Quilter101

I recomend Singer as well. I have one from 2000 something, and it is just fine, but about the same as yours, but I can quilt on it, and 4 layers of demin it does without an problem. Well, not much, if you go slow. My other is also a singer from the 80s. Aside from a speed control problem and it is ridculous to thread, it is my workhorse. Then what I would recomend and you have probaly never heard of is a Riccar. They are really good quality, I have one from the 60s, but I have heard they are really good still. Ready for me to stop talking about my sewing machines yet ;)?

wraez

I have a Janome6500 which I love. On the expensive side, at least for my purse, but I put it on layaway for about 6 months, the dealer was wonderful. Once you have a Janome 6500 or 6600 you get free classes to go to as often as you want or need. First year you get one free servicing.

The Janome replaced a sturdy Kenmore that I had for over 35 yrs. The Kenmore is still a comfortable friend to have when my grandkids want to sew.

Oh, and the Janome has a larger throat than most for easier quilting....but not as easy as a long arm, LOL.

tonip

I had the same problem about 10 years ago when I returned to sewing. I found a web site that had so many sewing machines I wished I wouldn't have found it! But I did contact the site, got Stephen who helped me sort out exactly what I was looking for in a new machine. Support was more than I hoped for from a web site. Shipping was $12 ( I think. Or maybe 10.) www.sewvacdirect.com is the web site. I took a quick trip there just now to be sure I had the address right and there's a link on the home page to Meet our Staff. I don't have any financial interest in the site, just know that overwhelming feeling of CHOOSING! Stephen never once said, " For Pete's Sake! Make up your mind!" Imagine that. And from his picture, he's a man;-)

jigsymom

I have a lightweight compuerize Janome that I take to classes and our weekly quiling group when I need to sew. Its a good machine but it won't sew demim or multiple layers . I also want a more heavy duty machine to keep at home. I have an old "Sears" machine that I had been planning to give to my daughter as she does alot of sewing also. Right now I am thinking I may just pull it out and not bother with a new machine. I know it will sew denim.lol I bought my daughter a Singer a couple years ago for 99 dollars and she says it does pretty good for small lightweight projects. What I don't like about the new machines is the fact you have to take them in once a year and spend money to have them "tuned up" Is this something with all machines now. I also hate one of the local dealers here as its sort of a high pressure sale to interest you in a more expensive machine. I also would like to know about a good reliable machine in the 500 dollar range .

Sara Street

I agree that you have received tons of good advice! My two cents to add is this: look at the dealer as well! I was equally considering a Husquavrna Viking and a Bernina. I let my guard down and let a super salesman and a willing to buy husband persuade me to buy the Husquavrna. (You know, hubby might change his mind later... so buy now!) It is a super machine and I absolutely love it, BUT the dealer only has a very minimum of classes - take it or leave it. No "extra" classes of any kind, and the sales staff are snooty! The manager that I bought from left the store for health reasons and now they treat me like a red-headed stepchild. On the other hand, the Bernina dealership have lots and lots of classes, a great monthly newsletter, and are super friendly and helpful - even when they know that you don't have a Bernina! (I do have a Bernina Deco embroidery machine...) If I ever get to upgrade again, I'll definitely go to Bernina!

Just something else to think about!

Sara Street

KayBee

Especially for quilting - a Janome 6500 - a real work horse with many great features!

Skeat

I started out w/a Janome 3200 for $299....then upgraded due to the short throat space...and, yes, I was quilting in it anyhow! I upgraded to the Janome 6600 for $1,600. I love both and use both still all the time. I have friends that come over and sew and use the one I am not. Both go thru much and go thru it w/style:))Here's something to consider...I think we are thrifty and sometimes too thrifty of people. We will settle for less to be thrifty. This is not the place to settle for less! I always tell my dh...more power-more power!! :)Go into sites like Janome.com and put in the search exactly what you are wanting a machine for. Look at your options. I know service is important to some, but, am here to tell you I have so far done all my own servicing w/o a person to do it for me. (which is seriously oiling and cleaning only-they are work horses!) So, that is something to consider either way. No sense in paying a small change here when you will spend the bigger amount later then you spent more money in the long run:))LOL W/my 6600 I wanted to sew fassssster and have the bigger throat opening for quilts. Will prob put this on a quilt frame some day and then piece w/my smaller Janome as not to have to keep moving things back and forth. You can get an embrod machine/sewing all in one...it just doesn't stop there!:))LOL Keep us posted! Skeat

sclc11

I agree with Sara. My husband gave me a D1 Viking for my 40th Birthday. I really do love it, but for the money I would have purchased a Bernina. I find the Bernina dealers have more classes and support overall. The Viking staff seems only want to sell machines. Very little classes not related to the Viking machines. Test drive your machine and make sure you have a good dealer behind it to support you and the machine. It is a big investment and you should have something that everytime you sit down to sew, you can do exactly that!

lass

I had my aunt's viking, but when it became difficult to get parts I bought a new one - a Sapphire 830. I love it. Has two lights a large opening and other things. I probably would have gotten the more expensive one if I had thought about more. But I needed to sew, sew, sew and after over a month of looking decided on that one.

Kara

Had this problem with my mom's old machine (which I was given after she got a newer one). Oh, the problems it game me....

My DH gave me hard time about wanting a new machine. But I reminded him of all the higher end tools for the wood shop that we bought over the years. (You know -- this one does this BUT this one does all that and MORE) He says it was a guilt trip. Have a Pfaff now and LOVE it. Hoping to upgrade to a higher end in the future - higher ends have a wider stitch width and so much more fun stuff... :-)