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From: nomad
Date: 07-28-2007, 08:43 PM (1 of 14)
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i started learning to sew, but mostly quilt (with a few pillows & a blanket thrown in) using a machine my grandmother passed down because she liked her old one better. It's probably 6-7 years old, a Simplicity Celebrity. It works fine, but the tension bothers me (bothered her to :lol: ) & since i like quilting, i want to get a better machine. I've looked at the wal-marts and also our local machine repair shop. The really good ones at the quilt shops are more than i want to spend (i will get a Pfaff someday though). our sewing shop is a brother dealer, but they are supposedly heavier & a different line than what is in the big stores. i didn't see exactly what i wanted though - i can get a lower end (i.e. 10 stitches or so, no extras, no walking foot or extended table & traditional bobbin) brother or simplicity for a decent price. Or i can get a brother that also embroiders (about $100 than i wanted to pay for features i don't need right now). I don't embroider, but who knows if i might try one day. It has computerized everything but doesn't come with the extended table or walking foot. But it is a good machine. The brothers that come with larger space for quilting, etc. are much more expensive (they explained that brother used to have a middle of the line machine, but have phased them out in favor of these bigger ones) They also give you a mini-lesson with the machine (1-2 hours) to show you the features before & after you buy. [they happen to be a brother warranty shop so they could repair anything else though & also will have a sewing class this fall that i hope to take regardless] OR i can go to my local Wal-Mart & for a very reasonable price, get a computerized brother that has more stitches than i need, but all that i need, & an extended table and walking foot intended for quilting. i believe it also comes with a case. It is much lighter weight than the ones at the machine shop and has the drop-in bobbin (which seems easier to me, but i've read that some people have issues with the cases breaking because everything is plastic). the model i'm looking at is the 6000t if that matters. i think i'd be happier with the variety of functions rather than always saying 'i wish...' but i don't want to run into issues with the machine if it's poor quality (like the tension on my current one) that i may not have otherwise. & i've never used a computerized machine so i'd be on my own to figure it all out. Thought? or any other suggestions? i'd really like to spend under $200-300 but would go up a bit for the right machine. TIA! |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: toadusew
Date: 07-29-2007, 09:46 AM (2 of 14)
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There are so many options for sewing machines these days that it's hard to choose! However, buying a sewing machine is like buying a car--you have to find the right machine for you and your sewing needs. My particular favorite brand of sewing machine is Janome, but there are lots of good brands out there. I think some ladies on this board have Pfaffs, Berninas, and Husqvarna/Vikings just to name a few brands. We'll all tell you why we like our machine--in other words, there's really no "right" answer to which sewing machine is the best. However, I would not buy a sewing machine at a Wal Mart or Sears because you will not have dealer support when/if you need it if something should go wrong with the machine. Also, a good dealer will provide routine maintenance(sp? brain doesn't want to work this morning!). If I were you, I would go to a qualified, reliable dealer and test drive some machines that interest you. You will soon find the one that suits you best. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: nomad
Date: 07-29-2007, 11:32 AM (3 of 14)
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However, I would not buy a sewing machine at a Wal Mart or Sears because you will not have dealer support when/if you need it if something should go wrong with the machine. Also, a good dealer will provide routine maintenance(sp? brain doesn't want to work this morning!). If I were you, I would go to a qualified, reliable dealer and test drive some machines that interest you. You will soon find the one that suits you best. as long as i live here, i'd be ok on the repairs. The shop that sells the brothers is also the warranty repair for them (one of the only in the state). As long as i have the receipt from WM they will repair. the machines that seem to have what i want are 2-3 times what i can afford right now. the ones i can afford have fewerr features except for the one that does embroidery (on clearance). so that is my dilemma. i live in a small town --fortunately there are several dealers of the major brands you listed within an hour, but the cost is an issue for most of them. |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-29-2007, 12:19 PM (4 of 14)
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I got both my sewing machine and serger (both Pfaffs) from the dealer. The sewing machine was used in the store for demonstrations for a year and I got a great deal on it. It came with a warranty and training (which wasn't necessary) just like brand new. I've never had a problem. The serger came with the same "just like brand new" deal (this time I needed the training). It was used to teach dealers how to use it so they could teach customers. Again it was a great deal. I asked them to keep an eye out for me for a "rebox" and they ordered it as soon as one was available. It was less than a week but they did tell me it could take as long as a couple months. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-29-2007, 06:26 PM (5 of 14)
