Sewing Machine Question...
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Lake, MS
Posts: 627
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.
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,283
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
mltquilt
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 412
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.
#34
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MISSISSIPPI
Posts: 54
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
#35
Originally Posted by Babs194068
Originally Posted by miss_ticky2
I'm another Janome fan (I have the 7700 Horizon too)and I don't think you would go wrong with a Janome. The Horizon is quite expensive but I don't think there's anything else I would want on a machine for quilting...it has an extra large harp area for fitting large quilts into an a host of stitches, including a few different blanket stitches. I love to applique with mine as well. And I love the built in walking foot.
But, as suggested, go and try them out and see what might suit you and your budget the best.
Good luck with it :)
But, as suggested, go and try them out and see what might suit you and your budget the best.
Good luck with it :)
I agree I love my Horizon.
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,021
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.
#37
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 62
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.
#38
Originally Posted by Tartan
What is your price range? I love my Bernina 440 QE but I know that is beyond what some people can pay. Mine cost about $3000.00 with the Bernina Stitch Regulator (Free Motion Quilting.)
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: WI
Posts: 706
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
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