sewing machine
09-10-2011, 07:43 AM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cedar Creek, TX
Posts: 171
Originally Posted by jfowles
My son and daughter in law want a basic sewing machine for Christmas, mostly to do mending but if they like it I think they may do more with it. What are your suggestions for a good, not too expensive, not alot of whistles and bells, dependable machine. I have and love my Bernina and am not going that pricey. I've looked at a lot of Brothers, the price range is huge and I have no idea which is better than another and why. I was also thinking of a Janome. Ant suggestions would be very helpful, I don't know where to start and this board has a wealth of sewing machine experience. Thanks in advance.
09-10-2011, 07:50 AM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,470
Depending on what they may be mending, I'd still consider a Bernina. Many dealers will have some good used ones as people buy the new line that was just released and as others make holiday purchases.
My Bernina can sew though anything. Several layers of denim, no problem. There just aren't that many machines out there that will do that without getting hung up.
My Bernina can sew though anything. Several layers of denim, no problem. There just aren't that many machines out there that will do that without getting hung up.
09-10-2011, 07:55 AM
#46
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saba, Dutch Caribbean
Posts: 28
I am on a small Caribbean island - read no machine type support - and teach young people to sew and more importantly quilt. I have bough the Brother Project Runway refurbished machines for them to use. They work beautifully and many quilts have been made on them. I bought them from Amazon.com for about $120 with free shipping to our US drop location so reasonable if you are in the US. For myself I can't beat a Janome or Kenmore (made by Janome).
09-10-2011, 08:24 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 422
I agree with the support (locally) and that Sears backs their mechandise/ products. I have used nothing but Kenmore. Last year I got a warranty replacement for the Kenmore, and when I got home, realized that it was made by Janome. I had the other machine for 28 years, and the head is guarranteed for 30 years, but I couldn't get it to do the zigzag stitch. It was electronic, and apparently something in the head that was not fixable so they just gave me a new one. I didn't buy the most expensive machine in the 80's, but it was very good for the time, so they told me pick whatever I wanted.
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
go get a Kenmore! Seriously, they are made by the same folks that make Elna & janome and you get better service/warranty on them. sears carries all sorts of feet, etc. Do you homework and research the Kenmore machines..there are many out there that are superior to the so called quilting machines...after all, a sewing machine is meant to last, the modern quilter will go thru 3-4 machines in 10 years trying to find the PERFECT one....
09-10-2011, 08:43 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,927
Start at Brubakers for a slightly used Janome, first. Check Allbrands.com. Both places you will not pay sales tax and sometimes no shipping...Brubakers is great with service. Before discovering Brubakers, I purchased machines from Allbrands,...never a problem with them....much prefer Brubakers...wonderful staff.
D in TX
D in TX
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Central Ohio Quilter
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
37
08-06-2017 06:38 PM
mind over matter
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
02-25-2015 07:01 AM
Alawai
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
39
12-29-2014 08:25 AM
