Sticker Shock!!

Alright ladies and gents, I'm experiencing some serious sticker shock lately when it comes to sewing machine prices!

Right now I have a Dressmaker II:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
and I'm borrowing MIL's old Brother, which I've nicknamed "The Beast" (closest picture I could find, hers is white/blue and not the same model but has the same dials and such):
http://buysewingmachines.info/images...ingmachine.jpg

So, as you can see, I am in need of a good machine that:
A: Isn't tiny, and
2: Isn't older than me lol

I'm willing to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars, but looking at simple "dealer" machines (like Bernina and Babylock) I'm seeing prices in the thousands? Is this normal? I'm looking for a machine that can do some cute stitches (the Dressmaker only does "straight-ish" and The Beast only does straight, zig-zag, and button hole) and maybe a little embroidery. Nothing too extravagant, but something that I can use to add a little something to my work. (I'm drooling over the Brother Quattro 2, but at $9,999, it'll have to wait until I win the lottery :icon_giggle:)

So is this possible for less than $500, or should I keep saving?

There's a wide range of prices out there. Make sure to educate yourself on the different machines before making a decision. You really don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent machine. Just depends on what capabilities you want it to have. This is certainly the place to come for ideas on machines. if you want a machine that does both sewing and embroidery you need to keep saving. Take a look at Janome's Memorycraft 350E, 300E or 200E. I'm not sure what they sell for but this would give you an idea as to what you'd need to spend. I'm a Janome fan. I also have a Husqvarna Viking that's a wonderful machine.

Also, search the threads already posted here about sewing machines (search bar at the top) as it has been discussed many times and there are great tips and recommendations!!!

Ask the dealer about trade ins.
Some folks trade in their older models when they are moving up to a more extravagant one. The dealer usually goes through the machine, cleans it and checks for repairs and you can get a nice machine for less.
The dealers will have sales on their sample machines after a big show or fair. You might check to see if one of those will work with your budget.

Dee, what are prices like for general merchandise on the island as compared to the mainland? I was told things in NFLD are more expensive due to shipping.

I would google quilt shops and sewing machine dealers from the main land, and manufacturers and look for their sales on machines. They often have them. I bought a Janome 6063QC on sale for $1K in '05. You definately can get more affordable machines than this. Once you find a sale for example in NS, you could arrange travel time, visit the shop, test run the machine...always test run the machine!!! then if you like it, you can bring it back with you. There are good machines in the $500 range made by the major manufacturers (Janome, Husq/Viking, Bernina, Elna, Pfaff, Babylock, Brother, Singer, I'm sure I've missed some)

***one more thing, quilt shops often have sales on their demo models. Sometimes it's to simply replaced them or they could be a discountinued model. I really missed out when Husqvarna discountinued their Platinum series as that's what I wanted (Platinum 750/755).

I don't know the model number because I am not a Janome person - however I do know that my LQS (Janome dealers) have one in the $300-$500 range that should meet your needs. My Li'l Sis swears by her Janome . . . quality machines.

One feature I really wish I had was the thread cutter. It would make life easier. I have it on the Juki on my frame. Other than that, inexpensive machines can be great. No need to break the bank. (I do long for an expensive embroidery/sewing machine though!)

Rebecca: I'm thinking that I should keep saving too. I may just get a cheap jobby from Walmart for now and keep saving for a good one. And thanks for the model suggestions, I'm off to do more research! :)

a1angiem: I've read a bunch of threads recently, but none really touched on what I'm looking for so I thought I'd start my own :) You ladies always give the best advice, so I figured I'd ask the experts!

toggpine: Not sure if any dealers will want the Dressmaker or "The Beast". I may have to pay them to take them away! lol

Denis: The price of the ferry ride alone would negate any savings by travelling to the mainland, stupid Marine Atlantic lol Plus I live on the Avalon, just outside St. John's, so I'd either have to get the Argentia ferry during the summer or drive about 900kms across the island the rest of the year lol I appreciate the thought though :) Stuff is usually a bit more expensive here, but it's not TOO bad, I'd guess that a machine normally priced at $1000 on the mainland would probably be $1100 here at most, so not a huge difference. I will ask around for demos though, that's a good way to save a few bucks :)

Sandy: I've been leaning toward Janome actually :) I keep seeing the name everywhere, like it's a sign or something lol

Joyce: I will keep that in mind! I already want a drop-in bobbin, because this front loading bobbin case nonsense has to STOP! lol So I will add thread cutter to my list as well :D



Anyone else notice I use too many smiley faces? lol

[QUOTE=Musical_Starling;153945]
Anyone else notice I use too many smiley faces? lol[/QUOTE

I didn't even notice them until you mentioned it . . .

