Date: 6/29/03 0:31 AM

I'm sort of looking like my icon.  I've looked at so many machines and seen so many prices ( ! ) that I'm bug eyed.  

I need help deciding on a machine.  I've went to a couple of message boards that say go with Kenmore with Janome construction.  However...

I went to the sewforum mb and someone said to get the White 2999 at allbrands.com - both names which I hadn't heard before.

I'm looking for advice.  Is White a good brand to buy?  Is this particular machine within White brands (with LCD display) the best bang for my buck?  And, have any of you shopped online for a machine?  Do you recommend it?

I am a beginning sewer(?).  I've only taken a couple of classes.  The machine that I inherited doesn't so well - it's about 20 years old, maybe more with only a straight stitch.  I would have made do but the machine doesn't sew right so I want to make a one time decent investment.  I would like to experiment with funky fabrics so some may be real thick and I have some sheers at home that I would like to work with.  I am doing basically home dec and handbags.

Thanks for your help!

Tashima  

Date: 6/29/03 1:41 AM

When I started sewing 2 years ago (hadn't sewn since I was 10...now i'm 33! I didn't know what I wanted so I looked around and did purchase a White 979 from allbrands.com. I really liked my machine and it sewed very well including denim. It was very easy to operate which was what I needed since I truly didn't know how to use a machine after all this time (and my mom was the one who loaded the bobbin and threaded the needle for me when I was young) and the video that came withfor free was informative. I had no problems whatsoever with dealing with allbrands.com...prompt delivery and the sewing machine arrived in perfect condition. Since I have become very enthusiastic about sewing, I upgraded to a Bernina and my best friend now has my machine. She sews a little bit for her children and home dec. It has survived the "enthusiasm" of an 8 year old boy making pillowcases and freemotion design. It is still going strong.

This is my opinion...for a beginner who wants a good deal a White 2999 is a safe way to go. Its got loads of features that make it very attractive and make sewing fun. allbrands.com is a good place to shop. BUT i have occasionally read of a few people who did not have good experiences with them but that was not my case. I think if you had a problem with the machine or have a question it is a tossup as to who answers the phone there and what mood they are in.Thats the only negative thing I can think of about allbrands. Checking ebay, new White 2999 goes for about $240 not including shipping.

Date: 6/29/03 8:27 PM

thanks for replying, NancyS!  I'll take what you said into consideration.  That Ebay tip was great.  I checked that out.

Does anyone else have any opinions/experiences that they would like to share?  I would really appreciate it!

Date: 10/4/03 1:09 PM

Jedwi,
    I'm curious about whether or not you got the White 2999.
I too am looking and just found this mb and saw your post.  I have been deciding between the White and the Brother CS8072.  
     So.... if you got it, what do you like/dislike about it?  Are you happy ?  If you didn't get it what did you end up with?
     Hope you're having fun!!  
 Kathy

Date: 10/4/03 6:05 PM

Tashima, I had a White machine for 6 years, and I really loved it.  I'm sorry, but I don't remember the model number.  It was a mechanical machine, and it cost me about $US200 when I bought it.  I ended up trading up for a Viking, because I wanted a computerized machine with a good buttonhole.  When I say traded up, though, I don't mean I got rid of it completely.  I gave it to my sister, who still uses it.  And at this poing it's about 12 years old and still going strong.

Ann

------
Life is too short to buy cheap fabric.
http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com
http://gorgeousthings.blogspot.com/