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Stitching & Crafting Room:  It Finally Died - Help!  |
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Autumn Leaves
True Blue Farmgirl
463 Posts
Jennifer
Northern
California
USA
463 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 7:32:48 PM
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I was finishing up some mending so I can get started on holiday gifts and yep she finally died. My 16 year old Brother sewing machine quit for good. Hubby has fixed it for me before but, this time we've decided it's not possible. So... I'm not a professional seamstress by no means, actually most things I do are just basic. I love making quilts, hope to make some aprons for christmas and just general sewing. Do you ladies have any suggestions for me on a new machine? Make, model, features etc..? What should I look for in a new machine? This will be my Christmas gift from hubby so we can't "break" his bank. So... what would be my best deal? Thank-you, I know you ladies will help.
Warm Wishes
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
http://jenscountrylife.blogspot.com |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 7:52:13 PM
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There are many good machines out there, my only advice is make sure all the gears inside are metal, not plastic.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Autumn Leaves
True Blue Farmgirl
463 Posts
Jennifer
Northern
California
USA
463 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 7:57:13 PM
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Well that's a start. thank-you
Warm Wishes
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
http://jenscountrylife.blogspot.com |
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4HMom
True Blue Farmgirl
720 Posts
Kelly
Montana
720 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 8:13:09 PM
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I would agree with Teresa. Some places let you try out machines...maybe you can find one you like there. Good luck (and what a great Christmas present)
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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Autumn Leaves
True Blue Farmgirl
463 Posts
Jennifer
Northern
California
USA
463 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 8:31:57 PM
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We only have a Walmart here in town that sells machines. There is a JoAnns in the next town (about an hour away) who knows when I'll be going that way again. I was hoping somebody could help me with what Walmart has, the sewing section is so small most of the time there isn't even a person working that department. I guess I'll just have to see what they have in the morning. :) Thank-you
Warm Wishes
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
http://jenscountrylife.blogspot.com |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 9:46:14 PM
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If you want a machine that will last you for a long time, don't buy from a place like Walmart. They buy cheaper made seconds that is how they keep the price down. It doesn't always pay to buy the cheapest machine you can find. In many ways you would be better off buying a better quality used machine.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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MrsDirtDoctor
True Blue Farmgirl
165 Posts
Hallowell
Maine
USA
165 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 07:59:45 AM
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| I don't know much about makes and models but i found mine on craigslist for 50.00, it's a kenmore and the woman only used it twice. i would check it out, it's worth a try. |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 08:08:42 AM
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I too agree that you should try them out.
make sure you are really liking the machine before you buy it
if you money allows it; buy a computer
Basic ones will do
I have a basic Elna and love it and another one Janome 9500
it is a embroidery/ and sewing machine
Check the sales especially now
the Elna's and Janome is a good brand.
they have payment plans to
At Christmas they have really good sales
they are really easy to use . hugs sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativewritings.blogspot.com |
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4HMom
True Blue Farmgirl
720 Posts
Kelly
Montana
720 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 09:26:53 AM
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Since it sounds like you don't really have a place where trying one out is an option, besides the feedback from the Farmgirls, check out consumer reports and other places where folks are "rating" machines. I would check out the internet for options.
I have a middle-end Brother sewing/embroidery machine. I have definately gotten my money's worth out of it...both embroidery-wise and sewing-wise. I was able to try it out before I bought, but I looked at consumer reports to narrow down the ones to seriously consider.
Keep us posted.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1408 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1408 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 09:48:38 AM
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I don't want to come across as a snob, but buying a good sewing machine is an investment. Walmart cannot repair anything that stops working. My advice is to purchase a machine that also has a repair shop in the same store. I have found that one of my local shops that also sells fabric, has classes, etc. also has a repairman that can repair any machine I bring in. Love that man.
Betty in Pasco |
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Claude09647
True Blue Farmgirl
761 Posts
Claudia
Our Dairy Farm
Pennsylvania
USA
761 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 3:53:13 PM
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Oh i know what you mean by loving the repairman. I started sewing on my grandmothers singer sewing machine that was around 20 years old. That thing has so many problems and i would take it to him and it would come back good as new!!
"My ideal day is sitting on the back porch, cup of green tea in hand, slippers on, and just watch the cows in the pasture"
http://claude09647.blogspot.com/ |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 7:48:46 PM
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I like janomes myself. I have had vikings, brothers, singers, and my janome is just great and the one I got only weighs 8 pounds so I can pack it up and take it to class or over a friends. I just love it. It is the one with 60 stitches. I think it is the platinum...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 8:47:42 PM
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Jennifer, personally I would go for an older machine! One of my favorites is my 1955 Singer 99K and I love it! It only does a straight stitch, but it is wonderful for quilts! I also have a 1954 Elna Supermatic, a 1950"s Singer Slant-o-Matic that has different stitches and a 1970's Sears Kenmore. I do have a Singer serger that I got at Walmart that has been a great little machine, but I agree with the ladies to be careful about Walmart machines! YOu may get one that runs well or one that runs not so well!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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Autumn Leaves
True Blue Farmgirl
463 Posts
Jennifer
Northern
California
USA
463 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2009 : 06:07:48 AM
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Thank-you so much ladies I checked out my sad Wal Mart yesterday and they only carry 3 total machines. If I can tear myself away from here today I'll do some online searching. I'll let you all know how it turns out. I'll also look on Craigslist for something, never thought about that, thanks :)
Warm Wishes
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
http://jenscountrylife.blogspot.com |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: It Finally Died - Help! |
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It Finally Died - Help!