Have you tried Sears? I don't know where you are in Newfoundland but if there is a store or outlet near you there are some good little machines through them for under that price. They have a couple of Elna brand ones that are perfect for about two or three hundred dollars. Have a peek on line at Sears.ca and you may see something there.

Dee you said, "I may just get a cheap jobby from Walmart for now and keep saving for a good one. And thanks for the model suggestions, I'm off to do more research!"

My advice to to keep doing research for something affordable because I bought a cheapie jobby at CostCo when I began quilting and while it worked fine and still does, it didn't hold ups to the amount of sewing I did. At least once a year I had it in for repairs that cost 75 - 80 bucks, and then the thread spindle broke off and couldn't be replaced so I saved and bought a Pfaff, not the most expensive one or one with embroidery but I love it's even feed feature. So keep looking. May in Jersey

My DDs sew on Brother machines from WM. they have been very happy with them. My DH bought a PRW machine for me recently from WM. It is lightweight but sews quite nice. If I were going to buy one as my main machine I would look at the 9050 Brother has. it comes with a lot of extras and I believe is under $200

If you decide to buy a machine from Walmart, check the website. The Canadian Walmart site has several and shipping is free.

Just reminded me, if you buy online from WM's and lot's of other stores, don't forget to use something like http://www.mrrebates.com which offers 2% off WM purchases. I try to go thru this website whenever I order on line AND especially during the holidays and ended up with $200 in my account just for buying items I was buying anyways. Offers change every wk and you can search by store or product.

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Originally Posted by Sandy Navas

I didn't even notice them until you mentioned it . . .

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I think I'm addicted :0 lol

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Originally Posted by Alana

Have you tried Sears? I don't know where you are in Newfoundland but if there is a store or outlet near you there are some good little machines through them for under that price. They have a couple of Elna brand ones that are perfect for about two or three hundred dollars. Have a peek on line at Sears.ca and you may see something there.

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I'm actually in Paradise, just outside St. John's. Not sure if the Sears store in the Avalon Mall carries sewing machines, but it's worth a look :) I looked on Sears.ca a couple of days ago and only found Kenmore machines, but it was a bit of a hurried look so I may have missed some. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by May in Jerset

Dee you said, "I may just get a cheap jobby from Walmart for now and keep saving for a good one. And thanks for the model suggestions, I'm off to do more research!"

My advice to to keep doing research for something affordable because I bought a cheapie jobby at CostCo when I began quilting and while it worked fine and still does, it didn't hold ups to the amount of sewing I did. At least once a year I had it in for repairs that cost 75 - 80 bucks, and then the thread spindle broke off and couldn't be replaced so I saved and bought a Pfaff, not the most expensive one or one with embroidery but I love it's even feed feature. So keep looking. May in Jersey

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My grandmother always told me, "You get what you pay for", so I have no doubt that a cheaper machine is only a bandaid solution :) It would basically just be something for me to use for now while I'm saving for something better. I think the consensus is that I should save and get a good name with a good guarantee behind it, but while I'm saving I still need something a little more reliable than the David and Goliath duo that I have now lol Hence the need for a temporary cheap jobby :D And thinking of David and Goliath, once my sewing room is presentable again (I just moved new furniture in there lol) I should take a picture of the two side by side, because the size difference is HILARIOUS!

