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Stitching & Crafting Room:  What Kind of Sewing Machine do you use?  |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 11:39:43 AM
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I have been using my daughters BROTHER for the past 4 yrs and I have almost used up the miles on it- it has been a VERY GOOD machine for 80.00. I bought a JANOME machine and it gave me nothing but trouble and haven't used it for years. I need to get some ideas on what others are using- the good, bady and ugly. thanks for your help!
Lori
Have a Country Day |
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susanreno
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Susan
West Chester
PA
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 12:28:07 PM
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I have a basic Kenmore model, I think it's the 15343 model. It hums along great and I have not had any problems with it. I used some heavier fabrics, but have definitely not pushed it past its limit so I don't really know what it's capable of. I think I paid about $70 for it during a sale and with an additional $5 rebate. I really like it!
Susan |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 12:37:15 PM
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| I have a Kenmore too and I like it for everyday stuff |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 12:52:22 PM
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Lori, I have 4 and they are all older machines and I love them all! I have a 1954 Elna Supermatic, a 1955 Singer Straight-stitch, a 1970's Sears Kenmore and a 1960's Singer! I paid 10.00 for the Elna and 40.00 for the 1955 Singer! My mom gave me the Sears and A friend gave me the other Singer!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
Edited by - oldfashioned girl on Jan 22 2009 1:04:13 PM |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 1:00:40 PM
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I have a Brother. DH got it for me last year around March. I love this brand. They are noisy as all get out, but they are so easy to maintain.:) I have been able to take it all apart to clean it myself and put it all back together..YAY!
Before that I had a wonderfully sturdy Singer. It was my Mom's old one. I think she has it back, but I am not sure. I would love to have it again. It was wonderful!!
Cool topic!
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
Life should NOT be a jounrey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming. "WOOHOO, what a ride!"
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 1:07:59 PM
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New Home aka Janome two Singers and a Brother make in poland and a Baby lock serger. If I had to get a new one would go with bernina or viking.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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MuslinBunnies
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Tina
Franklin
NH
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 2:02:16 PM
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I use a little Elna TX that I bought a few years ago used from a local sewing machine place. They called their father in Florida who sent it up here for me. :) Funny thing is, that when my mother bought her Elna way back when I was little, the man that sent me my Elna had a sewing machine place up here in NH. My mother bought her Elna new from the same man way back then!
Tina A.
My Website: http://muslinbunnies.tripod.com/
My Etsy: http://FelineFeathers.etsy.com
My Button Quail Site: http://groups.google.com/group/button-quail-planet |
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dkelewae
True Blue Farmgirl
1310 Posts
Diana
Saint Peters
MO
USA
1310 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 2:08:19 PM
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I used a Kenmore, which died right before Christmas at the ripe old age of 35 yrs. Hubby got me a brother for Christmas which I've yet to use but can't wait to!
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #272
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city!
http://farmgirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 2:22:35 PM
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Lori,
In sewing machine land, I think you often get what you pay for...somewhat! I have had several brands of machines over the years and each has its good and bad points.
I think one of the MOST important things you can do is think hard about what you use your machine for, this will help a dealer help you pick out the right machine. ALSO, set a budget. Dealers understand not everyone can drop 10k on a newfangled embroider-everything-in-sight machine!
FINALLY, find a good dealer! You may live in an area where you have many dealers or just a few, or you may have to drive for miles. The important part is, and its MORE IMPORTANT than the brand of machine, is the service! If a dealer has every machine from the company he/she is selling for but no accessories, no extra workbooks, and balks at the thought of ordering them for you, LEAVE.
As for me personally, I own a Brother 650q. It has a ton of features and I traded in a rather basic Bernina for it. I still own a very portable Janome dc2007le, which is a nice little machine, but nothing special. I have it up for sale and don't think I'll miss it when its gone.
STAY AWAY from cheapy machines in big box stores. I don't know why big brand sewing machine companies put their names on these things. They don't last long (or work at all) and it makes you wonder if their top of the line dealer machines are going to work either.
As you know, you are only going to get a few years out of an $80 machine at best. This isn't 1970. Your money is only going to get you so much. My machine cost me about $630 with a my trade in and I would consider this a fair price to pay for a midline machine these days. The warranty is excellent. I love my dealers (a husband and wife), and their service is excellent. I will be taking some additional classes on the machine in February and I can go to a sewing club at their shop which has demos and show-and-tell.
Sorry this was SOOOO long, but its my 2 cents worth. Hope you find your dream machine!
Jana |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 7:14:25 PM
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I have two singers - a 1949 model and then last year's Confidence model - love them both. I also have a treadle - Free brand, but I'm pretty sure they are out of production:D. Anyway the Singers are fabulous, I love them.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 7:25:44 PM
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I mostly use my 35 year old Bernina, I have one that is about six years old, but they changed the bobbin so that it is very hard to remove or insert the bobbin, so I have that for backup. I also use my mother's Featherweight, especially when I have to lug a machine to a class. Tomorrow I'm going to go look at an old Singer treadle. Someone gave me one when I was around ten but my mother threw it out, but here, 50 years later....that's my rationale for this one.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2009 : 06:42:51 AM
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Great Info- Thank you for sharing. I was so disappointed in my Janome- the dealer is right across the street from where I live and I just couldn't get it to work. The money I spent on it was a waste and the dealer gave me no service for it! I will start making a list of other dealers in surrounding areas and see what I can come up with. Thanks again for the wonderful information! I knew I could come here for honest suggestions!
