I'm thinking of getting a new machine. Any thoughts on these two possibilities?
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: kannapolis, nc
Posts: 392
I'm not sure if I bought the same "heavy duty" singer but it was grey, I bought it from HSN and sent it back. The rag quilt I made with it fell apart in the washer (never had that problem before or since). If there are any sewing machine stores and or repair shops near you, look there first. You may be able to get a good deal on a used machine with a warranty.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
I agree, delay your purchase and keep sewing on your vintage machine as long as you can. You will feel like you upgraded with a quality machine such as a Bernina. If you can not wait, stay away from the singer. Look into getting a Brother from Costco. I have purchased two Brothers from Costco for my daughters and they are happy. You can't beat their return policy if you are not happy. The reason I told you to wait, is as much as my daughter loves her Brother sewing machine, she refuses to sew on my Bernina machine, as she feels she would notice the difference and not be content any longer. Smart girl. Be happy with what you have.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,622
The best sewing machine is one you use!! The vintage machines are great and with proper servicing/maintenance (done by you!) they sew on and on and on! The newer machines with all the stitches are also great because certain features can make things easier and more enjoyable, but the plastic parts break, servicing may need to be done at shop. Good luck with what you decide!
#15
Hi -- I've been sewing for about 16 months. I have a vintage machine from about 1960, very basic, non-computerized, of course. It doesn't have a walking foot and I can't find one, and it has some tension issues.
I'm thinking of getting a new machine. My budget is tight. Right now a local store has a Singer 4423 heavy duty machine (the gray one) for $120 and I've read good reviews of the Brother CS6000i with 60 built-in stitches which I can find for about $150.
Anyone had experience with either of these models?
I want the machine for quilting and for making bags from duck or home decor fabric, also little things like hemming curtains and making scarves.
Thanks for any comments or advice. Sorry if I've put this in the wrong category.
I'm thinking of getting a new machine. My budget is tight. Right now a local store has a Singer 4423 heavy duty machine (the gray one) for $120 and I've read good reviews of the Brother CS6000i with 60 built-in stitches which I can find for about $150.
Anyone had experience with either of these models?
I want the machine for quilting and for making bags from duck or home decor fabric, also little things like hemming curtains and making scarves.
Thanks for any comments or advice. Sorry if I've put this in the wrong category.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 351
Thanks for all the advice. I think my best course is to keep looking and thinking, visit the two local stores that sell machines and offer service, as well, and keep my eyes open for somthing sturdy and used. My biggest wish is for something that will quilt more readily -- the one foot I have with my machine squishes the layers together, and won't allow me to do anything but stitch in the ditch or straight across a little at a time.
#17
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 16
I have the brothersq9000 started free motion quilting on it but like some of the other members said I wanted a machine with a larger throat. So just this year I bought the PQ1500S machine and started quilting with it and because of the pin feed I almost finished it in a day, but I got interrupted and had to go to work on my job, then with the gardening season I haven' t finished it yet. I can't say enough about how well it is working for me. Like you I had to search for a machine that was not to costly. It is still pricey but I was able to purchase it with my income tax refund. I purchased it at an albrands for $599.00. We'll worth the price.Hope you find one you really like.
#18
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 16
I don't know anything about the singer machines,but I can tell you I have 2 brothers machine and I am very pleased with them. The first one is qs9000 I like it and did free motion quilting and used the design stitiches on it. But like some of the other members mentioned I wanted a machine with a larger throat for larger quilts, so I search the internet for a good and reasonal price machine and I came across the PQ1500S machine and after studying the reviews I purchased it and am so happy I did. It is well the price I paid for it. $599.00 at an albrands.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pine Grove, PA
Posts: 466
I like my Brother XR6060. I do miss the auto needle up & cut off. WE don't need those features, but gee are they nice! This Brother is in my vacation home, so I didn't spend a lot of money. BUT, I do recommend buying from a sewing machine store for a quality machine. This one is from Hancocks & is good, I'm happy..but if you can, buy a little better machine & you'll never be sorry.
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 102
I have an old Kenmore that is heavy and durable. I wanted new so I bought an inexpensive Singer which was junk and then an inexpensive Brother. Neither are good for free motion quilting. Gave the Brother to my granddaughter and the Singer I use mainly for mending. The Kenmore went in for cleaning and tweeking and it sews and free motions wonderfully. I decided to save until I could afford a better machine and two months ago purchased a Babylok. The new machine and my old Kenmore service me well. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for. Quilting requires a sturdy machine. I had to learn that lesson by my not so smart purchases.
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09-10-2011 08:13 AM