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Originally Posted by bakermom

My DDs sew on Brother machines from WM. they have been very happy with them. My DH bought a PRW machine for me recently from WM. It is lightweight but sews quite nice. If I were going to buy one as my main machine I would look at the 9050 Brother has. it comes with a lot of extras and I believe is under $200

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I actually looked at that one last night! lol It's $250 here, but I can buy it in store and it has enough extras to keep me occupied while I save my money and shop around a bit more :)

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Originally Posted by RiverMomm

If you decide to buy a machine from Walmart, check the website. The Canadian Walmart site has several and shipping is free.

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Most of the machines that are online I can actually get in store here. We have three walmarts, plus a fourth opening in CBS sometime soon and there is another a little over an hour away where my mom lives. So between them all, I should be able to buy most of them in store :) I didn't know shipping was free though, that's awesome! If I find one online that I can't get in store I'll definitely go that route! Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Slokarma

Just reminded me, if you buy online from WM's and lot's of other stores, don't forget to use something like http://www.mrrebates.com which offers 2% off WM purchases. I try to go thru this website whenever I order on line AND especially during the holidays and ended up with $200 in my account just for buying items I was buying anyways. Offers change every wk and you can search by store or product.

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I'm not sure if that works for Walmart's Canadian website, but I'll definitely have a look :) I'm always looking for coupons when I shop online, I use retailmenot.com a fair bit, but it's nice to have somewhere else to look too :D Thanks!


Smiley face overload once again! :icon_giggle: And with all of the quotes, probably the longest post in history lol

I am not sure why, but sometimes the online prices are less with Walmart than the in-store prices for the same item. Hey, if you save $10, it's $10 more for fabric. And I agree with getting a less expensive machine and saving for a better machine down the road. I don't see how you are sewing at all with the beast or the tiny little sewing machine wanna-be. LOL Now YOU are a dedicated sewer!

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Originally Posted by RiverMomm

I am not sure why, but sometimes the online prices are less with Walmart than the in-store prices for the same item. Hey, if you save $10, it's $10 more for fabric. And I agree with getting a less expensive machine and saving for a better machine down the road. I don't see how you are sewing at all with the beast or the tiny little sewing machine wanna-be. LOL Now YOU are a dedicated sewer!

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The prices seem to be about the same here, but then again I only checked out a couple of prices, so others may be way off! And considering that the Dressmaker only sews straight-ish and I still managed to pull off a purse for MIL for Mother's Day, I think I just have too much patience lol I certainly have the want to sew, now if I can just learn the skills! :icon_giggle:

I own 2 of these Brother PC 420 Project Runway machines. Bought the first one 2 years ago, loved it so much I bought another one last Fall. I keep one setup for piecing and general sewing and the other is setup for Free motion quilting or using my walking foot. LOVE these machines. Currently available on Amazon for $399. I bought both mine from Amazon and have had no problems with either of them. Just read the user reviews to see how well it is rated.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Limited-Edition-Project-Machine/dp/B000XE3FGO/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1344814243&sr=1-1&keywords=Brother+PC-420+PRW+Limited+Edition+Project+Runway+Sewing+Mach ine

Attachment 26275

I have that wonderful brother Quattro....but I also have a janome jem and the brother "Winnie the pooh" (both sure of the number). Love all three. Each one has a different job in my life.
The project runway machine is also fantastic, I have 2 ladies in my class that just got them and they love them. One got the basic from Walmart, the other is just above the basic and she got it at sewing shop, it was a trade in (owner upgrade). The shop I deal with always has machines from up-trades, great bargains. When I traded up, my machines were cleaned and tuned...one sold within a day after I traded. Them what you are looking for and they migh know of a customer who is going to trade in, you all will benefit!
Buy the best you can buy for the money you have. Save for the future and upgrade to a better machine as time goes on.

Another suggestion, check out kiijii (sp?), sometimes you can find great deals. Good luck in your search.

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Originally Posted by Alana

Have you tried Sears? I don't know where you are in Newfoundland but if there is a store or outlet near you there are some good little machines through them for under that price. They have a couple of Elna brand ones that are perfect for about two or three hundred dollars. Have a peek on line at Sears.ca and you may see something there.

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Janome makes Kenmore machines, and Sears aells them at a cheaper price point.

