Help/advice? Impulse Buy- sewing machine

[jessjgh1]

Hello, I've been frustrated by the 2 'free' sewing machines I have picked up through FreeCycle. I decided to do some hemming yesterday, only to discover this sewing machine is now completly dead- or the motor is, just doesn't work at all.: It took me forever to figure out how the first one worked, (it really doesn't) and the 2nd one wasn't that easy to figure out either (both no manuals and none that I could find online).

SOOOO, I happened upon a EuroPro 385 at a store that I was at and just got it. I'm due in a month approx, so I wanted to get started on a few things and don't feel like I have time to hunt one down at a garage sale, free or whatever, etc. TOtal impulse buy. But I do need to get a start on my projects, especially since i have already invested in some fabric, etc..

Is this a huge mistake...? I can probably get a new Singer (basic) for just a little more. But I have no idea what I should be looking for in a sewing machine anyways?? I just got it because it was affordable (just under 100) and at the store. Heck, I know I could go to a JoAnne's and see what they have??

What will I use it for: basic sewing, I have very little experience.
Want to make washcloths/ wipes
Want to make some large waterproof changing pads or simple mattress pads (not fitted or anything)
Want to make a sling and a pouch, maybe a very simple skirt

And then if I'm hooked maybe I'll do other things, but these very basic (to me they seem basic) things are what I want to start with.

Sorry for the ramble...

Any words of wisdom before I open the box and can't take it back?
Should I look for a machine and be able to get one under $100?? Under $85.00 for what I want.
I admit, it was enticing that it appears to do some embroidery....

Thanks,

Jessica

[jessjgh1]

And another question... about the old machines, what should I do with them? Should I really have them looked at, at a repair shop?

At this point I guess I'm feelign I can't do that, because I physically shouldn't lift them (one is really really heavy and the other is on a sewing table and big and heavy).

I might be able to manage the one machine, but its the one that the motor is just dead, so I'm not holding out that much hope that it can be resolved with just a tune up. Or is needing a new motor a little simpler than I'm assuming??

Thanks

Jessica

[WC_hapamama]

The Euro-Pros are okay machines if you're using them for very light use. I have one (the Euro-Pro 8260) and within 5 months, the thread holder was broken and the wire from the bobbin winder was gone, and it got very loud. Be gentle with it and you'll be okay.

[sabrinat]

I think I would have taken one of the freecycle ones to a shop had them look at it and see if they could fix it....well, it depends what the machines are actually. But I'd be more apt to get a vintage machine and fix it up then by a cheap new machine.

[mama_bee]

i know this probably isn't what you want to hear, but i sew on a europro sometimes and i absolutely hate it. it's brand new and it's already loud and clanky, despite maintenance and proper usage. i use it pretty heavily though. light use might be okay.

[eepster]

If you have room for 2 machines you could keep the EuroPro to use for botton holes, decorative topstitching, etc. Then take the two older machines to the shop and ask the guy if you could trade in one to cover part of the cost of repairs on the other, and use the older machine for more heavey duty work like sewing slings.

[jessjgh1]

Update.... and 2 new questions below. Thanks for the advice.

I end up needing to return something else I bought with the sewing machine... so its unopened and in my trunk.
I dropped off the broken sewing machine for an estimate... the woman who looked at it did say it might have a gear problem, and if so, not worth fixing or doing a tune up. I'll look at the model of the other machine I have tomorrow and ask about it when they call me back with the estimate or 'trash it' recommendation. Maybe I can bring that one in too.

My only regret is that the sew shop I took them to only has really good machines, so the cheapest one is over $300.00-- so even if I trade in both machines for $100 each, (which is probably unlikely to get that much) and I still might be able to get that a machine since I could spend 100/120 on one... I just can't wrap my mind around a $300.00 machine. (I'm a beginner)

They did have an old used Kenmore on sale for $129.00, but I think I'd rather spend $129. on a brand new basic Singer which I can get at JoAnnes or Target?? Any thoughts??

And another question:
I still need to purchase PUL. I ordered it from someone but she never sent it (uugh paypal dispute)... I can't find it locally so have to go to an online or mail source... anyone know of a reliable source? (btw, doesn't have to be PUL, but waterproof, like what is used for pocket diapers)

Thanks for walking this through with me a bit.


Jessica

[eepster]

Old (pre 1970) vs New depends on what you want out of a machine. Old machines do simple stitches very well. They tend to be work horses that can sew through practically anything. However, they dont have fancy decorative stitches or one step button holes. They also are sometimes more difficult to use.

New machines have the fancy stitches and fewer things to be adjusted. However, they tend to have weaker motors and plastic parts. They also may have electronics that get easily broken.

For most of what you want to do a new machine would be fine. However you mentioned slings. Slings are very simple to make, but the seams are very important if it break... The fabric you use needs to be strong and thick. If you see what I mean.

[sabrinat]

I would probably go with a the used Kenmore. You'll be surprised what a great machine your apt to get. Well...actually what year is it. If it's from the 70's it's a good machine, but probably overpriced...be sure they include a warranty.
I know it's easy to be dazzled by newness, if you you only have < $200 to spend you probably not going to get a great machine new. The kenmores at Sears are pretty good and made by Janome, but you probably are going to get closer to $300 although they have sales frequently.

[eepster]

Originally Posted by sabrinat

The kenmores at Sears are pretty good and made by Janome, but you probably are going to get closer to $300 although they have sales frequently.

All mine have been new kenmores. My first I got when I was 12.

My second I got as an adult sometime in the 90's. At that point it had become hard to find machines with features that to me seemed basic like adjustable presserfoot preasure. At that point I bought a high end machine I couldn't have afforded but the machine I bought had been returned to the store b/c it had left the factory with a minor purely cosmetic flaw. It broke a couple of years ago shortly before we moved to our new home. I had been planning to get it fixed as soon as things settled down.

My third machine was a surprise at christmas from my husband : . It technically was in the same price range/quality level as my broken machine but it has many fewer features and in order to sew slings with it I have to turn the wheel by hand, b/c the motor isn't strong enough.

[jessjgh1]

Well, just got the call and the machine is not fixable. Have to wait at least 2 weeks for my PUL fabric, and still have not gotten money back from a Paypal purchase gone bad )-:

I'm still going to return the EuroPro...

By slings... I'll be making one pouch and hemming the fabric for someone else to make me one. I might make a couple other pouches if it goes okay.... but since it is taking me so long to get this all figure out, I'll probably have my baby and it will be 9 months before I do anything.

There's always a chance I could get addicted of course... but I'll deal with that if that happens later. (-;

I think maybe the best thing is to invest in the basic beginner machine for now. Or check out that Kenmore.

Sorry... totally nesting and wanted to do some sewing, I guess!

Thanks...

Jessica