Sticker Shock!!

[Musical_Starling]

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:

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):


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 )

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

[rebeccas-sewing]

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.

[a1angiem]

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!!!

[toggpine]

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.

[Denis]

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).

[Sandy Navas]

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.

[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!)

[Musical_Starling]

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



Anyone else notice I use too many smiley faces? lol

[Sandy Navas]

[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 . . .

[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.