Sewing machine recommendations?

[chefker]

I'm really a novice seamstress, but I'm wanting to buy a sewing machine, and hope to take some classes to improve what little skills I already have! I'd mainly be making things like curtains, clothing, that sort of thing. I wouldn't anticipate making anything from extremely heavy cloth that would require an industrial machine or anything like that.

I don't know a lot about sewing machines, other than that I don't think I want a serger. What should I look for in a sewing machine? Does anyone have any recommendations, or advice on what I should definitely stay away from?

[MeTheGirlie]

I have a White sewing machine. I was told when I bought it that it would work for a year and break...LOL - but this was from a Sewing Machine Salesperson that presumably worked on commission.

I've had it over a year and it still works fine for me, although I find myself wanting to do more than it's capable of...i.e. embroidery, etc.

I think pretty much it was a great starter machine...easy to use, works well as long as its' cleaned and oiled on a regular basis. I have to say though, with each passing day I find myself...wanting....more....as far as features are concerned. I think it was under 200.00.

[xine]

Welcome to the sewing world!!! I bought my first machine three years ago and have been sewing curtains, pillows, bed linens, etc. I did my very first article of clothing last month and am really loving it.

*JANOME*
One machine you might want to consider is the Janome Jem (Gold/660). It's a favorite among quilters especially because it is so light and tiny yet can sew through multiple quilting layers and covers all the basics. If you're a novice, you'll also appreciate it because it's very hardy (no problems in three years of pretty heavy usage - just the occasional vacuuming) and not intimidating because the functions are so simple. Janome's a Japanese company, and the machines are well-made.

The only drawbacks I've experienced are: (1) the feed dogs don't go down, which can be limiting for certain projects and (2) if you really get into sewing, you will eventually outgrow this machine.

Back when I bought it, it ran in the $300 range but prices have dropped down in the $200 range. If you check on E-bay, I've seen some listed at starting price below $100!

*BERNINA*
I've been starting to chafe at the bit with some of the limitations of my Janome and think that a Bernina will be my next machine if I can save up the money to get one. I've got my eye on the model 1008 which is arguably one of the best mechanicals available on the market. (I'm not interested in embroidery and am bad enough on a regular computer, so I steer clear of the computerized models. Though you may want to check those out if you're curious.)

I know Bernina users are pretty fanatic about the machines, and the mechanical ones are passed down from generation-to-generation. All the parts are metal (very rare these days) and the machines are Swiss-made, so they perform very reliably.

The 1008 retails for $1000 (yipe!), but they go for $500-800 on E-bay (there's currently a used one listed in the $200 range, but I'll bet it gets bid up real fast). I'd also advise on checking your local sewing machine retailer to see if they have used Berninas that will be way cheaper and in fabulous condition. (The model 1006 is an older-but-just-as-good mechanical model, FYI.)

*OTHER INFO*
Stay away from the new Singers. I know they're the namebrand most people are familiar with, but their quality has steadily decreased since the 70's. That said though, if you can find an early 70's or earlier model at a garage sale or thrift store, grab onto it and don't let go! The early models are all-metal and fabulous machines.

Consider buying a recent Kenmore, if that works better for your budget. I've had a lot of people tell me that Janome manufactures them for Kenmore, but I haven't been able to substantiate it. Even so, my sewing teacher has a number of recent Kenmores in her classroom that work very reliably for her.

If you *are* interested in an embroidery machine and have the budget to blow on it, consider one of the top-of-the-line Janomes or the Vikings. Friends of mine who have either of the two are madly in love with their machines.

Last, but not least, check out: www.patternreview.com. (You'll probably have to register.) They have a pretty detailed reviews on the sewing machines owned by their user base.

Hope all this helps, and happy sewing!!!

[Hangin'in]

I've been sewing for 30 years... I started very young!

I have a *Janome*. They are also known as *New Home*. Love, LOVE, love it. I've had it for 11 years now, and it was the top of the line at the time. I've never had any problem with it. You can get this brand at really affordable prices.

I would also recommend Kenmore. But make sure when you are looking at new machines, that thay have METAL gears and parts. Most of them these days do not. That's why your grandmother's machine probably still works, they made all of the parts out of metal.

There are 2 schools of thought on purchasing a machine. If you *think* you might want to learn to sew, but not sure you will continue later on, you might want to go with a cheaper machine. Walmart has some "White" brand machines that do the basics... anything you would need just starting out. That way, if you decide you really don't like sewing, you haven't invested alot of money into something you won't use. If you go with a pricey machine, and decide you don't want to sew, you won't get your money back out of it if you try to sell it. Of course, then there's the other school of thought that says buy the best machine you can afford... which is great advice, IF you are sure you will want to sew for the rest of your life!

Oh, and if you decide you love to sew... you most definately will want a serger. But learn the sewing basics first, they can be very intimidating!

[MeTheGirlie]

Is there a machine on the market that works with say...adobe illustrator?