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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Makrel
Date: 10-08-2004, 09:30 AM (1 of 26)
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Hello this is my first post as a new member. I was hoping to get some help. I learned to sew on my mom's olive green Kenmore that was probably older than I am, and decided that my own machine would be a good thing to have. Right now I'm using a White (unsure of the model and even more unsure of how I even got it!) and it's starting to fall apart. It's slow and I'm lucky if the stitch I select is actually what the machine does. I've been reading and surfing to see what a good basic machine would be but I can't find enough information to make my decision. I'd go to a retailer, but having worked retail, I know that advice is often driven by commission or what's on sale. The JoAnn stores seem to have the best selection and hopefully I can get to try one out before I buy. I don't quilt or embroider. What I hope to find is a quiet, sturdy, reliable machine that can do the job without taping machine adjustments in place. I really only know of a few name brands like Singer, Brother and White and I don't know how much machine is too much for me, but I don't want to limit my learning by getting too basic a machine. Thanks! |
User: Makrel
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: dmoses
Date: 10-08-2004, 10:17 AM (2 of 26)
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Hi Makrel, Welcome to the SWN discussion boards!  My first machine was a 6-stitch Kenmore. It worked great, and never gave me any problems. I had it for about 6 years, then sold it(still in excellent condition) and bought another Kenmore(this time a 22-stitch). That one is now eleven years old, and still in perfect working order. I've been very pleased with Kenmore, and have found them to be quality machines at a reasonable price. I always take advantage of the maintenance agreement and had annual maintenance checks on my machines, just for my own peace of mind, but there were never any problems. There are Sears stores just about everywhere, so no matter where you are, you will always have place to take your machine if something does go wrong. I also have a Brother PC6000, which is a computerized machine with lots of decorative stitches...I haven't had any problems with that one either. I just haven't developed a very strong trust in computers, yet...I feel that too many things can go wrong.  The best thing for you to do is to take your time, and test drive the machines that appeal to you. Once you have an idea of which machines you might possibly be interested in, you can check out the opinions of others on sites like www.epinions.com, or ask here. Someone may have the same machine, and can tell you any pros & cons they have experienced. Hope this helps. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-08-2004, 10:20 AM (3 of 26)
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Hi Makrel, welcome to Sew Whats New. I have a Pfaff which I love, but when I started sewing I had a very basic machine that was about $200.00 and believe me, it went thru everything. I tortured that poor thing for years. It was out of the Eaton's catalogue which no longer exists. Test drive a few like Donna said. Take your time and find which one you like most. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Makrel
Date: 10-08-2004, 11:14 AM (4 of 26)
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Right after I posted I took a look @ the Sears site and found one I'm going to go look at. http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02016227000 This one seems to have some of the bells and whistles and comes with 9 different feet which I think would be incredibly useful. The only drawback I really see is that this ine uses the plastic bobbins where I have all metal ones. I hope they have one I can look at out of the box and get a good look at it. Thanks for all the quick posts... |
User: Makrel
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-08-2004, 06:22 PM (5 of 26)
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Makrel, When you get a different machine, you have to count on having to get different bobbins also... You can ruin a perfectly good machine by putting an alien bobbin in it.. My Janome is a super machine and it uses plastic bobbins.. I have 18 or 20 of them and have a different color on each one.. I keep 2 or 3 empties and when I have a big project, I fill 2 to start with, so I don't have to stop in the middle to fill a bobbin.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: busylizzycat
Date: 10-08-2004, 07:16 PM (6 of 26)
| Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth to the other good advice. I think it's very important to buy a machine from some place that is going to give you lessons on that machine and that you can go back to for advice when you have questions / problems. Sometimes a high quality used machine can be a very good investment. I have 3 Elnas & 2 Kenmores (1955). They just never let me down. I keep going back to my 1972 Elna even tho' I have a new QD 6003 which I now use only for quilting. Liz |
User: busylizzycat
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 7 |
From: mrsgp1987
Date: 10-08-2004, 10:01 PM (7 of 26)
 Hi I agree that it's best to buy a machine where you can get instructions on the use of the machine, buy accessories and get regular tune ups. I have two Brother machines, just for general sewing, I like my Pacesetter. It's not very complicated to work, runs great and the price was right. I've had it for 4 years now, never had a problem. You can check out the Brother website to see all the models they have. Happy sewing. 
