Recommendations for a "beginner" sewing machine?

[kamilla626]

I want to get a sewing machine and do some simple sewing; sundresses for dd, pillow covers, curtains, toy bean bags or simple dolls, etc.

But I haven't sewed since I was about 7 and my mother let me use her big old Singer to make sleeping bags for Barbies!

I know that I should probably get something that can do button holes and a few other "tricks" but, there's a chance that this may not become a regular hobby, so I don't want to spend more than a couple hundred - if that.

What features should I look for? What questions should I ask? I don't know anything about sewing machines - only that I want one.

[kamilla626]

[EricaLeigh]

I bought a brand new sewing maching about 10 years ago & it keeps breaking down! Then I picked up a 1960's Singer from a tag sale for $5!!!!! And have been using it ever since. It's metal, my repair guy looked at it & says it is in fine shape. He also said that he can get almost all parts except the motor. If you don't do too much sewing check out tag sales or see if the local sewing shop has rebuilt machines, they usually guarantee them.

[capemom]

Check out the Kenmores (Sears). I have one that is about 15 years old and is still working great. They are probably in your price range too. I've done lots of quilts and curtains and recently diapers with mine. No complaints.

[leafylady]

One of my 8th grade students has a Kenmore. I love it. It's basic and easy to use. It doesn't fizzle out even though she lets many of the other students use it.

[medaroge]

I have a the Singer 5160, its $200 at amazon.com. I have never sewn before and this was very easy to set up and use. I was worried because I didnt have a clue even how to thread the dang thing, but the instructions are good and I was able to get from opening the box to sewing in about 30 min. I think it is very easy to use, it has a number of stitch patterns, which was important to me, but honestly, 98% of the time I use a straight or zig-zag stitch. It also has an ok button hole maker, and foot attachemtns for zippers and other special things that I dont do now, but am glad they are there in case I ever get better at sewing!

Hope that helps, let us know what you decide on!
~Melissa