Sewing Machine Recommendations

[kindermom]

I am in the market for a sewing machine. I am going to using it to make home goods and some basic baby items (i.e., slings, cothing). Can anyone recommend a good, entry-level sewing machine?

[looch]

I have a computerized Europro. It's my first machine, and I love the fact that it pretty much does everything.

[boobsmcparvin]

*lurking*

[lisainpink]

I just bought my first machine. I took a class at my local Bernina store- and fell in love with the machines we used- soooo easy. However- I had at least a minor stroke when I looked at the prices. They let me try a few of the machines- until I knew which one I wanted. Then I found the one I really loved on ebay for less than half of retail. I made a pair of PJs this weekend- and I couldn't be more pleased.
My machine is a Bernina Activa 140.
http://i16.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/6d/ff/bb_0.JPG

They don't make this model anymore, but they make a newer version of it. I can't remember if it is the Activa 220 or 240.
hth.

[gizzyntaz]

Last month I got my first machine: Pfaff Hobby 1042. The price was right and it seems to do everything I need - I'm a novice! :)

[Megande]

bumping this up for more suggestions. I am looking for a relatively inexpensive machine. It doesn't have to do anything fancy, but I would like it to be reliable.

[LeslieR]

My mom just bought me my first sewing machine for my birthday. I would have went with a Singer, because I recognize that name, but she recommended White. We got mine at Joann's-regularly priced $299.99 on clearance for $79.97! Definitely check out your local Joann's if you have one.

[TennJane]

My mom just bought me a Singer Simple for my bday. I'm brand new to sewing but it does everything I need it to for sure. It's very easy to thread and operate - I'm pretty sure it costs $99.

[charmcitygirl]

i have a janome (model 415 (http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Value/415)) which i really like. it's super-easy to thread, comes with a few presser feet (zigzag, rolled hem and zipper) and the instructions are very easy to follow. i use it to sew clothes, mostly, but have also used it with heavier home decorating fabrics and it's always worked well for me. i've used singers (from the 70's, bought at yard sales) and i prefer the janome to all of them. also, it has a cover and handle so i can move it around easily.
http://www.janome.com/documents/Image/Machines/415.jpg

With a sturdy, all-aluminum body, a hard cover and 14 built-in stitches, the 415 is an excellent sewing value. Whether you use it for quilting, home dec, or garment construction, the 415 will perform consistently on a wide range of fabrics.

my mom got it for me so i'm not sure of the price, but i think she got it at target for about $100.

ps. janome's apparently get great reviews from new sewers.

[jennylou]

My first machine was a Singer. I'd still be using it, but I, um misplaced the foot petal - yeah, misplaced. ;)

Now, I have a slightly more fancy (ie more stitches) Kenmore. Once I figured out the Kenmore, I liked it. It's got some interesting stitches, though, I think if I were to buy again, I'd go computerized as it's hard to tell which stitch you're on at times.

[xine]

I'll second the opinion on the Janome. My first machine was a Janome Jem, which at the time ran around $300. I've seen them on eBay in the $100 range. I also believe that the Janome company makes the Kenmore-branded machines at Sears, so those may be worth checking out.

Currently I sew on a Bernina 1008, which I absolutely love. It is *not* cheap, but worth every penny!