Lori
Have a Country Day |
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5 acre Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1007 Posts
~~~*Terri*~~~
WA.
USA
1007 Posts |
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Buffalomary
True Blue Farmgirl
199 Posts
Mary
Caldwell
ID
USA
199 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2009 : 9:31:59 PM
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I bought my Singer brand-new at the PX in Fort Bragg back in 1974 for $75. I have been using it ever since. Taught my daughter how to sew on. It's nothing fancy, just straight stitch and zigzag, but I have definitely put the miles on it. I wished I could have gotten my grandma's old treadle machine, but I was stationed in Hawaii when she got rid of it. She didn't know I wanted it and no one said anything to me. I must of cried for two months after I found out. Oh well, I would still like to get a treadle. I had so much fun sewing on that machine. Ah, the memories... 
Buffalomary
Farmgirl Sister #293
You can take the farmer's daughter off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the farmer's daughter!!
Please visit me at my blog: http://buffalomaryscorner.blogspot.com |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2009 : 9:45:46 PM
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I have a cheap White portable and it works great. I don't do difficult work on it and don't know if it could handle it anyway. But I prefer to handsew so I'm about to give it away or barter.
Used to have a repro Singer cast iron portable and it was not bad. Needed oiling and service more often than most though.
The best one was the one I grew up with that my mother still has. A cast iron Singer in a cabinet, once was a treadle and was converted to electric in the 40s. It was probably no older than the 30s. Still going strong.
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com & www.wayofthewife.blogspot.com |
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Lanna
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lanna
A little town in Idaho
330 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2009 : 10:00:32 PM
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I'm very much a beginner, and got a Brother on sale from Costco last month. I was supposed to inherit my mom's 30yo Bernina, but won't (it's a long story including the factory in Germany either flooding or burning down). My Brother goes, and that's all I needed for now. The bobbin on the Brother is sure easier to put in/thread than I remember on my mom's machine though...
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Lanna, mama to three little monkeys |
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Tammy Claxton
True Blue Farmgirl
1559 Posts
Tammy
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
1559 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 7:12:51 PM
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I use an old 1958 Singer 403A Slant O Matic. I love that machine. I also have a Brother thta my hubby bought me a few years ago. It works ok too. I like the old Singer better!
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 09:27:57 AM
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| I have two singer machines. One I bought new 17 years ago and a couple of years ago I had it refurbished, not sure if that's what it's called, and gave it to my daughters and bought another newer model. My girls are into crafting as well so makes it easier, plus the bonus is one or the other venture into my workroom and we have great chats as we work away. |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 09:42:17 AM
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I love that idea of my daughters chatting and crafting away. My 12yr old and I do that now, but not my 17 and 22 yr old- they are waaay toooo cooool to be crafting with mom- I pray one day we will all craft together. I have hope!
Lori
Have a Country Day |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 09:54:13 AM
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I have a White sewing machine that started giving me problems last year and so my husband bought me a Singer Futura for Christmas. I love it but I was raised sewing on one (a Singer) so I guess I could be a little biased!!
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow." Helen Keller
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
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barnagainkristin
True Blue Farmgirl
465 Posts
Kristin
Utah
USA
465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2009 : 8:24:09 PM
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I have a cheap model Brother and was so upset at Christmas time when it started having all kinds of problems. It has been a good machine up until then and I have had it for several years. Today I decided to get out the manual and see if I could fix it. I tightened screws, cleaned it all out and oiled it up. It needed some adjustments that were all described in the manaul and it runs like a new machine. I was so happy to have done it myself. It was a reminder to me that just like I need to check the oil in my car and maintain it my other machines need routine care too. I noticed another person posted that her brother machine was noisy and so was mine but today it purrs quiet as could be. Whatever you all sew with don't be like me and forget to use a little oil and make some adjustments every once in a while.
barnagainkristin
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir |
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StitchinWitch
True Blue Farmgirl
2245 Posts
Judith
Galt
CA
USA
2245 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2009 : 10:28:40 AM
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I have many sewing machines -- some people collect stamps; I collect sewing machines. The old black all-metal machines are the best and will last another hundred years or so as long as you clean and oil them now and then. The downside is no fancy stitches.... but honestly, how often are fancy stitches needed? I have two machines with fancy stitch capability and very seldom use them. Most sewing is just regular straight stitch and my favorites for sewing are treadles and handcranks; much more relaxing somehow.
Judith
Happiness is Homemade |
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kpaints
True Blue Farmgirl
1564 Posts
karen
cheney
wa
1564 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2009 : 11:44:03 AM
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I have had two machines in my life time, a Singer Touch and Go (1968), and a Bernina(early 80's) (before computers). I still have both. I love my Bernina, it does have the fancy stitches and I have used most of them but not that much. I am a basic sewer. I had the Singer for a week and tried to sew a wool cuff on a jacket and could not get it under the foot, so I was really upset with the machine. I guess I never was super happy with it again. It always worked fine but it let me down. I bought it for the heavy duty work I needed and .... I have kept it all these years for my daughter who really isn't all that interested in sewing.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/http://www.kpaints.etsy.com |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: What Kind of Sewing Machine do you use? |
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What Kind of Sewing Machine do you use?
