Queen

When I was shopping around for a new machine, I checked out
http://sewing.patternreview.com/
It doesn't cost anything to sign up and it has so much information on it. Just click on sewing machine and serger reviews.

Mary

marsye

I have an inexpensive Singer that came from Walmart. Its been a great machine.

BellaBoo

If she hasn't been machine browsing in years she is in for a big surprise. It's amazing what machines will do now days. Let her shop for her machine. She may decide to go very high end or go portable or go embroidery. She will be so thrilled you thought of doing this for her.

crashnquilt

Buying a sewing machine is much like buying a car. You need to take it for a test drive to see if you and the machine are compatible.

You could call some dealers in your area to see HOW many machines they have in your price range. If they have quite a few then tell them what you want to do and they might have ideas to help you with a surprise for your mother.

OR-you can get a pre-paid charge card, put the money on that card and give that to your mom, THEN the day after Christmas, you and your mom visit several dealers and let her choose the machine she would like. A gift certificate limits her to the one store. The pre paid card lets her choose from different brands. And if YOU take her, then you know that the card money will go on a machine AND it gives you and Mom some quality time together. Trust me, MOMS LOVE THAT!

quiltmom04

If you are going to choose a machine, get one from a local dealer who will be able to help her use it to it's full potential, and will stand behind it for service and any repairs. For the money you have generously budgeted, she will be able to have a machine with a lot of functions. She may be intimidated at first, but new machines are really user friendly. A dealer will be a valuable resource and support. My kids order stuff online too, but a dealer will "stitch out" the machine to be sure the tensions etc. are set properly and it's ready to go for her. Speaking as a mom, if you get her a gift card, and it's from Wal-Mart or some place, she might try to get a lesser machine and use the rest for the family. I know I probably would. So, if you really want to give her a $600 machine, which is just fantastic, a dealer will help you choose what is the best choice. What a thoughtful gift!

canuckninepatch

I agree completely. She would be totally surprised and thrilled with the gift certificate, and she would LOVE to go out with you to buy the machine. And then, too, if she wanted to add some of her own money to get exactly what she wanted, she could. That is what I would prefer, if it were me -- to be able to choose the exact machine, with all the features, myself. But what a thrill, to have it paid for by her son!!!!!!

kwhite

Personally I think if she is an old school quilter the old machines that are work horses are the better choice. If you were to take her favorite work horse to a dealer and have it overhauled she may be more thrilled with that then anything else.

suzeq

You are being very limited with the funds. IMO, do not buy fromWalMart or Target, the Singer or their Brother, or any Singer or Brother. As one reply said, go for a Bernina, Janome or Babylock. In your price range, you can get a "Mechanical" rather than a "computer" machine.. Just make sure the parts are metal and not plastic. Email me privately, as I have a very nice used machine that will fit the bill. However, I agree with the other comments, take her shopping. JMO. Silvia

Debbie1

I really like the idea of you taking her shopping to pick out her machine. That way she gets one she would like and she also gets to spend mother-son time together. What a wonderful, thoughtful son you are!

charbaugh

I ordered the Singer 7470 from Joann's...she can take it back if it was not what she had in mind and believe me, my mother is a big fan of returning things she dosent like. Thanks for all the help!