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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Need to buy a new sewing machine question.  |
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 04 2017 : 08:38:33 AM
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Hi! I am in need of a new sewing machine. I have 400 dollars to spend. I'd like to be able to quilt with it also. Suggestions please. What is brand is best Janome, Brother or Singer ?
Thanks,
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2017 : 11:23:35 PM
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Hey Ruthie... I think it's all a matter of personal choice when it comes to what you are comfortable with.
you can spend a truck load of $$$ on a popular brand and while it might be perfect for person it might not be a good fit...down right frustrating to another...
when I was in the market for an embroidery machine... I was so sure I would end up with 'Brand -A '... I took a class for it and discovered I was to frustrated with it... to me it was not user friendy... Thank goodness I took the class to discover this... I was only out $20 for the class as opposed to having a $6.000.00 door stop!!!
I decided to buy an entry level machine... and so glad I did... turns out I don't use the machine as much as I thought I would..
So...if you are eyeing a particular machine check out your local quilt and fabric stores to see if you can 'test drive' the machine...with out the sales pitch... even if you have to pay for the session.
after all if you are in a quilt store and they only sell Bernia and Janome... guess what they are going to try to sell you... like wise with Joanns fabric store....Singer or Hasquvernia... I am not knocking the machines... they all are great... just don't get roped into a machine because the clerk is telling you how fabulous it is...
In the Car world there are Chevys, Fords, Dodge... etc and everyone has their favorite... the same goes for sewing and quilting machines. It's all a matter of preference .... Test drive the machine before you buy it...
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2017 : 06:24:48 AM
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Well said Grace, I was trying to think of how best to answer Ruthie's question. My husband bought me a serger machine for Christmas three years ago and I was overwhelmed with how to thread it. I took a class at our local sewing shop, which helped a lot but I thought I might want to trade my new machine in for the next level up but quickly discovered having a separate overlock machine would work better for me (having an all in one machine has too many steps to rethread and changing the settings back and forth).
Ruthie, the one thing I would suggest while test driving the sewing machines, check out the stitch, buttonhole, feet and bobbin (case or drop in) options to match your needs.
Jana
#7110
http://www.emhardt.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjcraftsstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2017 : 09:36:05 AM
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Jana... sew true....
needs very by person....
and I agree... a 'all in one ' (for me) machine is more complicated...to many extra steps.... I prefer to have a machine that is specific in it's functions... ex: standard machine for basic sewing... serger for overlocking stitch... embroidery machine for embroidery only...
Fortunately I have a sewing/craft room large enough to accommodate my machines...(4 work stations)...
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2017 : 11:38:41 AM
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Grace...I have a sewing machine that does fancy stitches but just recently found the need for an embroidery machine. What kind of embroidering do you do, what kind of machine do you have, and are you happy with it?
I have never used an embroidery machine, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
Ruthy...was our help useful. Do you have any other questions?
Jana
#7110
http://www.emhardt.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjcraftsstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2017 : 4:08:53 PM
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jana, I have had a viking, brother, and a brother embroidery machine and I find that brother has the most user friendly ones. Not necessarily the ones at walmarts but if you do get one get one from a dealer cause they will give you lessons on how to use it and they also can do any repairs. you will be happier. JMHO.
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2017 : 10:00:10 AM
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I have a (much) older Bernina Deco650 embroidery machine,,, which I have to buy 'cards' for the designs,,, I buy them off the internet.
I do like it,, but am limited,,, so it is my back-up machine.
(PES = personal embroidery machine )
I also have a Brother PES (4y/o) machine, but it only does a 4x4 size, but is user friendly and I can down load designs off the internet to my computer and then plug my machine to my computer to transfer the design.
I did buy mine from Walmart,,, on line...cuz they didn't carry that particular model in the stores. but I think they do now,,, also the newer ones come with pre-loaded Disney designs,,, and they can use the reader cards from my Bernina...
For the most part,, it really is a matter of preference.
I thought I was going to go gang-buster on the embroidery machine,, and that is why I wanted a Hasquvernia (sp) but in reality,, I don't use as much as I thought and this Brother machine works for fine me,,, if/when I do buy another machine it most likely will be another Brother, but it will stitch larger images, 5x7 size...
My Brother is a 'Brother PE 500'
My daily users are:
Singer- Sew Mate
Brother LS-1520 (mostly for craft & quilting)
Serger, EURO PRO
and I also use my Singer Feather Weight for quilting.
I use my Brother embroidery machine most of the time but I do use my Bernina for it's built in Fonts and it has a "cross stitch" font that I luv.
So like I said, it's all a matter of preference.
