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Monday, August 17, 2009

Calling all Seamstresses

I would love to hear your advice on purchasing a new sewing machine. Currently I am borrowing this machine from a friend. It is an older machine, but seems to sew very well, however does not have all the bells and whistles that some of the newer machines have. I am looking for the best quality machine for the best price, of course. When you leave your recommendation please tell me why you prefer a particular machine over another. I am not an accomplished seamstress by any means. So let's I want to hear what you recommend based on your experience.
I am looking forward to doing more sewing and have lots of project ideas I am wanting to try. Here is a great book of projects that I received in the mail last week. I had been looking at this, but this girl does not pay $23 for a project book. Found it on Amazon for 3.99 plus shipping and handling which made it around $7 total.
It is full of so many wonderful projects made from reclaimed wool sweaters, so that is what I have been on the lookout for at garage sales. Picked up 3 cute little girls sweater this weekend for $1 each. I will be using my old machine to make a few of these projects.
So I ask what do you say, Bernina? Janome? Husqvarna? Singer? just to name a few? By the way I will be headed to my son's house this week, and there are several machine shops where I will be able to see all of your recommendations. Have a great week! Jackie

13 comments:

Ginny said...

I am glad to see the machine you're using is a Husqvarna/Viking. I would never recommend anything else, and, in fact, my girls and I own five between us! What sold me on the Viking was the fact that it never requires oiling, something all the other big name sewing machines did, which would mean a visit to the repair shop every year. We've been thrilled with our purchases.

Infarrantly Creative said...

I am not a sewing machine know it all by any means. But I have about 5 singers. I would recommend just purchasing a basic machine for under $100 at target or Walmart before you buy a really nice one. I would hate to put all the money into one and not use it or like it. Plus it is so expensive to get oiled and just. But I am interested in Gunny;s comment about the Viking/Husqvarna not needing oil. hmmmm....maybe I need to be on the lookout. I bet you could score one cheap on Craigslist as well.

Tiffany said...

I can barely sew a straight line, so I'll leave the advice giving to someone much more experienced. :)

That book looks like it has some great ideas! I hope you will share what you make.

Anonymous said...

awwww wish I could help you on this one but I have no idea. You may want to ask my sister....she sews~

Beckypdj said...

I don't have any sewing machine suggestions, but I was reading a scrapbookers blog yesterday and saw the cutest thing. It was a pin cushion shaped like a tea cup!! Cutest thing ever. It had a note that she had bought it on Etsy for $50. I am hoping that was a typo, but I'm not sure. It looked like it was made from sweaters. Just another project idea. Happy sewing!

Anonymous said...

ah - the question of the day! I have 3 vikings and I LOVE them. I have friends that have all Berninas and LOVE them. I'm going to actually get some links for you to look at. I would not recommend a machine from Walmart or Target b/c it comes with no service and no knowledge. Most sewing machine stores have great used ones you can buy and offer fantastic support if/when you have issues down the road. Okay off to dig up those links. I'll email you!

blair said...

I have a Husqvarna Viking "Emerald" because I like saying Husqvarna. Just kidding. Its the entry side of a very nice brand. It fit my price range, does everything I need it to. Its been great!

Anonymous said...

I have a Hussqvarna Viking Designer SE. I've had it a few years and I still don't know how to use everything but it's a great machine.

Gretchen
birdnestcottage.typepad.com

Christina said...

I can't really help w/the decision. Hope you find some good answers. My machine is very basic---for a very basic sewer like me---who never gets it out. ; )

Christina said...

Awwww, I just saw the family picture in your sidebar. Great picture. Hope your daughter has been feeling well.

Sweetwater said...

Hello - Thanks so much for visiting our blog at sweetwater! We have enjoyed looking at your fun blog as well! It sounds like you have a fun adventure - buying a sewing machine. We actually have a Pfaff machine and have been using it for years. It is not a fancy model but is sure gets the job done. The model number that we have is 6122. Many people that I have spoken to have had very good look with Pfaff's . Good luck and happy sewing!

Lori said...

I would recommend a Viking also, they are wonderful. Most importantly, IMHO, is the dealer. Pick a dealer you like, that gives new owner lessons with your machine and then offers some great classes throughout the year.

Anonymous said...

I highly recommend a Janome New Home. It's a great machine with all metal parts no plastic. I've sewn for 35 years and I love my Janome. They have a large variety from beginner to advanced and you can trade up as your skills increase if you want. My daughter just got her first won and loves it, easy to use. My mom was a professional seamstress for many years and loves her Janome. If you have a sewing machine warehouse in your city check it out, they have lots of brands and can help you as well. Good Luck can't wait to find out what you end up with. Ann