sewing machine

[SugarAndSun]

I used to have a sewing machine and sold it. I would like to buy a new one. Any suggestions? I will likely make basic curtains, pillows, etc. I would also like to start quilting.

Overstock has a bunch. Do any look like good deal?

[Motherwolf]

brother!

I have the first Brother sewing machine, and it has done evrything I have wanted it to do.
I don't even have the book, and did not know it could do more...
I have sewed since I was little, and I am now 32.
This brother is effective with what you want to do.
I use it all the time to sew all the things you have mentioned.
I think at WalMart it costs a little more, so this is a good deal.
Unless you intend on doing upholstery or thicker fabrics,
or using this machine for a living, then this is the one!

I'll vouch.
Happy Sewing!

[Think of Winter]

If you're interested in a vintage machine, I could make a couple of suggestions. They'll be more difficult to find, but they are fixable (usually by the owner) and will last indefinitely if taken care of. And you'll avoid purchasing a big hunk of plastic with a limited lifespan.

[sewchris2642]

Before you buy online or from a discount store, do your research at local dealers. Take fabric with you and personally sew on the machines. Then ask yourself the following questions: can I learn the machine on my own?, what happens if it breaks or needs servicing?, who will answer my questions?. Buying from a dealer can mean spending more money for a machine up front but you can't put a price on the after sale service.

That been said, I bought my last 2 machines from Sears. I knew what I wanted and knew that I only needed the owner's manual to learn how to operate the machines. And getting it serviced is no problem. I do my own maintenance. I've also been sewing for over 40 years. The last 30, professionally.

[ms.shell]

Don't buy a Brother sewing machine from Wal-Mart! I have had TERRIBLE luck with Brother; I think they are very poorly designed and mine gave me nothing but frustrations. When I finally got a Janome, I found out that sewing can be fun. I saw several great deals on Janome machines on that overstock link.
The most amazing deal looked like that model no. 11542 with 42 stitch functions for only $69. And there is one with 58 stitches for like $20 more. I would go with one of those. That Hello Kitty sewing machine (the green one) is actually really nice, too (I have used one) and not only for kids. It is a smaller size, so nice for taking to classes or travelling, but it only has 10 stitch functions.
I think that as long as you buy a Janome, you will be pleased. I would recommend getting a mechanical (not electronic or computerized) Janome machine. I have one of their electronic computerized models, and I do love it, but I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't have a mechanical machine as a back up.
BTW, the "Kenmore" machines sold at Sears are made by Janome. When I bought my new machine a few months back, they were having amazing deals even better than what I could find on Overstock, but I am not sure if that is still the case.
Get a Janome. Good luck and happy sewing!

[SugarAndSun]

Thank you for the replies.

Where was the deal on the Janome?

I may lean toward the vintage machine since I am trying to avoid plastic as much as possible. I see tons on CL. What should I look for in one? Will they be as easy to sew with? I used to gave a singer (I think) and I could get by fine.

[ms.shell]

Old Singers are great; I have heard about problems with new ones.

FWIW, a while ago, overstock had some great deals on all metal janomes, several even well under $100 with the one step buttonholer and many stitch functions. i was really tempted by those, lol, but the plastic housed deluxe mechanical janome mom bought me 5+ years ago works really just fine (and has been used ALOT). I did not see any all metal models there when i checked your link earlier, but i bet they may have those again later.

B/C you asked, the Kenmore/ Janome machine I bought was $249 (or maybe 299, can't remember for sure) and has like 200+ stitches including a lot of embroidery stitches, but as I said, I would not have bought that one if I did not have a mechanical machine as a back up.