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Member since 8/7/08
Posts: 821
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Posted on: 11/12/08 4:20 PM ET
My mothers been sewing for years. Shes been teaching me. I got her old machine, a kenmore, in 2005 and she replaced it with a basic kenmore. its a decent little machine for basic sewing but shes really looking at getting into heavier sewing like bridal stuff (sisters getting married), coats and quilting. The kenmore is OK for them but with the short arm and short shank on it it's becoming, very difficult for her to see, theres to much in her way and things catch. I've been trying to help my father find a new machine for an xmas gift for her since he knows NOTHING about sewing.

I don't know where to begin. I've been flipping threw some of the reviews here on PR but i'm lost. Theres just so many out there. I need something that's heavier duty than this kenmore, with a longer arm to help with the massive amounts of fabric bridal, coats and quilts consume. It doesn't need bells and whistles since shes computer illiterate. It can be a straight stitch machine or one with a few stitches if anything it needs two. Straight and zigzag.

Anyone have an idea as to a type or brand that i can start looking at? My dad says i should find something that I like and i dont' want to do that as my mothers need for a sewing machine is VERY different from what I need and he doesn't get that.
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I've lost count now, the walls are now fabric.

  
Member since 9/15/08
Posts: 135
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Posted on: 11/12/08 4:56 PM ET
In reply to Reverie
Quote:
My dad says i should find something that I like and i dont' want to do that as my mothers need for a sewing machine is VERY different from what I need and he doesn't get that.


Does Dad hunt, fish or golf?? Would he want you picking out his golf clubs, guns or fishing rods & reels based on what you liked or what he likes?? Ask him.

Then offer to make a very cute gift certificate for mom that includes lunch and a trip to one or two local sewing machine dealers to pick out a brand new sewing machine. Dad can box it up and give it to Mom.
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 11/12/08 5:05 PM ET
In reply to Reverie
One of my machines is a Kenmore also and though I do love the machine, the design of the head of my particular model and the needle being so far back also makes it difficult for me to see compared to my other brand machines. I find this machine also gets a bit cramped doing large sewing projects and I did purchase another machine with a larger bed for the larger projects plus it came with an extension table.
I don't like to suggest a certain brand of machine because personal taste and sewing needs are different but you say that your Mom has some problems doing certain tasks because it is hard for her to see etc. Since I have the same problem I purchased a Viking because it has the needle right up front with the accessory case in the back where my other brands are reversed with the needle in the back and the accessory case up front. I do find that with the Viking and having the needle up front really does help me when I need to do certain sewing tasks.
There are several brands of straight stitch only machines for quilting that have nice large beds and nice features and the needle area is not so far to the rear.
A new sewing machine for Xmas is a special gift and I hope your Mom loves the one she receives.
  
Member since 2/27/07
Posts: 864
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Posted on: 11/12/08 5:22 PM ET
In reply to Reverie
I would suggest a machine that does both straight stitch and zig zag. I like the suggestion of one of the posts that recommended a machine with the accessory tray in the back of the machine. Some machines have the accessories stored in an open area of the free arm but I prefer a separate tray on the outside of the free arm.

Since you stated that you are looking for a machine with lots of room to handle bulky projects, look for a machine with at least 9" of space to the right of the needle between the body of the machine.

Do you know what Dad's budget is? That might narrow your search.
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Carol - * I always have more time to sew *
Babylock Ellageo, Viking Mega Quilter, Janome MC6600P, Babylock Evolve Serger, Janome FM 725
  
Member since 8/7/08
Posts: 821
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Posted on: 11/12/08 6:09 PM ET
In reply to sewsewfun
My mother doesn't leave the house. She's retired and hates going places. Which is why it's me and him shopping and not dad and mom.

Thanks for the replies, theres at least some things to look for.
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I've lost count now, the walls are now fabric.

  
Member since 10/29/06
Posts: 6386
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Posted on: 11/12/08 7:38 PM ET
Here are a few suggestions:
What features are essential for her -these are musts for me: walking foot (IDT also in Pfaff),
needle down, low bobbin indicator, some decorative stitches, needle threader.
Who are the closest dealers?? could you take home a machine or two for your mother to try??
Who is going to service the machine?
There are numerous brands out there, start with the features and where you are going to purchase from and go from there. Good luck.
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There is no easy way! Said by my Grandfather

2025: Sew 50 yds, 100+ better
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Member since 1/6/08
Posts: 802
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Posted on: 11/12/08 9:21 PM ET
In reply to Reverie
Get on the net to all the different machine sites and show your mum what's available.Or how well do you know the local dealer ,who might do a home demo for someone who is housebound.
  
Member since 11/25/05
Posts: 137
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Posted on: 11/12/08 10:09 PM ET
It sounds like a Janome 6600P would fit the bill. It has a big harp, decorative stitches but not over loaded, a built in walking foot for quilting and heavy fabrics, sews fast and is built to last. Check the reviews for it. Viking and Pfaff also have a similar machine that is built by Janome. Your moms Kenmore that she is using now is made by Janome so the learning curve of the 6600P will be a cake walk. hope this helps.
  
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