Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 I think if you are going to do " simple " things that doesn't tax the machine, just about any kind of sewing machine will do. They all work well for just simple seams. The only thing is if it has stitches that you want (my big thing was a button hole system). I bought one at JoAnns for about $200 and it worked pretty good until I tried making a quillow (quilt that folds into a pillow) and the thickness threw the timing off. That would have been about $100 to fix. I didn't do it because I figured I would just spend that on part of a new machine instead of just fixing one that would break again. Actually what I ended up doing is got one at Goodwill (for $25), a pretty old one, maybe 1960's, spent $45 getting it cleaned and serviced and it has done everything I have asked of it with no complaints. But if you are just doing simple, straightforward stuff any one would do in my opinion. This is what I heard while I was looking.... Don't buy singers as you can't get parts anymore. Husquavarnas are good as are whites. Janomes are pretty highly rated, too. I would suggest you talk to someone who fixes sewing machines for a living. He will have much to say about them!! Karen J Hi all, I want to learn to sew. I don't know anything really about machines. Joanne's has a White on sale, the 'commerative model' for $150. Bobbin loads on the side, nothing fancy. Once I hit 50, *I* think I'm gonna care that I didn't get a top loading bobbin and/or self threading. For those that sew, will I care, or would I be happy with a cheaper machine? I want to make skirts, elastic waists, curtains, easy stuff. I can easily say I will never make a shirt for my husband. lol ain't gonna happen. I've been told Husquavarna is the best and white is next. any opinions? p.s. our congressman's office is giving us the b.s. treatment on that thing I sent in a few min ago. They don't know and they don't care. Shadegg's office. geeeeez. Well, hubby got thru to the person answering the phone. Hey Chris, thanks for allowing regular chit chat on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 I dont have a new sewing machine and will not spend the money on it. I have 6 sewing machines and they are all old old old (two of them are treadles). The difficulty as I see it is the new ones have WAAAAY too much plastic in them. I love the old ones that are made out of metal. It takes more than I can do to hurt them!! I have a Viking, a Brother, several Singers and a couple no one has every heard of. ) One of my singers (I got it already in a cabinet!) cost me $10 at a yard sale. I had to replace the cord (simple job, couple bucks and it was good to go!). I have a total of less that $200 for all my machines (and $125 of that was in the treadles). If you find a place that repairs them the chances are they will have a room full of old trade ins that work great but people wanted something flashy or computerized or something. Good luck! Neysa Neysa's Naturals Hartsville, SC 29550 843-383-6917 orchidqueen http://we-live.to/soap http://angelfire.com/stars4/rabigail Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 Janine: Speaking from experience, I bought a used Viking about 5 years ago. It was probably 5 years old when I bought it, so not the most advanced machine by today's standards, although it has quite a few computerized features. I paid $400 for it, so I got an amazing deal. I LOVE this machine. Doesn't have the automatic bobbin, but I'm fine with it, although if I had my druthers that's the one thing I'd change. I'm kind of like you -- I sew fairly simple things and will never make a tailored shirt for my husband, but might make him some simple old western style shirts. This machine will let you go as far as you want to go! Anyway, I took some lessons (highly recommended) and dragged my machine around with me to classes and I'm extremely pleased with it. See if you can find a used Viking. I'd prefer that over a White any day, personally. Or possibly a used Bernina, another superb machine. People are always upgrading who really get into sewing and there are some good deals out there if you look for them. Georgene > > > 8 Nov 2003 10:03:29 -0000 > > Digest Number 1064 > > OT: sewing machines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 I have an old treadle, a Necci and a Bernina. All Hand me downs. The treadle was the most expensive of the three as it cost me two quilts. If you are doing easy sewing without all the heaviness, just about any will work. The more modern a machine, the more plastic you get. I would check with any thrift stores in your area to see if they have any for sale and also watch the paper for yard sales and estate sales. You can get a very good one for less money and in most cases, they do not need more than a cleaning. A good old one will run circles around a new one for endurance. Both my Necci and the treadle sew leather and canvas. I would not do that with the Bernina as it is a smaller machine just for quilting. JM2C Linda - Hi all, I want to learn to sew. I don't know anything really about machines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 In a message dated 11/7/2003 9:55:16 PM Pacific Standard Time, Janine writes: > I've been told Husquavarna is the best and white is next. any opinions? > I LOVE my Brother. There's a new one that I'm coveting... It's a brother as well but it's got a wide table for doing things like quilts and that's me next one and me recommendation. I find the small tables at times can be inconvienent... AND you can switch it out with a regular table... Cheers! Kathleen Petrides The Woobey Queen Woobeys: The Loving Touch Therapeutic Pillow http://www.woobeyworld.