I want to get a sewing machine - any recommendations?
#219454 - 10/14/05 08:33 AM
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Hey everyone! I started my quilting class last week. Last night was my second class. I LOVE IT!!!! I've been having too much fun! There are only 3 others in the class so you get lots of one-on-one with the instructor, who is also really cool. I'm so glad I signed up for this class!
Anyway, I really want to get a sewing machine. I've wanted one for a few years now anyway, but now that I'm doing the quilting, I'd really like to get one even more. I'd had a Brother (don't know what model) for about 20 years or so and I finally got rid of that monstrosity this fall! I hated that thing - the bobbin NEVER worked right and it was just a nightmare.
So, was wondering if anyone had one they were happy with or could recommend. I don't need anything too fancy - just something that will not be frustrating! 
Thanks for any input!
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Viking Rocks!
#219456 - 10/14/05 08:45 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Hi Melissa,
I have had my Husqvarna Viking since 1978. Before that, I had a Singer for 12 years. The Viking is a marvelous machine; it's done everything I wanted it to do, and more. After all these years, my Viking is still going strong; I have no intentions of ever replacing it. It's a great machine. It's only needed servicing two times in 28 years. I can't say that much for the Singer.
Recently, when I had my Viking serviced for the second time, the shop said nothing but good things about my Viking, but showed me the new models, and I was blown away. Now, sewing machines are interfaced with computers, such that you can have your sewing machine embroider just about anything you can download off the computer. It's mind-boggling.
For me, I would look into the serger. While my Viking does over-edging, and in fact does it well, I use this feature more than any other. A serger would be my next investment.
If you intend to use the machine for nothing but quilting, then I would talk with your instructor as to her recommendations.
I wasn't real crazy about quilting, but it had nothing to do with the sewing machine and everything to do with my patience level. I hope you enjoy the classes.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I got mine as a shower gift 2 years ago, and I really like it. I'm a total novice, but looking forward to the next month or so where I have more time to use it. It's a Kenmore 385.16120200, not sure if that helps. It's not electronic, but works really well. My mom, who is a sewing expert, also has a Kenmore.....I think they are good machines, and have good warranties. With the holidays coming you should be able to get a good deal. Sometimes fabric stores sell used ones too.
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I love my Bernina. It was a wedding gift from my Mom. She has a 40+ year old bernina that's still tickin'. They are extremely reliable. Mine has a 10 year warranty. In my opinion, Bernina is the best name out there, but then, I was raised by a Bernina "snob" (Mom's not a snob, she just really prefers B's). I have a Singer serger that I'm happy with, too.
The best thing you can do is go to a sewing store and try out a bunch. There are even sewing machines now designed for quilters - it has a wider berth to turn around large pieces of fabric. Obviously, they're more expensive.
Let us know what you get!!!
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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But I'm also a gadget and features type person, which is why I like mine so much.
Here's mine: http://www.singerco.com/products/index.html
I've had no problems with it so far and even though I know it won't last me a long time, it was a great deal for what I could afford and had all my features.
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- Jennifer
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www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
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Hey Bev,
I asked my instructor last night and she suggested a few brands. She mentioned one I'd never heard of and I thought it started with an H...maybe it was your Husqvarna. I cant' believe you've been using the same one for 28 years....WOW!!! Guess that was a good investment, eh?
My instructor has the computerized kind too. She said she treated herself for retirement! LOL I'd never heard of that before then. It is mind-boggling! I can't believe they can do that!
Haha! I remember you told me you weren't crazy about the quilting! 
So....what's a serger? 
Thanks for the help Bevvy!
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Oh man...I'm really pathetic! They have ones that aren't electric?!?! 
As a matter of fact, there is a Kenmore here. I found it in a sewing "desk" (or whatever sewing table things are called). It has not been used since my grandmother used it, probably in the 60's or 70's. (This used to be her house.) I considered trying it, but I looked at it and got scared and just closed it back up! LOL We do have one of those antique Singer sewing machines also...that's pretty neat looking! But obviously not for use.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good holiday deal!
Thanks!
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Quote:
The best thing you can do is go to a sewing store and try out a bunch.
COOL!!! I didn't even think of that! Thank you SO MUCH!!! 
I'll definitely let you know what I end up getting.
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I was leaning toward a Singer when I first posted, but that's only because it was the only name I really knew for sewing machines. That and Brother. And I already explained that! 
Quote:
Here's mine: http://www.singerco.com/products/index.html
Which one of these is yours?
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My quilting co-worker has a Pfaff and just loves it from what I understand.
I sew once every couple of years. (Would love to get better, but I never have the space when I have the time and vice versa.) Anyhoo, I have this ancient used Singer my Mom got me when I was in college. I think it's about 40 or 50 years old, hardly a bit of plastic on it. My friends who sew much more tell me it's a great workhorse and I should keep it even if/when I get a newer machine.
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I have Brother that does a great job for regular sewing and quilting. I even managed to repair the battan (sp?) stay for one of our sails that had come undone. It took my quite awhile to do it with a heavy duty needle and the manual setting but it worked. (Sewing through 4 thick pieces of nylon strap and 4 folds of material.) Better than spending the $350-$500 to send it to a sail repair shop and easier than trying to convince the local shoe repair guy to let me use his machine. Did nice work and I got a new job on our sailing crew- sail maintenance. Guess if we go around the world, my sewing machine will be packed.
Mom on the other hand had a Kenmore for 15 years that she used exclusively until the little computer panel shorted during a lightning strike. (Lost it, the VCR and the TV antenna...why the sewing machine? Mom and us kids could live without the tv, but not the sewing machine.) The service guys got her another Kenmore model that has been working great for the last 12-13 years. They seem to live long. Plus this time we got an extra computer panel just in case.
My dream machine is a Bernina. Ahhh...sewing machine lust.
Happy shopping!!! Can't wait to hear what you got.
-Michelle
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I talked to my instructor last week, and she helped me decide that since I'm a beginner and still learning, I should start with something basic. So, I ended up getting a Singer. Which was MUCH more affordable than some of them. I went to the Viking section in Joann's and about passed out at the prices - holy crap!!! I think the min was about $400 or $500. So, I spent about $150 and got a Singer #2639 - much more in my price range at this time. I would have gotten the next one lower, but I DID want a drop in bobbin, so I went with the 2639. I used it on Sat to piece together a flying geese block and not one problem - I love it!!!
Thanks again everyone. When I finally finish my 9-piece sampler quilt (my class ends some time in December) I'll post a pic for ya's!
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine is best machine known to me.I personally love the different stitches it has...
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what is the best sewing machine for beginners? I am also looking for the question about the type of machine and how you sew clothes.
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You looking for the best sewing machines? Here I have compiled the assessment at my website, best sewing machine for beginners
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I just got this machine and I love it. 
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