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Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews
Posted on: 6/16/08 3:56 PM ET
I have not sewn much in thelast 10-15 years. I am now semi-retirede and have the time to pursue a facorite hobby. I had two old Kenmores. I sold the first, when I bought the 2nd in the early 1980's. When moving, I just got rid of it - had a lot of issues with it. Now I would like a good machine to sew simple clothes and home furnishings (pillows, curtains, etc.). I would like to spend $200-$350, maybe a little more if it makes a big difference. Any thoughts?
Posted on: 6/16/08 6:41 PM ET
In reply to Nancee in Virginia
Hi Nancee...you're in for a treat! The machine's are so different today and you have the computerized machines to the electronic mechanical ones. You are going to have to make a day trip and just go to a couple shops that sell machines. Bring different fabric with you that you like to sew on and sit, and try different machines in your price range. Janome, Kenmore are good ones for your price. Janome will give you dealer support, which might not be too bad for re-entering into the "material" world! A couple features I can't go without is the needle up-down feature, a good selection of feet, make sure you try out buttonholes on your search, I like a quiet machine. Look at machines, write down features and model numbers and see what best appeals to you. I also like the reverse button close to my needle and a 6-7 mm zig zag for decorative stitches...spoiled by the 9 mm on the pfaff...OH, built in needle threader is number 1 on my list for features. How the machine feels is always important, you need to bond with it…and this might sound crazy but I love the “smell” of a new machine!
Ha ha…. Take a look at the Janome HT2008, that would be a good starting machine to check out features and get a base line for what you really want. Enjoy!!!
-- Edited on 6/16/08 9:37 PM --
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Ha ha…. Take a look at the Janome HT2008, that would be a good starting machine to check out features and get a base line for what you really want. Enjoy!!!
-- Edited on 6/16/08 9:37 PM --
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
Posted on: 6/16/08 6:46 PM ET
In reply to Nancee in Virginia
Just another tid bit....sewing machine dealers barter! Don't ever pay MSRP, start lower and see how low they will go, then you can always ask for extra feet etc. if you're willing to take it now. Not always the easiest thing to do but they expect it. My dealer never has a price posted and when asked they alwyas quote MSRP but don't expect to pay it. 
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
Posted on: 6/16/08 9:10 PM ET
In reply to Nancee in Virginia
Welcome to PR.
Make a list of what you want to be able to do - like a perfect buttonhole and the budget.
Take the list and begin visiting dealers.
Tell them up front the budget and what you would like to sew.
They should give you a demo and let you give the machine a whirl.
Visit as many dealers as you can and then buy the machine you like best from the dealer you like best.
Have fun and be sure to make notes, notes, notes - which machine, which dealer, what is so special about the machine or dealer and of course, price.
Don't discount gently used trade-ins. They would not have the warranty but you may get a better machine for less money.
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Make a list of what you want to be able to do - like a perfect buttonhole and the budget.
Take the list and begin visiting dealers.
Tell them up front the budget and what you would like to sew.
They should give you a demo and let you give the machine a whirl.
Visit as many dealers as you can and then buy the machine you like best from the dealer you like best.
Have fun and be sure to make notes, notes, notes - which machine, which dealer, what is so special about the machine or dealer and of course, price.
Don't discount gently used trade-ins. They would not have the warranty but you may get a better machine for less money.
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