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Looking for a new sewing machine
jodiehawley Intermediate CA USA Member since 5/12/11 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/18/13 2:14 PM I am an intermediate sewer and am looking for a good, basic sewing machine. I admit that I hate buttonholes and typically avoid patterns with buttonholes so maybe it is time to find a machine that has an easy to use and good button hole function. I never use embroidery or decorative stiching. I plan on taking some classes to improve my sewing skills and would like to start making more of my own clothes. Any recommendations?
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 8229	Login to reply to this post In reply to jodiehawley << Like this post Date: 1/18/13 3:04 PM First of all, what is your budget. We need to know that first. Then are there any features you would like on the new machine? Mechanical or electronic or computerized? Let's start with these 3 things and go from there. ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
rebe   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/28/05 Posts: 339	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 1/18/13 3:14 PM I just purchased the Singer 9960. It is a great price for all the functions it has and is light enough to take to class. I got it off Amazon. It has free shipping and a great return policy. This machine also has an auto thread cutter. I don't know about you but I can't live without an auto thread cutter. ------ Rebecca Pitts Bernina 430 Singer xl-6000 Babylock Imagine Elna 7200 Ellisimo Janome MB4
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2542	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/18/13 3:17 PM If I were looking for good and basic with all the features pretty much needed for clothing construction and beyond, I would look at the Janome DC4030 for $549: Janome DC4030 on eBay The pink version includes a walking foot and 1/4 inch foot. This is just a suggestion. You will get suggestions to buy a vintage machine also but this one covers all of today's stitches, including those for sewing stretch fabrics. Plus it has a great selection of buttonholes and you can expand by buying tons of different presser feet down the road.
jodiehawley Intermediate CA USA Member since 5/12/11 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post In reply to Learn To Sew << Like this post Date: 1/18/13 4:29 PM My budget is under $1,000. I have no idea about special features-I am mostly interested in a good quality machine which produces even stitches, a good topstitch function, easy buttonhole function which produces a professional-looking hole.
rebe   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/28/05 Posts: 339	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 1/18/13 4:43 PM For that price range you could get a Juki Exceed. Alot of people just love that machine and there is a whole discussion on it. ------ Rebecca Pitts Bernina 430 Singer xl-6000 Babylock Imagine Elna 7200 Ellisimo Janome MB4
lgrande   Advanced Beginner MT USA Member since 1/18/12 Posts: 1110	Login to reply to this post In reply to rebe << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/18/13 4:48 PM Wow, the Juki looks like a really, really nice machine for the price. Sounds like a winner to me. ------ Linda Bernina 830LE Bernina B530 Janome 6600P Pfaff 1209 Babylock Evolution Janome 644D
RipStitcher Intermediate Member since 5/28/12 Posts: 1404	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/18/13 5:50 PM Wow... seems Juki has some nice bang for the buck! Knee lifter, thread cutter.... needle threader.... yeah... these are *nice*! I just went back over to Amazon to look at THE NEXT JUKI MODEL UP THE LINE (it has twice as many stitches... and I do love doing funky stuff with those... so they're worth it to me) ... So for $300 more, I'd ante up and get this one. The Amazon listing didn't have a good description... but HERE IS A BETTER DESCRIPTION & STITCH CHARTS over on the Juki site. Even if it is a bit of a $$ stretch over the lower model, I think this would make a killer class machine for someone if they eventually outgrew it and got a more elaborate machine down the road. ------ nightowlsally.com On my radar someday: Babylock Serger, and some machine for travel. My dearest wish is to have Bernina come out with a machine that doesn't give me a reason to *not* buy it. 2012: New Elna Lotus (mostly for granddaughter), Red Elna Press, Horizon 7700, Gidget 2 Table, Babylock Ellisimo Gold 1970's: Elna SU62 & ElnaPress
jodiehawley Intermediate CA USA Member since 5/12/11 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/18/13 7:12 PM What is a knee lifter? Sorry for the low level questions-I learned to sew on an old Singer machine my mom bought in the 60's. I typically buy very easy or easy patterns and fine fabrics and sew the h*** out of them-french seams, bound seams, topstitching, etc. I have no idea about the newer models or special features. Do tell!
tgm and Kittys   Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 3/8/10 Posts: 7048	Login to reply to this post In reply to jodiehawley << Like this post Date: 1/18/13 7:18 PM What machine do you have at home now? That might help to know what you are used to working with. Some people really love the Brother PRW 420 also. Allot of machine for the money. Knee lift is like a foot pedal but you use your knee instead. ... Just like some sm have start/stop button to use instead of foot pedal. ------ I am a gal from Kalamazoo.... oh what a gal... smile.... It is in Michigan... la la la ...love that Glen Miller classic! Home of Abigail The Babykins & Lil Mittee kitty >^,,^ Be Still, & Know That I am, God + Please say a prayer for my poor feet. ... + .10 weeks down ..4 weeks more to go.. Shoes & supports ordered. Thanks everyone for your prayers. 6/8/13 smile

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