Date: 11/6/09 1:43 PM

Today I made my list of three stores to visit that sell used sewing machines. I went to the first store and left feeling so frustrated that I didn't bother going to the other two stores.

When I went to the first and only store today, they kept trying to sell me a new or refurbished Brother machine which also does embroidery. I told them I was just looking for a basic machine as I haven't sewn since college. The sales clerk went on and on about the Brother machines and said she wasn't on commission, but this is what she used and recommended. These machines were $450 to $700!!!!! Not my price range!

The store only had a few used machines and she sort of waved over them and then started talking about the Brother machines again.

I've done a lot of research and I thought I wanted to get an older Singer possibly 200 or 300 series, maybe even 400 series. My other choice was a Kenmore 158 or possibly 148. I've been looking on Ebay and Craigslist.

I feel really frustrated because so many people recommend going to a sewing store and buying from them, but I feel they were pushing me in a totally different direction. I'm also starting to question if the sales clerk was right and that I shouldn't get an older machine.

Please help with any suggestions. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my message!

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Reply to myblusky
Date: 11/6/09 1:53 PM

You can look around the reviews section on the site (the search feature at http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/searchmachine.pl might help) to see what other people think of machines for you.

It seems that $350 or $400 is probably the cheapest machine a dealer could sell and still make enough money (margin) to offset the costs.

As an advanced beginner, I'd personally suggest sticking with either a new entry-level Janome (like the TB12 or TB30, both recently reduced) or Janome-made Kenmore (like the 18221). (You don't get a dealer when you buy from Sears, but you do get a 30 day return policy.) If you'd like to consider used, get a not-too-old version of the above, or perhaps go to an all-metal machine from 20+ years ago. The thrift stores here see them on a regular basis. If you're not comfortable making adjustments, just budget in the cost of having it serviced professionally. You'll still be out for a lot less than $450.

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Date: 11/6/09 2:02 PM

There are all kinds of stores and salespeople. Do not be discouraged. JoAnn's offers beginning sewing classes and will lend you a machine. The class costs $17.50 and you can ask the instructor and the other beginners about their machines.

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Date: 11/6/09 2:52 PM

I used Consumer Reports to help me get a good machine, and it really helped me.

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I've joined the "Fabric Fast" and pledged to buy 1 yard for every 4 yards sewn.
2009 Fabric purchased : 0
Fabric sewn: 0
Fabric given away: 0
Fabric remaining: I have no idea. An Awful Lot.

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Reply to myblusky
Date: 11/6/09 2:57 PM

Patience, myblusky. These things can take time. ;)

Think of it as if you're looking for the perfect mate, or as some had said, looking for the perfect fitting bra. (I'm sorry if the latter is not applicable to you.)

You'll meet all types of sales persons when you go hunting for a new or previously-loved machine. Please don't let that sales lady be the only impression you'll keep. Brush her off and start over.

I second the suggestion on Sears' Kenmore machines.

Buying the right vintage machine, I think, might even take longer. I wouldn't rush into bidding or purchasing when it comes to eBay. Be careful of sellers who do not know how to pack a sewing machine. You might be able to buy one for cheap, but if it arrives at your doorstep damaged, filing a claim is a BIG hassle. There are sellers who are honest and know how to pack a machine, but their prices are not cheap.

At least, you can test drive a machine from craigslist, but you could be waiting a long while for the right one to come along.

I suggest visiting a few online shops, like SVD. Look for machines at your price range, but before you make your decision, do an extensive research on the machines that caught your interest. Search the reviews and the message boards. Pattern Review is not the only place to do your research. Try Sewing Machine Reviewer. Or search the web! There are also plenty of bloggers who review their sewing machines.

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http://plaidnpoplin.blogspot.com/

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Reply to myblusky
Date: 11/6/09 3:03 PM

The Singers you mention the only place you are going to find them are Ebay or an estate sale and if your very lucky you local Goodwill. that being said. Not sure how old your old the sewing machines have come a long way and once you sewed on a computerized machine most people won't go back to a mechanical machine. Most of the used machines any store is going to have now are still fairly current models as that's what people are trading in. I understand your frustration about puslhing sales people though. Sometimes they can be overwhelming. And you walk out of the store as to not to deal with them. But check out the other stores you never know what you might find.

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Date: 11/6/09 3:08 PM

It seems like our local Craigslist often has sewing machines listed these days..... maybe narrow your wish list down and then keep an eye out on Craigslist?

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Date: 11/6/09 3:18 PM

I have been eyeing some entry level machines with a few bells and whistles for my sister and also recommend going with the Kenmores at Sears or the Janomes. I'm leaning heavily towards a Janome that is on sale at Hancock Fabrics for $249 as a X-mas gift.

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Reply to FrBasil
Date: 11/6/09 3:19 PM

Quote: FrBasil

As an advanced beginner, I'd personally suggest sticking with either a new entry-level Janome (like the TB12 or TB30, both recently reduced)

I have played with both these machines and I agree. Also, one thing about buying from a dealer as opposed to a "store" such as Sears etc is that when you buy from a dealer, and the store where I work is a dealer of Janome as well as others, you get SUPPORT. I know the strore I work for offers free lessons on the machine--like threading, bobbin etc. And if you forget you can come back and get help. I don't know if they have anyone at Sears or others thatcan do that.
Also with new, you DO get a warranty and don't have to worry about getting someone else's used headache. Now if you can find something like an older Bernina or Viking that seems in good condition, I would go for it. But I would buy in person. After just having gone through a nightmare of selling a really nice Bernina, packing and shipping it for big $$$ and having the person say when they got it it wasn't working right etc when it was working perfectly when it left here was--well a nightmare. If you are going to buy used get something you can go and try out and save everyone a headache.

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Bernina 1630, Janome 634D serger, Brother ULT 2002D, PE Design 5.0, Janome CoverPro 1000, Viking Optima 190

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Reply to Sewwolf
Date: 11/6/09 3:22 PM

Quote: Sewwolf

Not sure how old your old the sewing machines have come a long way and once you sewed on a computerized machine most people won't go back to a mechanical machine.

I wouldn't bet any money on that. :)

Computerized machines are either very handy, or extremely irritating, depending on your temperment. I have both, but 99% of the time I use my vintage mechanical.

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