New WAHM seeks sewing machine advice!

[BekahMomToOliver]

Hello everyone!
So, here's the scoop: I'm a brand new WAHM and I'm looking for some advice on what to look for in a sewing machine. I had a second-hand one with no manual but it was adopted by my sister, and now I'm in the market for a good starter machine. I'm overwhelmed by Kijiji as I have no idea what I'm looking for.
I'd like to make simple baby stuff, like blocks and blankets and simple clothes, appliques, etc. I'm a pretty decent hand-sewer but I have no clue when it comes to machines, and I can't seem to find anyone able to teach me (I've been asking everywhere). In short, I need something really user friendly! I'm a total beginner.
I just quit my job, so money is tight, but I think we could manage something in the $100-$200.00 range.
I'd love any advice, I'm itching to get started
TIA!

Edit: There is a Brother XL 2600 advertised locally at a really good price. Any opinions on whether something like this would be suitable? http://www.brother.ca/en/sewing/desc...03&features=on

[Think of Winter]

I just replied to a really similar post, so you can check that out, too.

$100-200 is not going to get you much. I had a $200 brother. It worked well for about 15 mos, but then needed a repair that would have been $300. If you're just planning to do a little sewing here and there, and can take good care of it (I dropped mine putting it away), then it may be worth it.

I'd use that money on a solid vintage machine and a tune up, personally. Craig's list and Ebay always have them, but if you have time, garage sales and thrift stores will be waaay cheaper.

There are sewing machine reviews online at Consumer Reports and http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/.

[orangefoot]

I'd go for vintage too.

[leighi123]

I bought the $70 Brother from walmart and used it for 2 years, sewing almost every day, and making everything including a LOT of baby carriers (heavy fabrics). It still works just fine, I just moved and couldnt pack it so its in my parents house waiting until Im there this summer.
It was REALLY easy to learn to use, and its easy to maintain as well, I just cleaned it often. I never had to get it fixed.

You dont HAVE to get an expensive one to get one that works.


Here, I have a machine that cost $1200, and Ive had to have it fixed 3 times in the past 6 months.
My mom also has a singer thats 15 years old, I had it serviced for the first time a couple weeks ago, it still works great! I have no clue what it cost new, we bought it overseas.

[sewchris2642]

Walmart, Sears, and JoAnns all have sewing machines for $200 and under. The advantage is the low price but the disadvantage is that you will not get any help or advice on the differences between machines nor will you get lessons in how to operate the machine after you buy it.

Sewing machine dealers will also have inexpensive, basic machines. The advantage to buying from a dealer is that you will get service after the sale, including some kind of operating lessons on how to use the machine. They can also tell you the differences between makes and models of machines. The disadvantage is that you might have to pay more for the machine you want.

[haydensmom06]

I have a kenmore from sears and i love it! It's a total workhorse and super easy to use. I sew for hours every day (etsy shop) and it's great! I think it was around $80 when dh bought it. I make dresses, rompers, aprons, do appliques, skirts, etc!! It does it all with ease. They are actually made by the janome company - great quality with a nicer pricetag!

[sewchris2642]

I also love Kenmores. Mine cost $300 (on sale; originally $330) and came with a free case that I only used once when we moved. It's my 3rd. I also have an electronic Kenmore that's 25 years old and would still work if I could find a new foot control for it. And one that was my MIL's. She made clothes for her boys on it. It needs new wiring for the motor. But I just haven't taken it to the repair place for rewiring yet. It has cams for the different stitches and still sews but with the bad wiring, it's an electrical fire just waiting to happen.

[Treasuremapper]

I second the suggestion above to check out sewing pattern review's site. I have two Kenmores, a machine and a serger, and I love both of them. As a WAHM, you are going to want a serger soon. I also suggest buying a sewing cabinet if you can find one. I have a fabulous sewing cabinet that I bought from Craigslist for only fifty bucks. It makes it so easy to work and it has a key so I can lock up my stuff. You can see it by scrolling down to the Storage Pro Plus. See, it has all these drawers and handy little places to put things. http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/Furn...ala/koala1.htm

If you get a used machine, try to get one with a transferable warranty and check to make sure it really is transferable and get a receipt if possible.

One last thought -- post your desires under "wanted" in CL and see what happens. Explain what you want to make and why and you might get a great deal that is perfect for your needs.

[haydensmom06]

Originally Posted by Treasuremapper

I second the suggestion above to check out sewing pattern review's site. I have two Kenmores, a machine and a serger, and I love both of them. As a WAHM, you are going to want a serger soon. I also suggest buying a sewing cabinet if you can find one. I have a fabulous sewing cabinet that I bought from Craigslist for only fifty bucks. It makes it so easy to work and it has a key so I can lock up my stuff. You can see it by scrolling down to the Storage Pro Plus. See, it has all these drawers and handy little places to put things. http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/Furn...ala/koala1.htm

If you get a used machine, try to get one with a transferable warranty and check to make sure it really is transferable and get a receipt if possible.

One last thought -- post your desires under "wanted" in CL and see what happens. Explain what you want to make and why and you might get a great deal that is perfect for your needs.

Now THAT is my kind of table!! :

[Treasuremapper]

I love it. I love Craigslist. I found such great deals for sewing supplies on Craigslist -- my sewing machine, serger, and all three of my cabinets were from CL for pennies on the dollar of what they would cost new.

So, OP, remember check there every day, you will find something. Beware of the scam ad that keeps showing up for the Bernina 830 only used for 26h or 36h or whatever number of the week is.

[haleyelianasmom]

I keep seeing the advice to go to a dealer, but do most dealers have refurbished machines? I can't find much on craigslist. I might do ebay, but I'd like to look into dealers first.

[sewchris2642]

Usually the do, especially if the dealer takes trade ins. The used machines are the ones that customers trade when they buy new machines. The dealers service them and sell them, like used cars. Or when a model is discontinued, the dealer will sell off the demo machine.