I just about cried over this today (another machine problem in the middle of a project). Two years ago my MIL bought me a sewing machine for Christmas, a nice gesture because I was always borrowing hers or my moms and using them OFTEN. But I ended up taking it back and they couldn't fix the problems it had and so they replaced it with a new one (same model) - but the new one has the SAME issues - it's just VERY, VERY cheaply made and is having problem after problem. It's a bottom of the line Singer (my mom's 27 year old Singer is a TANK but this newer one is flimsy and poorly made - so sad).
All I need is a basic sewing machine for hemming pants, craft projects (like sewing a diaper bag or dress for dd or baby blanket) and repairing my cloth diapers and such. But - I need it to WORK and NOT break on me every other stitch.
I don't mind buying a "mainstream" brand but I really would appreciate if anyone has any suggestions mainstream or a more unknown brand. I can't spend too much (because I don't sew for a living) - and again only need a BASIC model - but I need to be able to sit down and do a project and get through it without a MAJOR problem every....single..... time. Help?
(BTW: I just unsubscribed from consumer reports - anywhere FREE I can find useful reviews/ratings on the reliability of machine brands? I want a brand that will stand by their machines. And... do you think it would do ANY good to write to Singer and tell them how terribly disappointed that my very own first machine is such a disaster?? I had a warranty but it's been up for quite some time because it will do no good - there is nothing to "repair" except that the entire thing is so flimsy and poorly designed. I don't know what else Singer would do other than tell me to buy one of their more expensive models.)
All I need is a basic sewing machine for hemming pants, craft projects (like sewing a diaper bag or dress for dd or baby blanket) and repairing my cloth diapers and such. But - I need it to WORK and NOT break on me every other stitch.
I don't mind buying a "mainstream" brand but I really would appreciate if anyone has any suggestions mainstream or a more unknown brand. I can't spend too much (because I don't sew for a living) - and again only need a BASIC model - but I need to be able to sit down and do a project and get through it without a MAJOR problem every....single..... time. Help?
(BTW: I just unsubscribed from consumer reports - anywhere FREE I can find useful reviews/ratings on the reliability of machine brands? I want a brand that will stand by their machines. And... do you think it would do ANY good to write to Singer and tell them how terribly disappointed that my very own first machine is such a disaster?? I had a warranty but it's been up for quite some time because it will do no good - there is nothing to "repair" except that the entire thing is so flimsy and poorly designed. I don't know what else Singer would do other than tell me to buy one of their more expensive models.)
I can't say enough good things about janome sewing machines- and it is because i started with an inferior machine and when i replaced it with a (comparably priced) janome, i could not believe the difference. the features on the janomes (needle threader, drop in bobbin, auto buttonholer, etc) make sewing on them like a dream. Overstock did have some all metal models and other basic janomes for well under $100; you should check there. and Sears. Check the website at Sears, tho, because it happened to me and someone else posted the same thing, that the sale price posted on the internet is NOT listed/priced on the same machine in the store....but they will give you the sale price, you just have to tell THEM it is on sale.
