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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-05-2004, 03:01 PM (1 of 6)
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Hello~ I'm new to this forum....I am new to sewing and quilting. I am wanting to purchase a new sewing machine...actually I'm asking for one for Christmas  . I currently have a Kenmore machine that belonged to my Mother before she passed away. This one works pretty good but I would like "my own". I am looking for input on machines that are on the market...the good ones, the bad ones and what options I really need. Any and all input is welcome!! Thanks in Advance~ mgf
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: Skye
Date: 12-05-2004, 05:28 PM (2 of 6)
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welcome. Buying a new sewing machine is always exciting and a bit like buying a new car what suits me might not be your cup of tea at all LOL. I would suggest taking samples of fabric - from the stretchiest, sheerest to darn right bulky and have a play on the display machines. I would also be mindlful of the service you might need post sale - the dealer needs to be helpful and repuatable. I must have driven my local dealer nuts when I was buying a machine 2 years ago I was in and out like a yoyo. Also dont be pressured to buy right away take your time and think about it after you leave the shop. There are some great machines out there so have some fun test driving. Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-08-2004, 06:15 PM (3 of 6)
You really need to test drive all the different ones you are considering.. Dealer support is something you have to think about also.. I have A kenmore that lives with my DIL now, but I bought it in the early 70's and it was a superb machine..(made by Janome).. BUT, Sears has no customer support as far as knowledge of sewing goes, so normally I advise beginners to stay away from there unless you have a good support system in place..You sure can save money from there, but you have to think about the whole picture..The replacement I purchased is a Janome Memory Craft 4000, and It is a "dream machine"..I have had it over 10 years and love it dearly...I bought it from a regular dealer because it is computerized and I was afraid I would need a lot of support from her.. I have not had to call on her for much, but she is always there when I call.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-09-2004, 04:23 AM (4 of 6)
| Hi MyGirl and welcome. I have a computerized Janome Kenmore 19365 that is being discontinued but is much like the Janome MC 4000 that Libby has. I can say that it is a wonderful machine. Sears has some new computerized models with different features but they are similar and they are having sales at present. I also might suggest a mechanical Pfaff with the dual feed. I also have one of these and I would suggest adding a Pfaff to your search for a good machine. Once you sew with the IDT you cannot live without it. There are so many new models being offered at this time by different companies and it is a personal choice to find the machine that you are comfortable with and bond with and love. I suggest a test drive. I also suggest to research prices and features and look at the machine review sites on line from machine owners. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-11-2004, 09:41 PM (5 of 6)
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Test driving sounds like fun!!! When you mentioned a "dual feed" what does that mean?? This is all new to me. Basically I am looking for a nice machine that can be used to sew clothes for myself and my kids (2 legged & 4 legged) and quilting. As far as the quilting goes more for just piecing not the actual quilting.All the bells and whistles aren't that important just wanting some good features that I will be able to use. Maybe that helps in giving me advise... mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-12-2004, 03:31 AM (6 of 6)
| The intigrated dual feed in the Pfaff sewing machines is referred to as IDT feeds material from top and bottom simutaneously with a built in walking foot that can be engaged or disengaged. Many industrial machines have this walking foot built in also. It feeds fabric precisely even when sewing on difficult materials. It prevents puckering it also helps to match plaids and stripes because it helps keep the fabric from shifting. This system is built into a Pfaff machine. On other machines people purchase an extra walking foot or the foot might be included with purchase. Sergers have a system called differential feed that also helps to feed fabric in the same way by altering the feed dog motion. Differential feed on a serger can prevent puckering and can stretch or gather fabric. I find gathering by serger is easier than by sewing machine. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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