Hello everyone! I sew occassionally and I am just starting to quilt (though I intend to do more of both in the near future). I need to buy a new sewing machine -- the one I'm using now is 20+ years old and I'm sick of it jamming constantly. I'm looking for advice on what I should look for and how much I should expect to spend. Also, what brand names should I stick with? Do I need to go to a sewing store, or are their machines just as good as one from Sears or Walmart? I'm clearly a little overwhelmed -- any input would be appreciated.

I have always been very partial to Kenmore appliances. They have a broad range of sewing machines, and unless you want to get into the really fancy stitches, etc., a simple machine would probably suit you just fine.

HERE

Is a page from Sears website showing the variety of machines they have available. You should be able to pick one up, depending on exactly what you want, for less than $300.

I like the idea of going to Sears (or any store for that matter) to look, as it gives you an opportunity to be SHOWN how to thread it, oil it, etc.

Good luck and have fun quilting!

Sears has a tendency to push their service contracts on you for sewing machines, vacuums, appliances, and the like. If you don't want it, make sure you firmly say no the first time.

Pfaff http://www.pfaffusa.com/

Is the leader in Sewing Machines in my books.

Singer http://www.singerco.com/ is a close second.

I know that Sears sells singer. I have no idea what store (other than a Pfaff Dealer) sells Pfaff.

Both companies have super computerized sewing machines that can do everything.

I had an older (1960's) Pfaff which mechanically did many stitch types - God I loved that machine. Unfortunately it was stolen.

I would weight the value of your sewing machine against buying a new one. If it is a singer or a pfaff I would highly recommend having it serviced. Look in the yellow pages for a sewing machine repair shop it may be far less expensive to repair your machine than getting a new one.

David

Hello

Having just recently lost my sewing machine to the "smoking and making a whirring noise" gods, I recommend against purchasing the least expensive machine, even if it is a good brand. I had a Sears Kenmore, the base model, and it lasted through three quilts before dying.

That said, Kenmore is generally a good brand. However, I'd have to recommend Singer. One rarely finds a 20 or so year old Kenmore still being used; however, it is common to find that of a Singer.

As to where to purchase, well a Singer is a Singer if you buy it at Micheals, Sears, or Wal-mart, so go to Wal-mart.

Nevermind the extended warranty if offered where ever you do buy it from, as most purchases of this type are returnable for defects to the store within 90 days, and to the manufacturer within one year (keep the box, or at least the paperwork, in case you need to call them). So with the three year extended warranty, you're paying to be covered for a year that you're already covered. Put the money you would have paid for the warranty with in the bank and that will cover any repairs after that period should you need them.

Furthermore, sewing machine heads almost always come with a 20 year warranty on the head from the manufacturer anyway (another good reason to keep the paperwork) and that is the most likely part to break.

The most important thing however is not the brand, but that you get a machine made for what you're going to do. My machine kicked off because it was made for like, sewing curtains, and I was quilting with it. A good sturdy machine of any brand will be okay.

One of the most sought after machines that women like to use is the "Singer Featherweight" It is a machine that was manufactured from 1936 thru the mid Fifties... Weights only seven pounds; has a carring case and probably the best machine ever made by Singer...

I have personally used one to re-upposter a boat using marine vinyle... Try that with a regular machine...

They are NOT a toy, so don't snicker when you see one...

I have a store where I sell used furniture and antiques and collectibles, and have sold probabley a couple hunder Feathers over the years, and I have one of my own that was my mothers...

We sold one in the store last month for $300 last month.. It was a '41 model that looked brand new... If you're lucky, you might pick one up for $150-200.. But don't hold your breath finding one....