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Originally Posted by madampolo

One feature I really wish I had was the thread cutter. It would make life easier. I have it on the Juki on my frame. Other than that, inexpensive machines can be great. No need to break the bank. (I do long for an expensive embroidery/sewing machine though!)

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This little gadget is excellent on any machine that does not have a thread cutter--and it will work on metal or plastic machines...well worth the $5.00!

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/thr...f-machine.aspx

I too have a Brother Project Runway. It has been sewing up a storm for several years now. I would recommend it.

Oh Bneighbor, would you be my neighbour? lol I am super jealous that you have the Quattro AND the Winnie the Pooh machines!

And Jean, I did NOT know that Kenmore was made by Janome! That's awesome! I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm looking for my "good" machine in the future!

Thank all of you ladies for your help! After looking on the Brother site, I think I'm going to go with the SQ9050. It's a good price ($240) and it's got a nice quilting table attachment, comes with a bunch of different feet, has a drop in bobbin and an automatic thread cutter! So minus the embroidery (although it does do some letters!) it's what I was looking for! Although after reading the praises for the Project Runway model I may have to go back and compare lol But I think the SQ9050 will fit the bill for now.

Thanks ladies! You're all awesome! :icon_tup:

Years ago I purchased a JCPenny (made by Brother) machine for $99. That machine has 38 stitches (including some decorative - obviously not digital). It has lasted me for 19 years, but most of the internal metal workings are mounted with plastic, therefore I lost my bobbin winder about 4 years ago and had to purchase a sidewinder. Not bad for a $99 no-name machine and I still use it all the time for workshops and travel.

I now have a Bernina 820 - and I specifically purchased it for it's warranty and workmanship. It's top of the line, got everything computerized, etc, and comes in at a little less than $7,000. So I've had it both ways and I love both.
Point is....it's really up to you! Do your research, set a budget and decide what is most important. Then go get her.

BTW, I'd love to have an old Singer like that. I learned to sew on my mom's 60s Singer in that weird avocado green color that was so popular back then and I would love to have that machine...she tossed it saying she could never use the darn thing it always bunched up the thread. Mom didn't know there was such a thing as TENSION adjustment!!!!! UGH!

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Originally Posted by Peachy

BTW, I'd love to have an old Singer like that. I learned to sew on my mom's 60s Singer in that weird avocado green color that was so popular back then and I would love to have that machine...she tossed it saying she could never use the darn thing it always bunched up the thread. Mom didn't know there was such a thing as TENSION adjustment!!!!! UGH!

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MIL has only used "The Beast" for hemming pants and such. It may have been used a dozen times in the 40-some years she's had it lol So when I said I wanted a new sewing machine she offered up hers in an instant! It works well (so far! Knock on wood!) so I can certainly use it in the meantime, but having to oil it is a pain in the butt lol I can't wait to get my new one and not have to oil it! Plus it's super heavy, so even moving it along the table can be a nuisance. I've placed my order with Santa (aka. hubs lol) and I'll be getting the SQ9050 for Christmas :D I'd ask for it for my birthday, but it's December 2nd... Might as well wait until Christmas by then lol And the anniversary is already taken care of thanks to the Harry Potter Wizard's Collection coming out on September 7th along with a new Patricia Cornwell novel :icon_giggle:

Sewing/embroidery combo machines are typically between $500-700. The embroidery areas on these machines won't be very large, usually 4x4 as a maximum size. You'd be better off finding a good sewing machine with the features that you like and then shopping for a stand-alone embroidery machine (Brother PE770 is a good one that does 4x4 and 5x7).

Like someone else said - ask the dealer about their trade in machines. You'll find great deals that way!

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Originally Posted by Sewbee

I own 2 of these Brother PC 420 Project Runway machines. Bought the first one 2 years ago, loved it so much I bought another one last Fall. I keep one setup for piecing and general sewing and the other is setup for Free motion quilting or using my walking foot. LOVE these machines. Currently available on Amazon for $399. I bought both mine from Amazon and have had no problems with either of them. Just read the user reviews to see how well it is rated.