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Several of the ladies in my ASG group have the Brother 6000T with the extra feet and table. They bought it at Wal-Mart for under $200. It's great for classes but am not sure how it would hold up for continuous use. If the warranty work is not a problem for you, then go with what you can afford. You can always trade it in later for an upgrade. The Brother computerized machine will allow for a variety of stitches in case you want to take your sewing in another direction. However, I am in total agreement that you should buy your first machine from a dealer who can offer you instructions on useage. If there are other dealers within an hour of where you live, then by all means check out what they have to offer even if it was pre-owned by someone else. You may be able to get more machine for your money. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-30-2007, 07:22 AM (6 of 14)
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I had an inexpensive Brother I used for years -- that was a long time ago. I also used an inexpensive Singer for years but I killed it with a denim jacket for a kindergartner. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Shrew1
Date: 07-30-2007, 11:44 AM (7 of 14)
| About 9 months ago, I purchased a Brother 60000i (not the 6000t) from Wal-Mart to explore the sewing craft and determine if it would be something to develop into a hobby. I loved the price of the machine and the amazing ease of use. In fact, I love the lightweight machine with 100 stitches . . . I've not had any mechanical problems; however, I have difficulty sewing anything of thickness. Folded hems are difficult, especially at corners where the side and bottom meet. The machine hasn't failed me yet if I go slow, but the stitch quality is compromised in that area! This was a great little first machine, but I am currently researching and shopping for a better quality machine. Had I known how addictive sewing and fabric (my stash is already HUGE) really are, I would have rather invested the $189 into a heartier machine even if I had to make payments. Good luck with your decision. |
User: Shrew1
Member since: 05-24-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-31-2007, 09:38 PM (8 of 14)
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Shrew -- It helps to lengthen the stitch when there are several layers of fabric. Dorothy (me) |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Shrew1
Date: 08-01-2007, 12:29 PM (9 of 14)
Thanks, Dorothy! Hhmmm, sounds like it's been operator error all along!  And if that's the case, then I take back the nasty complaint and absolutely love my Wal-Mart Brother 6000i. I've read many library books during the past nine months to learn how to sew, and none of them mentioned that. I'm so glad I found this site!
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User: Shrew1
Member since: 05-24-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 08-06-2007, 12:05 AM (10 of 14)
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Right now is the right time to get your local dealer to make you a really good deal. New models are coming out so dealers are trying to get rid of the old ones. You can often find ways to make a machine do what it isn't designed for (like lengthening the stitch length) but shouldn't have to. Your stitch length and quality should remain constant even if you go from two layers of lightweight fabric to 16 layers of heavy denim. Pfaff has a model that you can likely get for around $200 right now that is normally much higher, depending on your local dealer. It was such a good deal that I ordered 100 of them. (Sorry I can't post the model #. as I have quoted a price. Nor can I sell it to you as Pfaff prohibits internet and mail order sales) but your local dealer will know which one it is. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: CarolWI
Date: 08-06-2007, 07:37 PM (11 of 14)
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Greetings, I didn't think that the newer Pfaff's were very good anymore since they were taken over by Viking. Does this model come with the IDF ? If not what is the lowest model that does? You said on another post you sold Janome? I have a 6260Q and am very snnoyed by the large area right above the needle. It's so hard to see anything there for threading or the needle. Is there another Janome that has most of the same features but with a narrower head? Thanks, Carol |
User: CarolWI
Member since: 04-03-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 08-07-2007, 12:18 AM (12 of 14)
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Sorry Carol but the Pfaffs do not seem to have lost their quality, in my estimation. I just traded up from a 2044 to a 2056 and I love, love, love, it. When I sit down to sew on a machine that does not have the IDF, I feel like I'm learning to sew all over again. By the way, Viking and Pfaff are now owned by the Parent company of Singer, I think it's called SVP or something like that. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-07-2007, 07:14 AM (13 of 14)
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Tom-- I've gotten a couple of those flashy ads for the new Pfaff top of the line model. Is that all it's cracked up to be? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: nomad
Date: 08-14-2007, 11:46 AM (14 of 14)
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thank you all - especially tom for the tip! I went to my quilt shop/Pfaff dealer today and not only are they about to have a huge sale, but they have a new series for people just like me --the Smart by Pfaff Series. The basic model is very affordable. i can't believe i can get a pfaff anything for about what i was going to pay at WM. I'm now debating between the 100s (which will meet my needs) and the mid-range 200c which has the memory, computerized, more stitches, etc. but is about $150-200 more than i was planning to spend |
User: nomad
Member since: 03-22-2006 Total posts: 19 |
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