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User: mrsgp1987
Member since: 10-03-2004 Total posts: 2 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-09-2004, 05:24 AM (8 of 26)
| Makrel, I saw the site and the machine that you posted. Did you notice the machine on right that has 31 stitches instead of 27. The 31 stitch machine also has an up/down needle and a speed control. It is only a few dollars more.I believe this one has an electronic feature with the speed control the the other does not have and it will give you full needle piercing power no matter what the speed. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: dmoses
Date: 10-11-2004, 08:48 AM (9 of 26)
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Hi Makrel, Did you have an opportunity to look at some machines,yet? I was in my local Sears yesterday(looking for a vacuum cleaner), and noticed that almost all of the sewing machines were marked down...I guess for the weekend sale. I wasn't supposed to be looking at sewing machines, but I just couldn't help myself.  Even when we were house-hunting...if there was a sewing machine in the house, I would become totally distracted from our 'mission'.  Good luck. I hope you find a suitable machine, soon.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: gramfel
Date: 10-11-2004, 05:44 PM (10 of 26)
| See my note for someone looking for a new machine. Thanks, Lulie |
User: gramfel
Member since: 09-12-2004 Total posts: 23 |
From: Makrel
Date: 10-19-2004, 08:44 AM (11 of 26)
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Actually I went by the local Joann and saw the Huskystars and Vikings and now all I can say is I have to save my money. I've never seen or not heard a machine like these. I was looking at the Freesia 425 or Interlude 435 or a Huskystar 224. All I can say is that the 15 minutes I spent testing them was all it took to realize that a good machine is SOOO worth it and some of the new features can actually make up for my lack of skill! Maybe I'll do more than just costumes and sports lettering now... Thanks everyone! |
User: Makrel
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-19-2004, 06:43 PM (12 of 26)
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Janome also makes great lower price range machines (my old 272 was $300 and lasted almost 15 years) but I agree about buying from a dealer who does lessons and will help you out a bunch!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-20-2004, 04:50 AM (13 of 26)
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Janome makes the Huskystars for Viking and I liked the 224. It has the electonic features that lack in the Huskystar models beneath it. It has a speed control and full needle piercing power at any speed, up/down needle, needle threader, and more stitches including a cross stitch.I would like to see the new Scandinavia's that Viking now has. Sear also has many new machines that just came out on their website this week and some are on sale now. Sears Kenmores are Janomes and I have one of the computerized ones and can vouch for it being a good machine. I still love my Pfaff Select with the IDT which is a mechanical. When you can't decide on one machine buy two
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-20-2004, 07:05 AM (14 of 26)
| I don't know if this makes a difference in a purchase of a new machine but I did notice something on the new Sears machines on their website tonight. Some newer models don't seem to have automatic tensions nor pressure adjustments like the older models. Just FYI in case anyone is interested. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: nugefamily
Date: 11-01-2004, 07:00 AM (15 of 26)
| Wow - what a lot of great information! My husband is encouraging me to buy a new machine and I am overwhelmed by the choices. I have had a Kenmore for 23 years (!) that has worked wonderfully for sewing clothing, but now I am starting to do a lot of home dec stuff and find that the machine just can't handle the differences in fabric, I am constantly adjusting tension and the lower loading bobbin is a pain. I know that I don't need 300 stitches, but am reading through volumes of info to find that I have to bump up to a certain level to get a quiet, long-running machine that will accomodate everything from organza to upholstery fabric, a top loading bobbin, etc. I am atttracted to the Singer Quantum machines but am reading that Singer has lousy customer service. Can anyone just send me the types of machine they have and why they like it? Particularly if they do the types of sewing I do - clothing, repairs, slipcovers and window treatments (everything from valances to lined draperies)? Thanks! |
User: nugefamily