26275[/ATTACH]]Amazon.com: Brother Project Runway PC420PRW 294-Stitch Professional Grade Computerized Sewing Machine with 3 Built-In Lettering Styles, and Carrying Case: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

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Linda, do you know what the throat measures on this machine? I'm sewing on a Kenmore - works like a dream but is the dickens to quilt anything of size. I've been looking at this for a week now and if I knew the space from the needle to the right was larger than 6" I think I'd go ahead and buy it.

You may want to take a gander at the Brother PC420 Project Runway .. Excellent buy for what you get .. Lots of very nice options .. A sewing and quilting machine .. Work horse :)

FYI the harp is 7 inches :)

I have one as well .. And a Janome 6300 .. Harp is 9 inches .. Love both for different reasons
Have done queen size on both .. Janome a bit easier .. But both dooable

I have bern doing a lot of research lately, and I believe you can get a reliable machine in the $200 - $500 range. I have three good Janomes.... Two Jems, and a DC2097LE.... All were under $400. The 2007 is the one I use all the time... It is almost 7 years old, and I've never had it in the shop.

Brother has several good machines in that price range, and believe it or not, so does Singer... Singer has several models with a metal frame....

Do test drive whatever you consider.... When you shop, take along the kind of sewing you for.

There are a couple of features I consider to be essential for a quilter... The one I love most is the needle threader, of course, but I really love the needle-down capability.... It's invaluable, whether you are piecing or quilting.... I don't have a thread cutter, but my next machine will have it, for sure.

Many of the new machines...in all price ranges gave a smart bobbin... You drop the bobbin in, run tuber the ad through a guide in the plate....and sew... No more bringing the bobbin thread up. It's hard for me to see the loop, so I want this feature, too....

I really don't think that most sewers/quilters really need to spend big bucks for a reliable sewing machine.. Of course I might change my mind if I had more money..... Or if I ever got to test drive a very high end machine.... :). But, I don't think so.

Sewing machines are like everything else... There are Fords and Chevies, and there are Cadillacs and Porsches.... Both ends of the spectrum will provide good, reliable service....but the higher end models will be more luxurious. We each need to look at our budgets, and then get the most bang for our bucks possible... Sales, coupons and trade ins help a lot.

The important thing us to do your research, test the models that interest you, and buy the best you can comfortably afford. Don't worth about the opinions of others.... Buy what you think is right for you...

I have bern doing a lot of research lately, and I believe you can get a reliable machine in the $200 - $500 range. I have three good Janomes.... Two Jems, and a DC2097LE.... All were under $400. The 2007 is the one I use all the time... It is almost 7 years old, and I've never had it in the shop.

Brother has several good machines in that price range, and believe it or not, so does Singer... Singer has several models with a metal frame....

Do test drive whatever you consider.... When you shop, take along the kind of sewing you for.

There are a couple of features I consider to be essential for a quilter... The one I love most is the needle threader, of course, but I really love the needle-down capability.... It's invaluable, whether you are piecing or quilting.... I don't have a thread cutter, but my next machine will have it, for sure.

Many of the new machines...in all price ranges gave a smart bobbin... You drop the bobbin in, run tuber the ad through a guide in the plate....and sew... No more bringing the bobbin thread up. It's hard for me to see the loop, so I want this feature, too....

I really don't think that most sewers/quilters really need to spend big bucks for a reliable sewing machine.. Of course I might change my mind if I had more money..... Or if I ever got to test drive a very high end machine.... :). But, I don't think so.

Sewing machines are like everything else... There are Fords and Chevies, and there are Cadillacs and Porsches.... Both ends of the spectrum will provide good, reliable service....but the higher end models will be more luxurious. We each need to look at our budgets, and then get the most bang for our bucks possible... Sales, coupons and trade ins help a lot.

The important thing us to do your research, test the models that interest you, and buy the best you can comfortably afford. Don't worth about the opinions of others.... Buy what you think is right for you...

BTW... Janome makes Kenmore... Some machines look just alike, except for the name.

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Originally Posted by madampolo

I too have a Brother Project Runway. It has been sewing up a storm for several years now. I would recommend it.

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I've been looking at the PRW line,, I know someone who had one, and she loves it which model do you have?