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 --- Georgene Lockwood <glockwood wrote: > Janine: > > Speaking from experience, I bought a used > Viking about 5 years ago. It was > probably 5 years old when I bought it, so not > the most advanced machine by > today's standards, although it has quite a few > computerized features. I paid > $400 for it, so I got an amazing deal. I LOVE > this machine. Doesn't have the > automatic bobbin, but I'm fine with it, > although if I had my druthers that's > the one thing I'd change. I'm kind of like you > -- I sew fairly simple things > and will never make a tailored shirt for my > husband, but might make him some > simple old western style shirts. This machine > will let you go as far as you > want to go! Anyway, I took some lessons (highly > recommended) and dragged my > machine around with me to classes and I'm > extremely pleased with it. See if > you can find a used Viking. I'd prefer that > over a White any day, > personally. Or possibly a used Bernina, another > superb machine. People are > always upgrading who really get into sewing and > there are some good deals > out there if you look for them. Janine, I agree fully with Georgene. I have a brother that has not worked almost since I bought it and I have a used Viking. The Viking is the simpilest machine I have used. I really like the top loading bobbin. It just drops in and there are arrows showing exactly how to thread it and you don't have to unthread the top to fill the bobbin up. At least on the one I am using. Great buys - Up here they start (new) around 700 and go up from there. Used prices I don't know yet. Cheryl ===== Cheryl Smith A Heavenly Body 204 Muldoon Road Anchorage AK 99504 Protect your identity with Mail AddressGuard http://antispam./whatsnewfree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 Well, it looks like I need to put in a good word from Brother! :-) I do machine embroidery and own 6 sewing/embroidery machines. 2 Kenmore, 1 Janome, 1 Singer, and 2 Brother. For great sewing, the janome is tops in my book. It's been my workhorse for 15 years. The Kenmores are going to be put in a yard sale soon. The Singer works fine, but doesn't begin to equal the Brother machines. I have my eye on the new Bernina, but the $8,000 price tag is hindering me at the moment. Also it means all new software. I wonder if Santa would be that good to me? Tea and Tidings! Ruth Ann, Lady Deer Haven Lavender Rose Tea Garden http://www.lavenderroseteagarden.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 I've been a professional seamstress for a number of years. I first started on an old White treadle, and if I could have purchased that one, I'd still have it. I have used White, Singer, Brother, Bernina, Viking, Elna, Pfaff, and other less known brands. For simple sewing, you certainly don't need to spend a fortune, but in most cases, you get what you pay for also. My pick as far as wonderful straight stitches? Bernina. For all around great sewing, Viking (Huskvarna) hands down. The old Featherweights are the best for quilting a lovely simple stitch. But for doing the basics, I would get me a machine that had about 8 or so utility stitches...the rest is really not necessary. Look at the warranty also, I tune my machines at least yearly to keep them in top condition. I have made many quilts, wedding dresses, suits, children's clothing, jeans, and a variety of other things...for the heavy things, nothing can keep up to my Viking. Then there are the sergers, and that's another volume...obviously I may have overestimated your curiosity here...or my fingers may need to be washed with immodium, as they seem to be running off...LOL Cindy Chandler Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused...Anon coming soon: http://www.smoothscentsations.net Janine [Janine] Friday, November 07, 2003 4:12 PM Oils_Herbs_Etc (AT) (DOT) Com OT: sewing machines Hi all, I want to learn to sew. I don't know anything really about machines. Joanne's has a White on sale, the 'commerative model' for $150. Bobbin loads on the side, nothing fancy. Once I hit 50, *I* think I'm gonna care that I didn't get a top loading bobbin and/or self threading. For those that sew, will I care, or would I be happy with a cheaper machine? I want to make skirts, elastic waists, curtains, easy stuff. I can easily say I will never make a shirt for my husband. lol ain't gonna happen. I've been told Husquavarna is the best and white is next. any opinions? p.s. our congressman's office is giving us the b.s. treatment on that thing I sent in a few min ago. They don't know and they don't care. Shadegg's office. geeeeez. Well, hubby got thru to the person answering the phone. Hey Chris, thanks for allowing regular chit chat on here. Warm regards, Janine Phariss www.BlueSageNaturals.com Unique & Innovative Herbals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2003 Report Share Posted November 9, 2003 oh Cindy, no, you did NOT underestimate my curiousity! I don't think anyone could on most subjects. [science fiction is my least favorite] I know how people feel when they find out I make my own products and they are in awe. To me, it comes naturally. But hearing the clothing and things you've sewn, man, I am in complete, total awe. I remember Pfaff. I guess they got bought out. Back when, Singer and Pfaff's were THE machines of quality. Thanks for the info. I will look online at the cost of Bernina. Course, I also want a table saw and jig saw. And I have to get my tool box back up to snuff. Let hubby into it, a man who was not brought up around a finish carpenter and everything but my hammer and rachet set is gone. LOL oooh, so let me at the hardware store! Warm regards, Janine Phariss www.BlueSageNaturals.com Unique & Innovative Herbals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2003 Report Share Posted November 10, 2003 LOL, you are a woman after my own heart! I have so many hobbies/loves in life, power tools...ah my fantasy! My idea of a fantasy gift certificate? Unlimited spending at Lowes, or Home Depot or something like that. There is too much wonderful things in life to experience! That's the way it should be though. Take Care, and good luck with the hunting! Cindy Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused...Anon coming soon: http://www.smoothscentsations.net Janine [Janine] Saturday, November 08, 2003 6:22 PM RE: OT: sewing machines oh Cindy, no, you did NOT underestimate my curiousity! I don't think anyone could on most subjects. [science fiction is my least favorite] I know how people feel when they find out I make my own products and they are in awe. To me, it comes naturally. But hearing the clothing and things you've sewn, man, I am in complete, total awe. I remember Pfaff. I guess they got bought out. Back when, Singer and Pfaff's were THE machines of quality. Thanks for the info. I will look online at the cost of Bernina. Course, I also want a table saw and jig saw. And I have to get my tool box back up to snuff. Let hubby into it, a man who was not brought up around a finish carpenter and everything but my hammer and rachet set is gone. LOL oooh, so let me at the hardware store! Warm regards, Janine Phariss www.BlueSageNaturals.com Unique & Innovative Herbals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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