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  • Newbie in Mississauga needs advice on Sewing Machines.

  • Newbie in Mississauga needs advice on Sewing Machines.

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    Old 06-09-2019, 12:11 PM
      #11  
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    Join Date: Feb 2018
    Location: North Carolina
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    Hi and welcome from North Carolina!

    I wanted to step up from my little simple sewing machine several years ago and got one of those fancy computerized Vikings for pretty big $$$$. I was so sorely disappointed. It had all kinds of fancy buttons and switches, but it didn't last long and couldn't be repaired. The service guys said that it wasn't worth fixing. I went to Walmart and got a "Heavy Duty Singer." No bells or whistles, but it does everything I ask of it.

    Don't be so quick to toss your old Singer. It could be all you need.
    SillySusan is offline  
    Old 06-09-2019, 12:24 PM
      #12  
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    Originally Posted by mic-pa
    Go to a dealer or two or three and try out machines. Ask fellow quilters what there preference is and what you want in a sewing machine. You will get many answers here on the board but you dealer who you can depend on for good service when needed is important. So many variables you need to try them out and see what is available in the price range for you Good luck
    this is such an excellent answer!
    The last time I upgraded this is what I did and now asking someone
    else to pick a machine for me is like sending them to buy my clothes
    or shoes. I'm being funny but you have your own unique likes and
    dislikes and need to find out what they are.
    This thread may give you accessories/options to consider though.
    Also, when you narrow down the brand, googling reviews on prices
    might not be a bad idea.
    Some dealers will sock it to ya and others are much more fair.
    I'm not above buying gently used things either depending on what it is.
    Mousie is offline  
    Old 06-09-2019, 12:58 PM
      #13  
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    I think that you have to be aware of the features "available" in the price range you can afford in narrowing down what machine to get. Before I purchased my Babylock, the only feature I was aware of that I knew I wanted was an automatic threader. As I only had a simple mechanical sewing machine before, I was not aware of what kind of features were available, as until I had an opportunity of using them, I did not know I wanted those features.

    I think this is the basis for a new informative thread we should all contribute to. This could help many new quilters as to what is available on different price range machines, and what you find most useful on yours. Price vs. features is a important component of this. Comparing features available on a $300 machine with a $10,000 is of no help.

    I think that the poster needs to post their budget that they are working with, so more people could make some suggestions to help them out. What is mid level to one person, may mean a budget of not more than $500, where to another it is $3,000.
    Schill93 is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 12:47 AM
      #14  
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    Location: Upstate SC
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    I would suggest going to the websites of the major brands and see what they offer. Do a google search to find the manufacturers website.....Babylock, Bernina, Janome, Viking, Singer, etc. Nearly all of them list their machines, the features of that machine, the costs, where you can find a dealer, etc. They also generally have a way to compare the machines. Or go to the websites of the machines that are available from dealers near you. I suggest doing this before you go to a dealer so you are better prepared to try out the machine you are interested in.
    Welcome to the board but your question is extremely broad and difficult to answer without more information,as Schill93 has kindly pointed out.
    Good luck in your search......I think you may be awestruck at the machines available in the market today! Your pocketbook may be shocked as well!
    Murphy224 is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 02:33 AM
      #15  
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    There are a lot of machine choices nowadays....I just want to say Welcome to the QB. Please share back with us when and if you decide on a new machine.
    jmoore is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 03:33 AM
      #16  
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    From another neighbour- North York.
    Take your time. Actually take something you are working on and use it as you try out the machines. There are so many little features that you may think you don’t need but suddenly realize that they’re handy. My machine has a knee lift which I can’t quilt without. It’s like a third hand when manoeuvring a big quilt. It’s the little things that become important.
    Check out Guelph for a sewing machine place with a good variety of machines. Can’t remember the name right now but several friends have used them. Purchasing, classes, etc.
    craftdiva is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 04:07 AM
      #17  
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    Please don't discount an older/vintage machine. Good luck and happy quilting with whatever you get.
    QuiltMom2 is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 05:01 AM
      #18  
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    All of the above are great input. When you have narrowed it down take some of your own fabric to try the machine out--two pieces like you are making a block and if you want to quilt try it with 2 fabrics and a batting to see how that works. A lot of the stores use a stiffer piece of fabric that will indeed sew differently that your fabrics. Quilting and pieceing really are 2 different sewings. Hope you find your machine
    ka9sdn is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 05:38 AM
      #19  
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    Yes I lived in and purchased my very first pfaff over 40 years ago from a sewing machine business in our home town of Guelph! I still have it and it works fine. I have upgraded a few times as my life changed and we moved around but still can't bring myself to sell sell it!
    I think that same business still exists. You might consider a phone call and get some suggestions on a reliable machine that meets your price point! Good luck!
    suspendedglass is offline  
    Old 06-10-2019, 05:51 AM
      #20  
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    Location: Oregon
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    Originally Posted by Shazma Khan
    Hi I am new to quilting. At the moment I am using a a basic Singer sewing machine. I would now like to upgrade. What would be a good choice in mid level sewing machines for quilting?
    A question that comes to mind to me is: "Why do you want to upgrade"? Once you answer that question, you'll be well on your way to finding your new machine.

    Also, knowing exactly what "basic Singer" you have would help folks.
    Flyboy Jim is offline  
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