What sewing machine to buy?
10-17-2011, 11:54 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ft. Myers, Fl
Posts: 582
Get the brother, but look around and get the better one. And start checking the Salvation Army and thrift stores in your area. Forget the Goodwills. I picked up a Kenmore at my big SA store a couple of weeks ago for $14.99, and I love it. It had everything but a zigzag foot. THat actually cost me a couple bucks more than the machine...still well worth it.
10-17-2011, 01:37 PM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Posts: 1,649
I teach sewing, and occasionally let one of my students have one of my machines so they can sew at home. Hence was talking to my sewing machine mechanic a few days ago, and he said to stay away from all of the new Singers. They have been bought out, and the new ones are trash. I asked him what he recommended and he said the best ones on the market today are Brother and BabyLock. I have a Pfaff 7570, a Brother 6000i, a Viking 1100 that is on permanent loan, and a New Home older model. I like them all, but will only buy a Brother for a student now. You can get them reasonable. And if you want to buy on-line, go to Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, ALA. They are very reliable, reasonable, and do a great job of packaging for shipping. You can get a good Brother for around $100. Also, their factory reconditioned ones are great, too. Hope this helps. M
10-17-2011, 02:03 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ft. Myers, Fl
Posts: 582
I have a Brothers PRW model that does the 80 stitches, and it is great for making my mind up for me, lol. I keep the manual close to hand, and consult it to see what stitch I would probably like the best for what project. And the buttonhole foot makes it really easy to make a buttonhole. I paid $149 or so for that one. I really like the drop in bobbin, too. Lol....front bobbins and I have issues, but my Kenmore is teaching me.
10-17-2011, 04:19 PM
#37
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Originally Posted by OmaForFour
For $300 you can get a Janome. Anyone have an opinion on this one?
10-17-2011, 04:35 PM
#38
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Originally Posted by OmaForFour
Janome and Singer are not by the same company, are they?
I have vintage machines but don't think I can machine quilt on them. Any advice?
I have vintage machines but don't think I can machine quilt on them. Any advice?
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1013
There is a lot of info on this board about vintage sewing machines - somewhere there is a gallery of pictures too.
I gave my DIL a Singer 503 and she totally fell in love with the machine and with sewing. She wasn't at all slighted that I got her an old machine. Kids these days think different than we do I guess. She named her's after her grandma Margaret.
10-17-2011, 05:20 PM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,102
I am near Knoxville, and I have one of the walmart Singers. It's ok, but it feels cheap. I'm looking on Craigslist for a replacement. There are plenty of solid machines for less than what a plastic one at Walmart costs
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