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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Need sewing machine recommendations  |
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RachelLeigh
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
Rachel
Rainier
WA
USA
635 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 07:27:10 AM
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Farmgirls - I have decided to buy a sewing machine. I want something pretty basic because I'm just going to do basic sewing on it (I'm always going to be a hand-sewer at heart.) But anyway, can any of you ladies recommend a brand? I'm trying to find something relatively inexpensive or even used.
Thanks!
Rachel
FARMGIRL SISTER #127
my business http://www.backwoodsjunction.com
The Catholic Wife: http://www.thecatholicwife.com
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 08:04:24 AM
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Rachel, my recommendation would be a used heavier, metal made machine..older Singers (pre-1970) or Berninas, Viking, Pfaff, etc. for your sewing needs if you have a small investment in mind. Personally, I would stay away from a "boxed" new machine from places like WalMart or Target, etc. I bought one of those and was quite disappointed in the quality of workmanship (plastic parts abound) and the disappointing stitch quality. A used machine would be perfect for you if you find a hardy, well-loved machine. I frequent a site called Pattern Review and there are tons of reviews from sewists on all makes and models, old and new, also classifieds are there for used machines. Craigslist.org is another great place to find a used machine, IF you know what you're looking for. That's where the reviews really come in handy, but there is nothing like just sewing on a machine and seeing if you like it...that's one thing about the boxed machines...you can't try them out at the store. Sewing machine dealers always get trade-in machines and have used machines for sale, but they are usually priced quite a bit higher than buying directly from a previous owner.
Good luck...I love/hate sewing machine shopping...it's overwhelming with so many models available but I'm like a kid in a candy store as well.
Jami in WA
Okay, so now I have a blog. http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 08:15:21 AM
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I agree with Jami - an older machine is the way to go. I have always had Vikings and I know my first one, the one I bought when my children were little, about 30 years ago, while being a more basic machine, is far superior, quality wise, than my newer electronic machines (past 2, 15 years). I also bought a cheap 'Brother' from Joanne's to take with me when we go to our cabin and it is really a piece of junk. It is all plastic, rattles, and sounds like it's about to explode all the time. Try and find an older simple machine, the quality will be there and you don't really need all the other stuff they put on them now anyway. I'm going to drag out my mom's old Free Westinghouse to take to the cabin - straight stich only, but that thing hums along like a dream.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 09:07:02 AM
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I have two kenmores from the early 80's. Made in japan, metal, plenty of stitch choices, and you can find the manuals on the net if it is not avail with the machine. Got the second one a few weeks ago for $40 on craigslist, purrs like a kitten and very well made.
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com
groovy stuff 2 buy...http://www.alittlesplurge.etsy.com |
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RachelLeigh
True Blue Farmgirl
635 Posts
Rachel
Rainier
WA
USA
635 Posts |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 11:11:29 AM
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Rachel, I would agree with everyone else! I have a 1950's Singer that I love. It only does a straight stitch, but it's one of my favorite machines and usually you can still get parts to the older ones. I also have a 1970's Sears-Kenmore and a 1954 Elna Supermatic and I would not trade any of them for a new machine. The Sears-Kenmore sew through everything. You may want to look at thrift stores for one. I got my Elna at Salvation Army for 10.00 in the case. Good Luck
Monica
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 11:20:10 AM
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I can truly say that a Singer Featherweight is my favorite. Stay away from Singers in the Golden Touch n' Sew era. Those were not well made and you can't get parts for them. Now the featherweight has been made for years and parts don't seem to be a problem. I have an electronic Kenmore purchased in the 70's and a Viking purchased in 2006 or so. While they are both good machines, the Featherweight can sew circles around them. It is just a great stitching machine, but very basic unless you get all the attachments, which are fun indeed.
Betty in Pasco |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 12:43:24 PM
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I have been looking for a Singer 15-91 model, Betty for the reasons you love your featherweight. I would look for a featherweight but their prices have gone through the roof and I already have a brand spankin' new Viking but wanted a heavy-duty, can sew through just about anything machine that I don't have to baby so much as my nice computerized Viking. I love my Viking, don't get me wrong...it makes absolutely lovely buttonholes and has features and decorative stitches that just wow some of my projects but there's nothing like a tried and true workhorse machine...no bells and whistles.
Jami in WA
Okay, so now I have a blog. http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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City_Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Christina
Omaha
Nebraska
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 4:02:16 PM
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I love my old singer. It is not as old as a feather weight by a long shot. Mine is from 1995 but it serves me well. I would definitly check out craigs list. I found my 1930's white machine on there. Now if I could just figure it out all of the way!
Christina
Farmgirl Sister #195
Although no one can go back and make a brand new start; anyone can start from now
and make a brand new end.
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StitchinWitch
True Blue Farmgirl
2287 Posts
Judith
Galt
CA
USA
2287 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2008 : 11:51:34 PM
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I would recommend a Singer 201 or 15-91. Or, if you are like me, a handcrank model -- great for precision sewing.
Happiness is Homemade |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Need sewing machine recommendations |
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Need sewing machine recommendations