Member since: 11-01-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: icetbear
Date: 11-01-2004, 05:34 PM (16 of 26)
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HI all, I received a Singer Quantum 9940 as a family gift for my 5oth birthday in July. I haven't used a Singer since highschool. For 27 years I have been sewing with a Bernina. I AM SOOOOOOOOOO unhappy with the Singer. I can't get the bobbin to thread evenly so after a few stitches it jams. I've had it into the dealer and they say it works for them. Since Aug. 4th, I've had perhaps 3 hours of sewing. I'm taking it back this week. Just wanted to add my thoughts. Enjoy the day. Frustrated NanaBear |
User: icetbear
Member since: 09-04-2004 Total posts: 66 |
From: dmoses
Date: 11-01-2004, 05:45 PM (17 of 26)
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Hi icetbear, Are you returning the machine for good, or to be checked again? If they are taking another look at it, then I would suggest that when you take it in, make them show you how they are getting it to work. There may be something wrong with that particular machine and they have some 'trick' to getting it to work...in which case I would ask for a new machine or a refund. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: grandmasue
Date: 11-01-2004, 06:16 PM (18 of 26)
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I can not join so many of you and say what is good in a new machine because my 'new' machine is now 12 years old. My parents bought me my first Bernina (707) in 1972. I upgraded in 1985 while working at a Bernina store (but didn't trade in the old one) and several years later saw an ad for a used Bernina at an unbelievable price so I HAD to have that too. All 3 machines are still in use, tho my older daughters now use the 2 older machines. With basic care all 3 machines are still doing a fantastic job. I have never looked back with regret that I paid too much for any of these machines, and hope if the time comes for me to buy again that Bernina's still have the same quality I am used too. Any one else have thoughts about your Berninas? Have I just been lucky?
Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: icetbear
Date: 11-01-2004, 09:13 PM (19 of 26)
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donna and grandmasue, thanks for your thoughts I got carried away with the Singer primarily because my beloved Bernina was on it's last legs. One of our clients (we're a CA firm/ owner managed businesses) , has a Singer dealership. Let me be very clear - I DID NOT DO MY HOMEWORK on this one. The Singer is going back, I'm looking to update my Bernina Record. I WILL SPEND THE TIME in the store before buying again. Take good care, NanaBear older but wiser |
User: icetbear
Member since: 09-04-2004 Total posts: 66 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-02-2004, 04:18 AM (20 of 26)
| I also had a problem with a Singer Quantum but it was the model 9910. I am used to having my machines in the past work well without any problems what so ever for many years. This 9910 was a lovely machine and stitched beautifully when it was not jamming. Also the stitch density in the deco stitches changed from time to time for no reason right in the middle of a project. My screen was so dim and even when trying to change it it wouldn't brighten up. One day the machine was saying to put the foot down and it was down. This happened one more time and the machine wouldn't sew at all ..kept saying to put the foot down. Well the lifter bar had always been rather loose ..but the foot was down. I had been to the dealer with the jamming complaint and he said it must have jumped a thread guide. I later tried to return it to the dealer to upgrade to your model and he said he no longer carried that model. I asked for a refund and I was a couple of days over the 30 day return period. I laugh when I see the Singer ad in the magazines that say no hassle return policy. I ended up going to another dealer and trading it in for another machine, a mechanical of a different brand and I took a big loss. I bought another computerized machine that had several issues that I knew was not for me..the thread cassette stopped working after a couple of weeks and computer also had probs. Nightmare continued..I then bought a 3rd machine that is computerized for the many deco stitches it offered. This machine had a broken tension when it came in but I re ordered and everything is fine with the newer one and I love both machines. It makes me angry that I took a loss on the Singer and cannot believe that for a person that sold and managed a sewing machine store that I had so many problems with new machines ..but then.. I do have 2 machines that I love now and they are hassle free. Life is an attitude. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 11-02-2004, 06:44 AM (21 of 26)
