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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: bmr
Date: 12-25-2004, 09:13 AM (1 of 8)
| I am new to this forum. I have raised 3 children but still have two in college. I am looking to start sewing again and would love some advice from "pros" like you that use machines frequently. I do not need to quilt or monogram or anything like that. I would like an easy machine to use but that is high quality, user friendly, and has technical support if necessary. I do not need lots of bells and whistles, but would like to occasionally make a buttonhole without too much of a hassle and maybe use the zig zag option. I probably will sew through several layers of fabric sometimes and would like a machine that is good with that feature. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated. I originally learned to sew on my grandmother's pedal Singer and still have the machine. The last machine I had was from Wal-mart or a place like that and did not perform well. Money is a consideration but I do not want to go too cheap. Thanks for your help! |
User: bmr
Member since: 12-25-2004 Total posts: 1 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 12-25-2004, 10:26 PM (2 of 8)
| I would suggest going to a Janome dealer. They have all price ranges & you'd most likely find what your looking for. I have 2 of their machines & 2 surgers. No trouble at all. They are user friendly plus service the machines. They give free lessons when you buy from them plus answer questions over the phone. There are lots of good quality machines out there so just check some out, sew on them & get what you feel you need & want. Take some material you think you'll be useing to sew on with you. Each person has their favorite brand. You'll find yours.Happy looking. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: smith972
Date: 12-26-2004, 12:14 AM (3 of 8)
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This would have to be the second time i have heard someone say that Wally World's sewing machines are no good. I have a singer that i brought from there 3 years ago for 99.00 and it still works great...i just brought a Kenmore sewing machine only because the bobbin thread was loose on my singer and i panicked before knowing what was wrong and brought another machine...I perfer the singer but am trying to give the kenmore a chance...It has more stitch options than the singer. I also have a brother (well my son has a brother, I just brought it for him for xmas) and we will be giving that a whirl tomorrow... I have a simplicity serger.. The service is great on the singer, I have not had to call service for my other three machines I brought the singer at wally world, the serger, Kenmore and brother from ebay. The Serger and Kenmore both came in orginal boxes with full warranty. The Brother came from someone who had brought it 6 months ago used it once and decided sewing was not for them...i got a great deal on that one shipping included i paid 74.00 for a brother LS-2125 with full warranty You can get some really good deals on ebay...just check out the product on the internet prior to buying...dont ever pay more than it is worth...read the persons comments from other buyers and you should be ok...I have yet to be burnt when following these rules..they only time i was burnt on ebay was because i did not read the persons comments only to read them i had not recieved my item after 4 weeks did i find out this person always ships late. I have also brought some GREAT fabric off of ebay... I wish you luck in your search... Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 12-26-2004, 01:07 AM (4 of 8)
| I think you should check out the dealers you will have to deal with in your area. I love my Janome but my dealer for Janome is a jerk. He'd try to sell you the tile off the floor when you walk in there but when it comes to fixing my machine that's been in there three times and cost 300.00 and still isn't fixed, he's a real jerk. I'm told that some of the other dealers in my area selling other brands are all the same way as him. So really you need to check out the area for the most trust worthy person and buy from them. I found one when I bought the Singer, he's honest, and the ladies who work for him and patronize his shop love him. That's what you have to be satisfied with, is the people you will have to deal with when you have problems if any. My 2 cents worth. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Karebear
Date: 12-26-2004, 11:41 AM (5 of 8)
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Hi... I have done some shopping on the "sewing" machine as well. I LOVED what I saw that many can do.. they have every stitch and then some.. all I really wanted for now was something that sewed like a hauling horse..  I purchased a Janome " Jem Gold" It is so sweet.. Small and light enough to travel when I go to "sewing meets". In time, I would love to get the Janome 4500 (I beleive that is the #). I purchased this little baby about 4 months ago.. and I have made 3 quilts, 2 vests, 2 jackets... I LOVE IT !!! I hope that this little sweetie never breaks... Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-27-2004, 04:02 AM (6 of 8)
bmr, I hope you do give a look and a try at the Pfaff's with dual feed. I decided to give myself a gift of a new machine for my retirement. I wanted an embroidery machine, and got one. Long story made short and retirement money made "gone"..I did end up also with more than one new sewing machine and several sergers and I am very pleased with all of them. My Pfaff Select 1530 with the IDT seems to fit the description of the type of machine you are looking for. It is easy, comfortable and a workhorse. I also love my Janomes..Sears Kenmore computerized and a Janome Silver and a serger. Do check out the midline Pfaff's with the IDT. I don't think you will be disappointed nor will you be disappointed with a Janome. Viking also has three new machines in the Scandinavia line. There is also nothing like a Bernina. I suggest to check them out and find the one most comfortable for you that fits your needs and budget. You deserve something you enjoy after raising your children IMHO.  you have earned it. And there is much joy in sewing for grandchildren possibly in the future.
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: rose074
Date: 12-28-2004, 12:40 AM (7 of 8)
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I think you're going to get a lot of good reviews on a lot of great machines. I have a Viking Designer 2 that I love but it is pretty pricey. Honestly though, the only reason I bought the Viking instead of a Janome was because I liked the sales person better. I loved the Janome but I hated the sales person. The Janome probably would have been a better deal but I didn't want to deal with that sales person so I didn't buy it. I spent a little bit more money but I got a great deal of service for it. I bought my machine while home on vacation from Japan and my sales person jumped though hoops for me every time I called her from Japan with a problem (there were only 2 or 3). My friend, in Japan even ordered her D2 from my sales person because of the great reviews that I gave her. My friend has also had great service from her. There are dozens of great machines for you out there, every brand has one. Think about your warranty and your customer service on top of everything else. Most importantly....make sure you test drive. Danelle in Tri-Cities Washington
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User: rose074
Member since: 12-23-2000 Total posts: 73 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-28-2004, 05:25 AM (8 of 8)
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Honestly, there are just so many options available on machines today! A few years ago I was looking for a new washer and dryer and I went all over town looking at different models. The more I looked the more confused I got, so I finally went back to the brand I had used in the past and bought a set. It was the worst buy of my life. When it comes to buying, listen to all the advise you can get. Keep in mind that sewing machines are a very personal purchase and most people LOVE their machines. (If you asked me, I'd tell you to look at the Bernina line.) Your purchase should be based upon the type of sewing you do and what you plan to do in the future. Many major machine manufactorers have several machines that are really designed for different budgets and sewing interests. You have a pretty clear idea of some things you don't need on a machine, but if you plan to do quilting, you may want a wider throat or a machine that makes a good 1/4 inch seam. If you do a lot of garments, you may want a machine with a good automatic button hole...4 step, totally automatic, built in or added on? Those are all things you need to ask yourself. How expensive are additional feet and can you get them? How many accessories come with the machine and do you need more? Do you want a good blind hemmer built in? If you purchase a machine over the internet, can you get local service or will you have to box your machine up and send it off? If you choose a local dealer, how do they service your machine and how long will they keep it? If you buy from a dealer, you usually can have your machine serviced there and they will often have sewing lessons to get you started. If you go from dealer to dealer testing machines (I would highly recommend this), take several scraps of material that are just alike. Test stretch fabrics, cottons, whatever on each of the machines. Have them show you how to make a button hole on the machine that you are considering. Use pieces of the SAME fabrics on each of the machines you try and keep them in little baggies or something so that you can compare the actual stitching of the machines on the same fabrics. Make a comparison list of features on each machine and compare them not only to each other but to what you want in a machine. Remember, you are not just buying a machine, you are buying a dealer so I no matter how good the machine, if I didn't like/trust the dealer, I wouldn't buy. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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