Some of the new machines (I believe) can be hooked right up to the internet direct... but like anything,,, with technology comes price $$$$
'Test Driving' a machine truly helps,,, and for the most part a lot of the machines out there function the same,, so if you test use and get the 'basics' you'll fine it is easier to use the others,, with minor differences..
fyi: Singer/Brother/Bernina for the most part are interchangeable..in fact I think (I need to double check this) they all are owned by the same major Corperation,,, but let me double check that.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Edited by - katmom on Jul 07 2017 10:09:29 AM |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2017 : 10:46:17 AM
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here is what I found on 'wikipedia'...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Singer Corporation produces a range of consumer products, including electronic sewing machines. It is now part of SVP Worldwide, which also owns the Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking brands, which is in turn owned by Kohlberg & Company, which bought Singer in 2004. Its main competitors are Brother Industries, Janome, Aisin Seiki—a Toyota Group company that manufactures Toyota, Necchi and E&R Classic Sewing Machines and Juki.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
this explains why Singer & Brother are inter changeable...
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Edited by - katmom on Jul 07 2017 10:47:29 AM |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2017 : 10:55:55 AM
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from what I can find,,, it appears that Bernina is still Swiss owned...
as for Brother,, it is a Japan owned company and the machines are manufactured in both Japan and Vietnam..
I forgot,, about Brother being a manufacture of typewriters... wowzers! that takes me back to High School, typewrites & carbon paper...
lol!,,
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Cissik
True Blue Farmgirl
578 Posts
Sylvia
Kent
WA
USA
578 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2017 : 1:17:55 PM
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Definitely try out whatever machine you see. I piece quilt blocks and sew garments, bags, whatever, with a Bernina 1130 and a Bernina Sport 801 (mechanical) Owned a new Brother, top of the line, sold it. Have a EuroPro which I used to make burlap table runners last year. Made in Taiwan. It's great. I protected it with adding machine tape to prevent little burlap fuzzies from invading it and cleaned it every 4 table runners. Often piece mini quilts with my Featherweights. I'm a vintage gal.The new machines just don't square up with well built Singers and Berninas. JMPO
Sylvia
Kent, WA
Farm Girl #5389
Back Door Farm Girls Chapter
http://vintagehousegoods.blogspot.com
http://etsy.com/shop/Vintagehousegoods |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2017 : 7:32:14 PM
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A good dealer will let you try out the machine. They should honor the amount you have to spend. Most important though is do they service the machine and have classes in how to use it. Good luck in your search.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
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Denise Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
831 Posts
Denise
Shoreview
MN
USA
831 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2017 : 5:32:23 PM
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Ruthie,
I agree with Bonnie. Go and try the machines, let the dealer know what you are willing to spend. Most service the machines or have a deal for yearly service/cleaning of the machine. The dealer I bought my Janome, gives me 20% off on feet purchased from their store. I live about 30-45 minutes from the dealer, but they understood what I wanted and did not try to pressure me into buying more machine than I wanted. I am happy with my choice. They offered to look at my 25 year old Janome, works great but the back stitch keeps going outs if they can fix it without a complete tear down I will be happy.
Denise Ann |
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2017 : 5:47:21 PM
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Decided to buy a XR9500PRW. Then keep looking for a better machine. I don't have a 1000.00 for the machine. I think taking my time is best.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2017 : 07:15:12 AM
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It's a brother machine. It had great reviews for a low end machine.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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Cissik
True Blue Farmgirl
578 Posts
Sylvia
Kent
WA
USA
578 Posts |
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2017 : 10:11:16 AM
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Sylvia I am going to continue working on my rail fence quilt.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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Cissik
True Blue Farmgirl
578 Posts
Sylvia
Kent
WA
USA
578 Posts |
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Denise Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
831 Posts
Denise
Shoreview
MN
USA
831 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2017 : 04:46:46 AM
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Ruthie,
Glad you found a machine you are comfortable with, no point in having buyers remorse, for buying something that is out of your comfort zone. Brother is a good machine, easy to find additional feet for it as well.
Yay! you can get back to sewing!
Denise Ann |
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2017 : 3:46:56 PM
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Update on sewing machine. My brother came damaged. So am returning it. Not reordering it. My daughter surprised with a Janome 2016 national quilt museum model. Very excited.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2017 : 5:33:42 PM
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Congratulations on your new sewing machine Ruthie, you have a very sweet daughter to do that for you.
Jana
#7110
http://www.emhardt.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjcraftsstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2017 : 5:36:19 PM
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Thank you. My daughter is very kind and sweet. I am so thankful.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17023 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17023 Posts |
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2017 : 06:23:47 AM
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Of course you know you should sew your first project on the new machine for your daughter! Any ideas what the first project will be?
Jana
#7110
http://www.emhardt.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjcraftsstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1412 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1412 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2017 : 10:49:46 AM
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What would I sew Katy ? It would be a apron. She loves aprons.
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Need to buy a new sewing machine question. |
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Need to buy a new sewing machine question.