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Originally Posted by Sewbee

I own 2 of these Brother PC 420 Project Runway machines. Bought the first one 2 years ago, loved it so much I bought another one last Fall. I keep one setup for piecing and general sewing and the other is setup for Free motion quilting or using my walking foot. LOVE these machines. Currently available on Amazon for $399. I bought both mine from Amazon and have had no problems with either of them. Just read the user reviews to see how well it is rated.

26275[/ATTACH]]Amazon.com: Brother Project Runway PC420PRW 294-Stitch Professional Grade Computerized Sewing Machine with 3 Built-In Lettering Styles, and Carrying Case: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

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This machine gets excellent reviews... As do all of the PRW line. I am seriously considering getting one...but way after Christmas!

I had no idea this was my old thread from last year! lol I actually went with the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q, got a great deal on it at a dealer for $330 with all work able to be done locally, in-store :) I was set on the Brother machine I mentioned, but shortly after our very own Denis posted a link to a video showing the difference between metal frames and such. Turns out the Brother I wanted is filled to the brim with plastic parts, so I decided to go with my Sally because the inside frame is all solid metal (as are most new Singers for anyone wondering). And, a year later, Sally is still sewing like a dream! Not everyone likes Singers, but I love mine! :)

You did good! My 5 yr old Singer embroidery machine has a metal frame as well. They are made by Husqavana?/Viking now. I only got the Juki because Singers don't make a machine with that kind of throat space.

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Originally Posted by Lisapc

You did good! My 5 yr old Singer embroidery machine has a metal frame as well. They are made by Husqavana?/Viking now. I only got the Juki because Singers don't make a machine with that kind of throat space.

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I know, it breaks my heart that Singer just make smaller machines. When I want to upgrade I may go with Pfaff because they're in the trio of companies with Singer (SVP=Singer/Viking/Pfaff) and my dealer/LQS also sells them and he's been great so he deserves repeat business :D

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Originally Posted by bakermom

My DDs sew on Brother machines from WM. they have been very happy with them. My DH bought a PRW machine for me recently from WM. It is lightweight but sews quite nice. If I were going to buy one as my main machine I would look at the 9050 Brother has. it comes with a lot of extras and I believe is under $200

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That was my suggestion Walmart has a Brother machine that gets good reviews for about $180 in the states. Lots of nice features:

Brother 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Alphabet Font-SQ9050 Mail-In Rebate Available - Walmart.com

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Originally Posted by Musical_Starling

I had no idea this was my old thread from last year! lol I actually went with the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q, got a great deal on it at a dealer for $330 with all work able to be done locally, in-store :) I was set on the Brother machine I mentioned, but shortly after our very own Denis posted a link to a video showing the difference between metal frames and such. Turns out the Brother I wanted is filled to the brim with plastic parts, so I decided to go with my Sally because the inside frame is all solid metal (as are most new Singers for anyone wondering). And, a year later, Sally is still sewing like a dream! Not everyone likes Singers, but I love mine! :)

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I have noticed...in my research.... That many of the Singers actually do have metal frames now.... Do you think the Singer people have actually been listening to us? I hope Singer gets it's good reputation back... That's because I secretly (it 's out now) want one... That's because I grew up thinking that Singer and Sewing were synonymous.

How do you like your new machine?

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Originally Posted by Musical_Starling

Oh Bneighbor, would you be my neighbour? lol I am super jealous that you have the Quattro AND the Winnie the Pooh machines!

And Jean, I did NOT know that Kenmore was made by Janome! That's awesome! I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm looking for my "good" machine in the future!

Thank all of you ladies for your help! After looking on the Brother site, I think I'm going to go with the SQ9050. It's a good price ($240) and it's got a nice quilting table attachment, comes with a bunch of different feet, has a drop in bobbin and an automatic thread cutter! So minus the embroidery (although it does do some letters!) it's what I was looking for! Although after reading the praises for the Project Runway model I may have to go back and compare lol But I think the SQ9050 will fit the bill for now.

Thanks ladies! You're all awesome! :icon_tup:

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You might think of purchasing here ... It's on sale!

Brother 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Alphabet Font-SQ9050 Mail-In Rebate Available - Walmart.com