Do you HATE/LOVE your sewing machine?(edited-link posted by Kristin re:machines)

Edited on June 4.

I ended up getting a Bernette 92C. It is amazing. I got it on sale from 849 to 500. It sews so much better than my old one and the feet were so cheap! I hope they aren't 'cheap'. they were each about 3 bucks and they were on sale 20% off, so I got the rest of them (my machine comes with about 7 or 9, even that quilting bar thing).  I got a walking foot, too  - it was only 20 bucks (and then 20 percent off).

It is really a dream machine. I love it, and I think it will do the job for a bunch of years. If my skills are so great that I need a new machine in a couple years, I'll splurge for a really really nice expensive one.

But for now, I'm very happy with my purchase!


thanks for all of your help!!!

carri


Ooooh - the first message!

Hi ladies (and gentlemen?)

I've just started sewing. I'm taking  an amazing class, and loving all the tutorials here.

Currently, I have a brother - bare bones model - it doesn't have a button setting on it. Model LS something or another.

I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a new sewing machine for Mother's Day. At least, that is what I'm going to ask for But, I need a few to look at to decide.

I think my price range will be up to about $500. I'm into sewing, embroidery and quilting. I'm very much into basics - gifts, some clothes for my kids and maybe a few shirts/skirts accessories for me and the house.


What brand/model do you have?

What is 1 thing you love or hate about it?

How much was it?




thanks so much in advance!

I had a Brother.  Then it died a long hard cruel death (by crochet hook, no less, it was terrible) and I got a Singer 4206  for $150 at Joann's on sale from $200.  Everyone says you can't get a good machine for that low, but compared to my other one, this has worked like a charm since the day I brought it home.  I also happened to find a Singer 5525 at a local thrift store for $15.  When I brought it home and threaded it, it sewed almost as quietly and perfectly as the brand new one, so I ended up with two machines I really like for less than what one of them should have cost regularly. 

My mom found a Singer at Joann's that was originally $600, she got it for $300, and it's pretty amazing.  My model isn't the most basic but it's one of them, hers is a lot fancier and she loves it too.

So, my vote is for whatever you can afford that looks like a machine you'll be comfortable with...compared to the one you're using, any new one is going to be heaven, I bet.  It was for me.  :0)

Hi, Carri.  Did you ever see this FFF post?  There are hundreds of comments, all about sewing machines!

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=429

I am still undecided myself.  I think the big question is whether you want a mechanical or computerized machine.  Also, whether you plan to do emboidery or quilting with your machine.  In my case I think the answer is no, so I might just go with a mechanical machine and then buy the best that I can afford.  A lot of people in that post I mentioned above really recommended their Berninas, which seems to be consistently true in most reviews I've read.  They are, however, expensive.  I have a simple Kenmore and put miles and miles on it without any troubles (until I dropped it.)  Good luck in your search! 

I used to have a low end Bernina and I hated that machine. I swear it was possessed. Then I got a Pfaff 6122 for a good price on Ebay and I love this machine so much. It sews denim, leather, several thicknesses of corduroy without being cranky, and I can use it to double-needle knit hems with no problem. It's not computerized or super fancy, but it does all the things I need.

I have a Singer machine from 1956 and I love it. No bells, no whistles. It's so easy to use and I feel very connected to the past using a simple machine to make my quilts.

I have a Kenmore 19606, it is made by Janome.  I LOVE my sewing machine.  It is computerized, with lots of pretty embroidery stitches built in.  It sews so smoothely and quietly.  I got a great deal on mine, it was a return, but still in the box, so I got it for less than $500.  This model usually sells for around $700, but goes on sale pretty often for around $600.  I have had it for a year and a half and have had no problems so far and I use it often.  I find this is a great machine for a very reasonable price.  It also has great reviews on patternreview.com.  Hope this helps


tonya

I bought myself a Husqvarna Madison a few years ago, because I was fed up with my mothers 30 year old white sewing machine always binding up. (The dang thing about ruined my husband asking me to marry him!) I love it, I have never had any problems, it's very sturdy and dependable. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it works for most anything I need to do. It cost me about $400 new from a sewing shoppe.

I also have the Kenmore 19606, and I also love it.  It was around 600 bucks.  It is very easy to use and has a ton of functions which are computerized.  It is a great machine.  I've had it for over 4 years and have not had any problems.

I had a basic Janome for my first 8 years of sewing.  I sewed alot, and I mean alot on that baby.  I eventually (almost) killed it with all my free motion quilting.  If you have just started sewing I would just go with a basic mechanical machine that is strong.  In my opinion, DON'T buy a machine from Walmart or like kind of store.  Try to get one from a dealer that offers free classes to learn how the machine works.  And while you are there, make sure they show you how to oil and clean the machine.  Regular maintenance will keep your machine running smoothly.  A smooth working machine = a happy sewer. 

I have been sewing forever...the first 23 years on a White Threadle. I have been quilting for the last 12 and just bought a Bernina.....money was SCARY, but the machine sews wonderfully and the support is outstanding at the quilt store. Free lessons forever if one wants, and a monthly club to try new techniques. So far I am very happy with it!

I have been sewing for 30+ years ( ack!) and currently own 6 or 7 machines including sergers, blind hemmers and such..  each has a special place in my heart and in my sewing room.  I even have the machine that my mom sewed my baby clothes on, it's a Bernina and it'a all metal.. like a boat anchor.  One of my biggest suggestions would be to bring your OWN fabric to try out a machine. The sample pieces that are used in sewing shops are sized and starched so that even the worst machine would sew well on them... bring your own and if they will not let you try it keep on moving, they are not a place you want to deal with.

I just bought my son a machine ( he is 10 and loves to sew) I bought him a Janome from the local fabric store, it was about $150 and that is about 1/10 of what I have paid for some of my other machines but I have to say that so far it's run like a champ and even makes a pretty nice button hole!.. not automatic of course, but tidy none the less.

maddiemom6

I have three sewing machines right now. My primary machine is a Janome and I really love it. I have a super cheap Brother sewing machine from Wal-mart that I keep set up for shirring (it does a great job on that). I also have a 1960s Singer I inherited from my mom. It's a real workhorse and will sew through anything.

Thank you all so very much! and for that great link!!!

With three kids, it is almost impossible to be able to take my time driving, stopping and playing with machines, but I'm working on it.
Thankfully, there are a few places close by where I can test out machines.

At least I know for sure that I want to focus on garments/decor (and bags, etc) and quilting. So, I've narrowed down my choices somewhat.

I need to dive deeper into that link! There are so many posts!



thanks again!


carri

If I had $500, I would go to a local dealer and buy a reconditioned machine - a Bernina, Pfaff, or Viking, probably - with a warranty and lessons. They often get used machines in when people upgrade, and you can get a VERY nice machine with local service/support.

I Love My Machine:  I have a Janome 6500 Pro I use on a regular basis.  I got a few years back and it just does such great stitches that I would be lost without it now.  I am a Janome Gal you could say, about 15 years ago, give or take, I got a Janome 3500 and it is a great little machine, I still take it to sewing classes, but it is showing its wear.  I also have a Janome 300E, it was the best decision for me and I have a Janome serger...( I don't care for it) and dream of a babylock someday.... will maybe not ..because really I get great result with my 6500Pro that I love I may not need one...