My sewing machine is history!

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11-25-2010, 06:54 PM

#91

Sanhope

Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Franklin, NC

Posts: 18

No matter what your favorite machine is.... Don't buy anything unless you can try it out yourself. I bought a serger at Joannes that was only sold on line. I had tried to try out what they had at another out of town location and no one was available to let me try it out.
This turned out a waste of money. Back to factory and they sent back ..worked for around 1 to 2 hours.
Buy local.... They want it to work and if it is defective they can send it back and you stay out of the middle. Remember the store wants your friends to also come purchase and be happy.
Make the best choice and spend your time sewing instead of feeling bad you made a bad decision you can't undo.

11-25-2010, 09:14 PM

#92

Peg-TX

Member

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Houston, TX

Posts: 97

I do know Janome has some great machines that do not cost an arm and a leg. I don't have one, but know plenty that do and love them. The Bernina's are supurb at anything they do but still is and will always be the Jaguar of sewing machines. It is possible to get an older model for more $ but I can almost guarantee it will be FAR SUPERIOR to a Singer. Hands down. Sold these machines for many years and know the million pluses. Use to tell my students that would not let their children learn on their Bernina's that is is much better to let them learn on a fine piece of equipment than hate sewing because they can't get the machine to act right. Shop around and see what you can get something for. The Bernina stores sometimes have some great deals on other brands after having been traded in on a new Bernina. Lots of fun.

Peg-TX
Innova 18"

11-25-2010, 09:17 PM

#93

bjdemir

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Oregon City, OR

Posts: 876

I love my little Janome and my big Brother. Check with a local dealer and see your machince can be repaired or if they will take in on a trade. All they can do is say no. May save you some money. But I certainly agree, be sure to try out the machine before you buy and if they offer classes be sure to take them. I have had my Brother for 7 months now and am just going to take the classes the first Saturday in December. I wish I taken them a little sooner as it would be easier to figure out how do some of things I want to do. In the end, enjoy your new machine.

11-25-2010, 09:39 PM

#94

purplefiend

Super Member

Join Date: May 2010

Location: Round Rock,Texas

Posts: 6,135

Peg18-TX,
I taught my daughter to sew on my Bernina 1031( 1st new good machine) and I'm so glad I did. She loves to sew, she's 23 now and has had 2 Berninas; both older than she is/was. A 730 was her 1st, she sold it and then bought a 930. She just loves her 930.
She fell in love with my 930 and I said sorry honey the will hasn't been read yet. :lol: She found her own and has no desire for anything newer.
I do love my antique/vintage Singers, they are wonderful machines.
Sharon W. in Texas

11-25-2010, 10:05 PM

#95

Annaleehunter

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Posts: 606

I went to the local Babylock dealer and got a great price on a used Bernina. It cost me 1/4 of what the machine is still selling for today. Just a thought.

11-26-2010, 12:31 AM

#96

KyKaren1949

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2009

Location: Owensboro, KY

Posts: 1,420

I personally don't think the Singers are made like they were years ago. I would agree that the Janome is a great machine. I've been using the Quilter's Dream #3160 for several months now and am very happy with it.

I think it would be better to buy a used "good" machine than settling for a cheaper brand.

Berninas are also excellent, but I think they're pricey. It's expensive to purchase the attachments as well. However, you might be able to find one that has been traded in that comes complete with accessories.

I'd definitely check with your local sewing machine specialist where you can get service.

11-26-2010, 04:10 AM

#97

Dodie

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Wyoming

Posts: 1,460

yje service men here told me they cannot work on those machines sold at JoAnns or WalMart as they cannot get them to keep the right tension Good luck in finding a machine I would also check through a dealer

11-26-2010, 04:56 AM

#98

Annaleehunter

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Posts: 606

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annaleehunter

I went to the local Babylock dealer and got a great price on a used Bernina. It cost me 1/4 of what the machine is still selling for today. Just a thought.

One other thought... I do everything I possibly can on my featherweight. The Bernina is an extra toy at this point b/c I haven't figured out how to effectively use it. There is nothing better than the old machines.

11-26-2010, 05:33 AM

#99

sherriequilts

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: CA & NM

Posts: 1,120

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peg-TX

I think you really should check out repairing your machine, especially if you have been happy with it and save for a GOOD (even if somewhat expensive) machine. Dealers and repair shops often have great deals and stand by what they sell. I got my second Elna SU for $250 and love them both. Unfortunately, at my age and after having both knees replaced they are a bit heavy for me to carry around, so I am looking for a Featherweight now. Go for quality not price and you won't regret it! Good Luck.

11-26-2010, 06:26 AM

#100

PattyJean

Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: MO

Posts: 95

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lori S

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quilter7x

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holice

be sure you have access to service when you get a new one.
you might do better getting a good used one from a reputable dealer.

I second that idea. If you have a local sewing machine dealer, then I'd check there first. I know our local one takes trade-ins when people are upgrading to a better machine, so they routinely have a stock of good used machines. And they service each one before they resell it in their "used" lot.

I will third this recommendation.

Janome just came out with some new machines in May, so lots of people traded in their predesessors for the new ones. A Janome Jem Platinum would be a great machine for basic sewing. It has 60 stitches on it, so it does a little more than just sewing. It's only 12 lbs, which is great for carrying to classes. New, this machine went for $500, but I saw them last year for $439 and now that the replacement model came out, I'm sure you can pick up a used one from a dealer for around $350 or so. Bernina's are also very nice machines, but they're more expensive. Bernina's are known for their beautiful stitches.

Even if it takes you a few days to decide what to get, do some homework so you will get a machine you can get a lot of use from. Use the search function here on the various brands of sewing machines to get people's ideas and use Google to get world wide information/reviews on machines. Borrow someone else's machine to finish your Christmas gifts on if you need to.

Wishing you lots of luck finding a great Christmas present! :lol:

Let me be the fourth to completely agree , the older used machines are SOOO much better than the cheap new ones.

I will be another one that agrees with this statement. If you buy from Joanne's and you have problems, it is a real big deal to get any satisfaction or repairs. Had that happen to a friend. I also agree that going to your local dealer(s) and looking for a reconditioned one isn't a bad idea if you are trying to keep expense down. My Bernina dealer has great deals and checks out used machines very well before reselling. There are a lot of good ones out there. Good Luck!