Latrinka

Check Amazon too, they offer some really great deals with free shipping.

My time

Have you checked at your local Goodwill? We sell our machines for 10 to 20 dollars. I have serviced so many wonderful machines there. If you don't see any on the floor ask the staff. We always have some in the back room. If your looking for a new machine both my daughter and I recommend the Brother CS6000. You get a lot of machine for your money. We have both had ours for 6 years and no problems.

matraina

I have a Brother SQ9000 fromWal*Mart. I think it's been replaced by the 9050. In any case, it has lots of stitches (more than I'd use), and is self threading. I think I paid $200. It's light weight, which allows me to take to class or on vacation without breaking my back.

FroggyinTexas

Go to Wally World and look at the Brother machines. They come with different features and lots of different prices and everyone I know who has one likes it. froggyintexas

mea12

i loved exploring the +/- $200 machines and feel janome and brother both have good ones. The Brother models do have a LOT more features for the same $$. I chose the MyStyle 100 and like it very much, but DO MISS needle up/down and variable needle positions. The trade-off there is I believe its a quality machine w/ metal frame and metal hook that should last a long time. Its important to know what your non-negotiables are before buying a basic machine. I have adjusted to the lack of needle up/down and also to the fixed center needle position but going this basic may not be for everyone and that includes some of the vintage models that also lack those features as well as adjustable foot pressure and ability to vary stitch width/length. These are the important things that many of the inexpensive machines don't have that can be deal-breakers for some people.

QandE2010

I have just researched machines for my granddaughter and the reviews on the following brothers have been good.
Either the CS6000i
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JQM1DE/...I2SC01VOA2I4R3

Or the PC420
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XE3FGO/...2BNN9VYC&psc=1

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Carol34446

I have a brother I got on Overstock.com for under $140.00. I has 80 stitches and is a good little machine. Not sure I would try and quilt a large quilt on it, small harp but could QAUG. It has a table and seems two work with any thread. Depends on what you want to do with it, I have some older ones including a 1970's Kenmore, 201 singer so this is my mending machine too.
I would stay away from new singers, not hear good things about them.

Rose Bagwell

The Brother SQ9185 that sells for $300.00 is on sale for 182.06. I have that one and I carry for class, has 130 stitches. I love it.

nycquilter

Lynnie, you are on Long Island, right? Are you anywhere near to or can get to Sew Right Sewing Machines on Union Turnpike in Bayside? Harvey, the owner, is amazing. He has many "pre-owned" machines, too. I have bought a used Husqvarna from him, two other Husqvarnas, the basic Husqvarna for my daughter when she was 10, and I think a Bernina way back. His repair work is fabulous. He has a great reputation, too. He is also very nice.

Belfrybat

I have the Brother CS6000i and absolutely love it. It weighs about 14 lbs, is compact and a real workhorse. I take it with me to retreats and sew alongs, but I use it mostly when piecing and watching videos. Without the extension table it sits on a 12" wide portable table I can pull up to my favourite chair. I bet I put 8 - 10 hours a week on that puppy. My Janome 8900 is jealous as I don't use it even half as much.

I have both a featherweight and Singer 301, but rarely use them as I like the automatic needle up/down and the precise 1/4" seam I can make with the Brother using their regular sewing foot and the piecing stitch (no. 37). It even comes with a walking foot and FMQ foot for no extra charge. Puts on zippers so easily and make great buttonholes. Did I mention that I really like this machine?