Not what I expected to hear

[tdimitrov77]

I have been amazed at how so many appliances are made to break - intended to be disposable! Two years ago, within a two week time period, my dishwasher, washer, dryer, and water heater all had to be replaced. Our friend, who is in the business of selling such things told us that they were all meant to last around 3 years, 5 at best, in other words, they were made to be be disposable. We stayed away from all the prominent inexpensive brands that break so fast, and went with a Bosch for the Dishwasher, and Speed Queen for the washer and Dryer. So far, these have been great (but it's only been 2 years). I kind of agree with your repair man at the moment, given my set of experiences, that older models may be a better bet.

Unfortunately for consumers... companies have figured out that they can make more money if they make products that break easily...same thing goes with new cars... if the car last 30 or 40 years...well then they can't make anymore money off of you that whole time..so they make it last 5-10 if your lucky. It is sad really.

[toggpine]

So far I have managed to stay away from machines that have computers on the front. I'd like to say at all, but after I took the bottom off of my machine to remove the dust bunnies and saw the green boards with wires plugged in I can't say that. My Bernina Bernette has been fabulous for me. While the throat isn't really designed for quilting I have managed a full size with her so far. If I ever replace her I'll look to the Bernina brand again.
My serger is a Babylock, and I am very pleased with it as well. I have the AirPort threading system, and really love that feature! I usually cheat and just tie off the threads too!

Mom has a Lady Kenmore that she has used for at least 35 years (maybe longer) and it is on my list of things to inherit! It weighs enough to double as a boat anchor, but it sews anything and everything. The decorative stitches come on cams instead of computer chips, but that is one less thing to short out.

[easyquilts]

Except for my first machine...bought in the late sixties....I think....was a Singer... I think I would still have it, but I accidentally left a chair leg on the pedal, and burned up the motor....

The next one...bought in 2001....was a Janome Jem Gold.... I later gave her to my daughter, and bought a Jem Platinum, which I really liked.

One day... 2007.. I thought the JP had broken, so I ran down to my dealer, and bought my DC2007LE. My JP foxed itself.....the computer just needed to reset itself.... But, now I had this nifty new Janome that I still love. She's never given me any problems...

I will,probably stick with Janomies, if my budget allows... They are super reliable. No problems with any if the three.

I would actually love to have a Singer, simply because that's the name I grew up with. It would just make me feel good... Ok, so. I'm a hopeless romantic... Surely, there must be a few good Singers around!

[Meli]

My mom bought a singer in 1964. I don't know that it ever needed servicing. Dad has said several times that he would like to give it to me, but every so often, mom asks where it is, so he has to go get it and show it to her. It has black discs for the different stitches.

[Genny]

I'm normally a Janome lady but my last one is a Babylock and love both brands but my pick would be Janomes. Genny

[NanceeCee]

Started with a Kenmore as a teenager and used it for kids clothes for many years. In the late 90's I got my "dream" Viking, but it turned into a nightmare. About 4 years ago hubby bought me a Brother and I love it! I am sure the other brands are comparable, I've used Babylock and find it as user friendly as the Brother, but am totally hooked on Brother.

[GrammaBabs]

If most of what you do is piecing... get a high speed METAL Janome.. or equal simple machine... Brother has come a long way and a close second I feel to Janome... Juki as well makes a good machine.. it will be my next purchase... all the models in the current years are as someone said,, not meant to last and do not shine a candle to the older models..I use the Janome 1600 for my pieceing...around 1000 rpms.. later i'll show the chain piecing/assembly line i'm doing for my 2013 ornaments.. will be posting an album as I have in the past..

[auntiemern]

I love my new Brother. Baby Lock and Brother are manufactured by the same company. You couldn't pay me to buy another Singer. I think most of it is personal preference. If you look at all of Jenny's tuts, her early ones she is using a Singer. Later she is using a Janome, and now a Baby Lock (current sponsor)

[Cat n bull]

Brother makes some OUTSTANDING sewing and embroidery machines.

Just don't expect to get a quality machine from a cheap big box store. In fact, don't expect real outstanding quality from any machine you can buy off any chain stores' shelf. Go to an authorized dealer, for both Singer and Brother.

[K. McEuen]

Brother makes some OUTSTANDING sewing and embroidery machines.

Just don't expect to get a quality machine from a cheap big box store. In fact, don't expect real outstanding quality from any machine you can buy off any chain stores' shelf. Go to an authorized dealer, for both Singer and Brother.

I agree. The Brother, and other brands of machines you buy from big box stores are basically "throw away" machines. They are the cheap"get you to buy" not built to last machines. That can be said for any brand. The more expensive machines reflect much better quality.

One question though, is there actually a Singer Dealer, other than Joann's or Hancocks?