MarieM

Patti, do you want a new machine for the decorative stitches? It is important to figure out what type of sewing you do. When my Viking died and couldn't be repaired I was in a hurry so I bought what I thought was what I needed (I didn't think it through). There is nothing wrong w/the machine I bought but I've recently been buying a few vintage machines (some from the era of your Kenmore). They have stronger motors and I just love the power they have. You can get several different aftermarket feet and attachments for most vintage machines. I've also had some luck on e-bay.

There is also a "Vintage Sewing Machine Shop" on this board and the members are very helpful. Some of them may have what you need or be able to direct you to where to find it.

Regardless of what you do I hope you find the perfect sewing machine for your needs.

Marie

bearlea

I would say go with Bernina...I have 4 of them...they are worth the little extra money and are made in Switzerland...and the warranty is excellent...blessings

scrappy happy

I would not buy a sewing machine for Walmart. I did and come to find out it was a rebuilt machine and and not a new one. The book that come with it had a ladys name and phone no. in it and I called her and she was having the same problem that I was having. No where did it say that it was a repaired machine.
As for Pfaff, will I have the creative vision emboridery machine, long story not a good one. they are now sending me my 4th. new machine, the last one I had ran for 1 hr and 54 min. If I were u I would never get rid of your old machine . The older the Machine the better they are.
I have an old Dressmaker machine and that is on old work horse.
Thats my Story and I sticking to it. Good luck with your search.

overdew

Whatever you do, hang on to your old machine. I guarantee that you will go back to "old faithful" in the future, no matter what machine you purchase.

so2sew

Yes, test driving is the best and can only be done at a sewing machine store. Make sure you can get good service too. Please don't buy from a department store or wal-mart type store. I have a Janome 6500 and love it.

angelhs

I just purchased a new machine. I researched on-line every brand that was sold in my area until I found what I wanted. I went to the dealer, who was having a sale on another machine of the same brand. I then told the salesman that I was really interested in another model and would wait until it was on sale. Amazingly, he was able to get permission to sell it to me at the sale price I had in mind. Also when I registered it on-line, the manufacturer said in no uncertain terms that if I bought it on-line and not from a dealer, they would not let me register it and would not stand behind it. It would have been a lot cheaper on line, but having a warranty was important to me.

sistie1

I had an old Montgomery Ward machine that had outlived it's usefulness, so I bought a Singer. Didn't like it for several reasons so returned it (no problem returning, but it was at the base exchange at an Air Force Base). I then bought a Brother machine with quilting capability at WalMart for around $200 and I love it.

judykaym

As a former store owner and dealer, Always buy a sewing machine from a dealer.......Dealers offer maintenance, classes, sometimes intitial training on the machine before you take it home. Machines are built different for dealers with with higher quality parts. If you have questions concerning the machine, the dealer will usually help you. Department stores:.."you buy it, its yours" You take it home in a box, No classes, maintenance programs,etc. Most generally the store employee won't know anything about the machine. Dept store machines are built for that store per their specifications. Sometimes its not the real thing. Also, the gal that mentioned on-line buying....her statement is absolutely true...no warranty, etc. Sometimes paying that extra $25 or $50 could be a big savings in the future having a waranty etc.

blahel

i too would love a Horizon! I am still saving! The thing that makes me want one (not the only reason) is the large harp space. If you decide to look at other machines another much used feature would be needle up/down. Check to see how many feet come with the machine as they can be expensive and see if they can at least throw in a few extra feet.Good luck with whichever machine you buy. Also listen to the ladies when they say buy from a dealer but as you have found out there are good dealers and not so good ones...

PS Stitcher

I would agree with a couple of the other posts. Go to a dealer that has machines on display that you can sit down and try several. Also, I would also say that it is important to have a dealer that is close to you that does repair work just in case that you need it.

I personally have a Bernina 440QE. And I absolutely LOVE my machine!

Good Luck!