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12 
Member since 2/16/08
Posts: 14
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Posted on: 3/26/08 8:32 PM ET
First of all, thanks to everyone on these boards who let me know that I can actually go to a dealer and "test drive" a sewing machine before I buy! I have learned a lot about buying a sewing machine from you all.

I am hoping to go out tomorrow to 4 different dealers and try out the three sewing machines I'm considering (Babylock Quest, Janome 6600P and Pfaff Performance 2058). Since I've never done this before, please remind me what features I should try out and compare between the three models. I know everyone will have different ideas about what's most important in a machine, but tell me what you always check when trying out a sewing machine. I don't want to forget anything when I am there. Thanks for your help!
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 8572
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Posted on: 3/26/08 8:38 PM ET
Buttonholes: are they well stitched and can the width, length and stitch density be adjusted?

Feet: how much will it cost to add some specialty feet to the standard ones included in the machine - and does it require standing on your head while alternately praying and swearing to get the walking foot on the @#$% machine?

SONIC BOOM - space shuttle is landing, dogs barking, heart is racing...I'll try to collect my thoughts and come back later.

Later. There. Much better.

Does it have needle up/needle down?

Does the salesperson turn pale when you ask to try to stitch through 8 layers of denim just after you test silk crepe de chine?
-- Edited on 3/26/08 8:53 PM --
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“Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann.

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'



  
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 167
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Posted on: 3/26/08 9:22 PM ET
In reply to sunbonnetelle
Bring your own fabric to try the machine. When I shopped for my last machine, I also brought a small quilt sandwich with me to try free motion quilting.

The nice thing is you can take the same fabric to different dealers and compare stitches side by side.

Good luck and have fun!

Janet
  
Member since 3/13/06
Posts: 767
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Re: what to look at when test driving sewing machines? (posted on 3/27/08 2:16 AM ET)
My advice: go through your bag of fabric scraps and pull out samples of fabric that you have sewn (knits, wovens, novelty fabrics, etc) and use those fabrics to test the machines.

Also, when you are looking at the machines, ask to look at the instruction manual and figure out if you understand how it explains things (changing needles, changing the feet, threading the needle, filling the bobbin, etc). Quite often, I'm sewing alone at night and if I encounter a problem, I have to rely on how easily I understand the owner's manual. You want something that is easy to read.

Have fun!
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Needles Pins Thorns (my sewing blog)
needlespinsthorns.blogspot.com

  
Member since 11/9/06
Posts: 410
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Posted on: 3/27/08 2:25 AM ET
In reply to sunbonnetelle
Taking your own fabric swatches is always good. Also make a list of what you want in a machine and have them go over all of those details with you. Have them show you how the memory works, how to program stitches, how to make button holes with the machine, and have them give you a good tour of the basic stitches as well, after all those are the ones you will use the most. I have the Janome 6600P and the Babylock Quest, and I prefer the Quest, the free arm is a big deal to me, the 6600P does not have one. The upper feed on the Quest is a lot like the one Pfaff uses. and you will see that when you try out both machines. Have fun, and don't let a sales person push you into a machine before you try them all out.
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John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 3/27/08 3:35 AM ET
If you have a digital camera take photos.

Take a sharpie so you can write on each sample you sew which machine it was on. Also what ever settings the machine was set to to make the stitch happen.

Take a notebook and get any and all offers in writing. Ask what extras they will throw in, then check out what the value of those extras are to you.

In the notebook write down what you like and dislike about each machine as you use it. If a button or function is not in a place that makes sense to you record that.

As Karla said find out how much the feet cost and will generics fit?

Keep in mind that you can usually get 20% off the list price. It also does not hurt to ask about upcoming promotions and if they will honour it now. Be prepared to walk away from any of the machines.


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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 3/7/05
Posts: 109
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Posted on: 3/27/08 5:37 AM ET
Have the dealer show you the basics of the machine. Then sit down in front of the machine for atleast 20 minutes... sewing your samples and trying out the different basic stitches (straight, zig-zag). Test to see how easily you can adjust the stitch length and width. Also, see what the maximum length and width you can go.

Ask yourself:
-Does the machine make a beautiful straight stitch?
-Does the machine feel intuitive to use?
-Are the dials/buttons/display, easy to touch and read?

Find out what accessories are included with the machine and what are available to purchase and cost.

Have fun test driving the sewing machines. :)




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We can never have too many hobbies. We just need more hours in the day to enjoy them.
_______________________________
Singer Featherweight 221 (1938)
BabyLock Jubilant
BabyLock Imagine (serger)/Coverstitch
Viking Sapphire 850/Platinum 770
  
Member since 10/16/06
Posts: 890
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Posted on: 3/27/08 9:46 AM ET
Since you are buying from a dealer, test drive the dealer too.

Is the staff friendly?
How long does it take for service/repairs?
Are repairs and service done at the dealer or are the machines shipped off somewhere?
Do they pressure you? etc.

As far as the machines go, I think you gotten some great advice on that. Make sure that YOU love whichever machine you choose. Happy shopping and let us know what you get.

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Member since 10/4/05
Posts: 338
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Posted on: 3/27/08 10:17 AM ET
Great thread, I have never shopped for a sewing machine. Did not even have a clue how to go about it. Thanks for all the info!

Debra
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I sew, therefore I am.

  
Member since 9/29/04
Posts: 1204
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Posted on: 3/27/08 10:35 AM ET
In reply to jeanbluecat
Quote: jeanbluecat
Great thread, I have never shopped for a sewing machine. Did not even have a clue how to go about it. Thanks for all the info!



Debra

So, how to you purchase your machine(s)?

ETA: Never mind. I guess I found the answer to my question from your post in the Singer T&S thread. The only machine you have ever owned is one passed down from your mother, right?
-- Edited on 3/27/08 10:50 AM --
  
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