Sewing Machine Advice

[giggs]

I have never sewed before. I want to start sewing simple things like baby blankets, kids outfits and maybe a simple easy quilt. Can someone recommend an AFFORDABLE sewing machine? What brands are good? Which ones should I avoid? I really would like to find something very cheap to start. Advice?

[happilyloved]

I have heard many people recommend the Kenmore machines from Sears. I have a Brother from Walmart that is noisy and rattles, but it does the job. Another really good option is to check out your local dealers and see what kinds of refurbished machines they have available. Those often come with a warranty and lessons and you can get a really good machine at a decent price.

HTH!
Ann

[Patchy Dragon]

AVOID WAL-MART sewing machines....

I would recommend heading to Sears and taking a look at the Kenmore's or JoAnn Fabrics and looking at White's.

I have 2 Kenmores and never had a problem with either one.

[babyblueeyes]

Check out the Sears liquidation ebay store. They don't have many machines right now, but there are a few. The prices are always great and you get decent machines. They add more all the time.

http://search.stores.ebay.com/search...y=sears+sewing

[LuvMy2Kidz]

I would recommend staying far far away from White machines. I got a nice model for my first machine and HATED it. The needles was always jamming in the bobbin case, it was a horrible machine that came highly recommended by the ladies at the store.
I know a few WAHMs that use the brother'sfrom Wal-Mart and say they work fine for a lower end machine. But I also second the suggestion of checking out local sewing shops and looking at refurbished/used machines.

[giggs]

Thanks. I was curious about the ones at Wal-Mart since they are so much cheaper! I don't really want to spend more than $100 on my first machine. I want to see if I end up sticking with it first!

[giggs]

How about this Singer Drop In Bobbin Sewing Machine?? It's real cheap on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=8126346829

Remember, I am just looking for something simple to START with. If I enjoy sewing I do plan on investing on a good machine later. I just want something that will get the job done.

[LuvMy2Kidz]

I've been told that the newer singers are cheaply made, and not very good machines.

Personally, I own a Pfaff and won't own another brand, I love mine, but they're expensive, even used.

[lupineperriwinkle]

Go to Freecycle.org and find the groups in your area. I got a machine from there to use as a loaner for when I teach sewing.