuals. Try Sew4less.com for attachments. Let's see if we can find what you need, have the machine serviced and Keep the old gal. They don't make'em like that any more. Just my thoughts on it.

brosier

Yes, I would go to the local dealers and actually sit down and sew on their floor models and get a comparison. I am particularly happy with my Janome machines - so much so that I hardly look at other brands anymore because they are not only reliable, but they sew beautifully. I hardly ever have anything that can't be sewn on one of them. (that's another thing - when new models are introduced, I generally end up buying 1, but I keep the old ones because I love them!) Anyway, I'd be surprised if, after shopping and comparing, you didn't end up with a Janome. Happy shopping.

kellen46

I have a 440QE as well and sew on it every day. I do everything on this machine and would not trade it for any other. However which ever machine you are going to buy I strongly suggest you go to a dealer for it. A dealer is going to be there for more than just the initial sale, classes, help with sewing problems, parts and service, all this is as important as the machine it's self. I get my machines cleaned and serviced every year. Just like you get your car serviced and tuned up regularly so you need to get your good sewing machine cared for. The dealer you buy from is the right person to care for your machine maintenance. Also dealerships frequently have sewing clubs so you might enjoy the get togethers and learning new techniques. You don't have to buy a computerized machine but you might find you are ready for an upgrade and that BSR is sure nice for free motion quilting.

brosier

For this, I'd highly recommend the Janome 6600!

writerwomen

First and formost clean and oil your machine. You can do this yourself just take your time and look it over. Can also find generic sewing machine care info on the internet. Check thrift stores for attachments that have the same style shank as yours. There are several types. Most common are a low shank, low shank square shaft, high shank, high shank square shaft, slant shank. There are others but not as common. Even if it doesn't say kenmore on the attachments they may work as most were made by only a handful of companies. Hang onto your machine it is a good work horse. New machines are not made of the same materials or quality. Most are made to be disposable and have a short life. Remember if you get into an electronic machine that you need to add that to the cost of repair as the cost goes up especially if it is on the computer board.Some repairs cost more then the machine- ask your local shop the cost of such a repair on the machine you lok at. Also the availability of a qualified repair person for the brand you choose. Many companies are refusing to deal with the little repair shop who doesn't specialize in their brand. If it is a nonelctronic machine you will have better success in finding someone to repair a manual machine. As far as a manual for the Kenmore. Go to the Yahoo group Vintage Sewing Mchine Collectors. Someone may have it. All the bells and whistles of a new machine are nice as long as they work