Sewing Machine Recs?

[Magelet]

I am so sick of my sewing machine always breaking/malfunctioning. I feel like I can only sew a few feet before I have to take it apart to try to fix something and that rarely works anyways.

Not that I have the money for a new (to me) one, but do you have a great sewing machine that is really reliable? I don't need a professional one, but I do use the sewing machine regularly (when it works. which is hardly ever)

It's two years old and I'd like to kill this freaking machine. I got a non-computer one because I figured that way if it broke it would be easy to fix. hahaha. it's always breaking/malfunctioning in various ways I can't figure out.

So.... any sewing machines that work brilliantly without breaking regularly for less than say... 250? I'd be content with just straight stitch and zig-zag capabilities. a button foot and walking foot options would be nessicary though.

[cristeen]

My first recommendation is always Bernina. I have a Bernette Sport that is a really simple machine, nothing fancy, but we bought it when I was about 10 (got a paper route to pay for it), and it's still going strong. I'd check the local dealerships (there's one on Piedmont Ave, I know), and see if they have an older/refurbished machine for sale.

Otherwise I'd probably go for a workhorse Singer, like the one at Vermont Country Store. Again, it's a basic machine, but built to last. Not sure if that one's in your price range, though.

You're always welcome to come by for a visit and borrow one of mine, though.

[Magelet]

thanks. I got it going again (no clue what happened though). It's frustrating, but I think I'll just power through with it for at least a few years. maybe down the road I can get something better. (good to keep in mind your recomendations thanks).

[punkrockmomma]

I know you got your machine up and running again, but when you finally decide you've had it, I would would first check out Craig's List and possibly ebay. I've been desperately wanting a better machine for a couple months now. I sew everyday and the Singer I have is struggling, and it's not a cheap one either. I found the BEST deal yesterday on Craig's List for a Bernina 1090 for $275, in wonderful condition, with all it's feet, extra bobbins etc. I called a local Bernina retailer and they were selling one for $800. So, there are great, cheap machines out there you just have to keep your eye out for them. Good Luck!

[E.V. Lowi]

I'm not a fan of Bernina, any more. I own 3 of them, each over 30 years old and still going strong but they don't make them like they used to.

The best *new* sewing machine for the money, IMHO is Janome. Super sewing , trouble free machines.