I have a Bernina 160 (they no longer make this but have similar models), I bought it about 3 years ago now and it is wonderful. It is not a basic machine but has all the doodads and extra stitch functions except for an automatic thread cutter  . I'm not a very brand loyal person, just get what I like and feel works well (ie I had a Janome machine for years, a Singer serger for years as well, a brother embroidery only machine and a new viking serger). It is a great machine (the bernina but I like all of mine so far). This one is a sewing only machine, no embroidery functions, I like this b/c I can sew on something while the embroidery machine is ticking away in the corner on something else (multitasking at its best!)I cannot believe that singer dealer,  I think I would write the company persay with a very nasty letter and let them know you are telling all your sewing friends about your terrible experiance!! The companies need to know about that stuff cause word of mouth is the worst advertising out there.good luck with machine shopping Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: nugefamily
Date: 11-02-2004, 07:27 AM (22 of 26)
| Yikes. Thanks for all the comments - I think I will walk away from the Singer products and continue to do the homework. Has anyone successfully tried out products and then gone online to get the best price? IS the best price online or at a store? Any thoughts? |
User: nugefamily
Member since: 11-01-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-03-2004, 04:36 AM (23 of 26)
| Depending on the item ordered I have seen the best prices on line. I bought my Jem Silver on line and could not even buy it locally. The dealer in the next town could not even get one. I also bought a Janome serger on line for less than it sold for locally. I asked for a price on an Elna from a dealer on line and in the email that the dealer mailed back the price he quoted me was more than 50% less than my local dealer was selling it for. The items I ordered from dealers on line have been perfect..new in box items and not factory serviced. One does run a risk when ordering to have the item arrive imperfect or damaged from mishandeling in transit etc. I feel I have been lucky. I also ordered some design cards on line for my embroidery machine that were much less than I could have purchased them locally. But...It is nice to be able to go into a dealer and test drive an item then walk out of the store with it however. It's nice to see the person you bought it from and know you can go back there for any support if needed. There are several reputable dealers where I live. I just have not found one I am truly happy with but I have made large purchases from them. All in all..I am happier with the on line prices and the service has been just as enjoyable. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: gramfel
Date: 11-03-2004, 09:13 AM (24 of 26)
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I tried Singers for years and fought the tension each time. Then I discovered a used 1130 Bernina, and I have never ever experienced such pleasure!!! Not only was the tension wonderful and never a problem, but it also made automatic buttonholes quite easily!! If I were buying a machine today, I would buy an 1130, 1230, 1260 or even the 830 or 930 for quality and durability and ease of use! I do have one Singer I love, too, but it is the straight-stich Featherweight made in the 40s!!! Good LucK! |
User: gramfel
Member since: 09-12-2004 Total posts: 23 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-05-2004, 09:55 PM (25 of 26)
| H had some excellent Singers with auto tensions and no problems at all. These machines did it all and did it well..but that was before the company sold out and closed it's stores, The next models were never the same it seems. I love the machines that I have now. Both the computerized (Janome) Kenmore 19365 and the mechanical Pfaff 1530. I am also glad to have my little Jem Silver. It would be a hard choice for me if I had to choose between machines to have only one but my Pfaff is the one that I use the most. I love the dual feed. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Emery
Date: 11-05-2004, 11:38 PM (26 of 26)
| I have a Pfaff 1475 computerized machine. It does way more than I will ever master but it has been a wonderful machine. I do all kinds of sewing: clothing, mending (lots), home dec, even upholstery. Whatever machine you decide on just buy from an authorized dealer. E from AZ |
User: Emery
Member since: 07-14-2004 Total posts: 2 |
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