New sewing machine suggestions

I have been checking around online for a new sewing machine....My mom bought the one that I am currently using about a month or two ago...it is an older Dressmaker model that she got for 50 bucks...I like the machine but I want something newer with an instruction manual and more features...I don't want anything real expensive...nothing over $500..I really want something that has good quilting features on it.... I have been looking at the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q...however I have read some bad reviews on it..I've read good ones as well but it seemed like there were right many bad ones and that worried me a little...Does anyone have any suggestions on a new sewing machine?

You might check out SewingMachinesPlus.com....click on sewing machines and then popular brands. There are some nice Janome machines in the $500 range. They also have Singer machines and the machines have reviews from customers....worth taking a look! :)

There is also All Brands

My preference is Brother machines

I am a Janome owner and I would advise anyone that is purchasing a new machine to check this brand out. They are user friendly hard working machines. That being said, HSN is having Singer machines on today. You may want to them it out. I use to have the Singer Confidence Quilter and it was a good machine, I had no trouble with it. I've also heard a lot of great things about all the other brands of machines.

I have been doing some more research and I came across the Brother SQ9050 and the Brother SQ9000...has anyone had any experience with these?

Is there a shop nearby that sells different types of machines? My shop sells Vikings, Janome and other brands and the staff are so helpful in picking out what's right for me. They also sell used machines that are as good as new, usually brought in by someone who loved the machine but wants to trade up. Personally I'd hesitate to buy something on-line without having the chance to try it out. I also love buying from a local dealer so that I have help with any problems that might come up, and I can have my machines cleaned and serviced once a year. Of course if there's no dealer near you all of my adice is worthless! So I'll end by saying I love my Viking machines and they sell two new ones under $500. I've also heard rave reviews about Janome.

Good luck on your search! We all have our favorites here on the forum and I hope you find yours.

[QUOTE=cyndiofthevortex;111382]Is there a shop nearby that sells different types of machines? My shop sells Vikings, Janome and other brands and the staff are so helpful in picking out what's right for me. They also sell used machines that are as good as new, usually brought in by someone who loved the machine but wants to trade up. Personally I'd hesitate to buy something on-line without having the chance to try it out. I also love buying from a local dealer so that I have help with any problems that might come up, and I can have my machines cleaned and serviced once a year. Of course if there's no dealer near you all of my adice is worthless! So I'll end by saying I love my Viking machines and they sell two new ones under $500. I've also heard rave reviews about Janome.

Good luck on your search! We all have our favorites here on the forum and I hope you find yours.[/QUOTE

Actually what I was trying to do is research the machines online and once I find one I want then find it in a local store... Sorry I didn't really make that clear :)I think I've narrowed it down to the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q or the Brother SQ9050...Since I am a beginner I don't want to spend too much in a machine but I do want one that has some good features...If anyone has anymore suggestions though I'd love to read them! :)

[QUOTE=bdk;111385]

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Originally Posted by cyndiofthevortex

Actually what I was trying to do is research the machines online and once I find one I want then find it in a local store... Sorry I didn't really make that clear :)I think I've narrowed it down to the Singer Confidence Quilter 7469Q or the Brother SQ9050...Since I am a beginner I don't want to spend too much in a machine but I do want one that has some good features...If anyone has anymore suggestions though I'd love to read them! :)

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I took a look at the Brother machine....if you're going to be using it for quilting I think I'd take a look at this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-70...ndingMethod=rr - includes extension table, several feet including walking foot and quilting foot. Has the drop feed on it. Those are some of the things you'll want in a machine for quilting.

[QUOTE=ShirleyPickett;111387]

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Originally Posted by bdk

I took a look at the Brother machine....if you're going to be using it for quilting I think I'd take a look at this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-70...ndingMethod=rr - includes extension table, several feet including walking foot and quilting foot. Has the drop feed on it. Those are some of the things you'll want in a machine for quilting.

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The other one you were looking at has some of that stuff too....took a while to pick it out of the description LOL....good luck with whatever you buy.

I have the Singer confidence quilter and I love it!

I second the advice to go to a dealer, and seriously consider a used machine. You will get a lot more for your money.

My dealer sells Pfaff and Singer and something else but I am hooked on Pfaff's and don't even consider the other brands he has. I have LOVED all my Pfaff machines, and I have upgraded a few times. The dealer gives me great trade-in deals. There was not a single thing wrong with my traded in machines, I just wanted an upgrade.

He sells those traded in machines for very good prices, PLUS he guarantees them.

you can go to KensSewingCenter.com online, I have purchased 3 different refurbished machines from him over the years. 25 year warranty. I saved at least $100.00 on my last Brother SQ9050 which has over 80 different stitches on it. I have 3 older model Singers (favorite is my 301), but am a BIG fan of Brother machines. I have one that is over 15 years old never been serviced, and still runs like a top. A Janome Dealer tried to sell me a Janome with only a few decorative stitches, I had to laugh, the price was way over the top.. and that Janome didn't even have as many stitches as my 1974 Riccar 401.

I have a Brother SQ9050. Its WONDERFUL!! I have another post here about it. You would not be disappointed if you purchased this machine.

Good luck on your search - I recently purchased my second machine, first nice one. After much research I bought a Janome 3160 and I LOVE IT!! Lots of great 'user' options - stop/start button, that I now use instead of the foot pedal. It also has a button that cuts the thread, even a threader! It is worth every penny. The dealer also provided two free classes. I am basically a novice quilter, but has made lots of difference in the quality of seams, etc. Also this machine comes with numerous foots, for your sewing needs. Good luck and have fun!

I don't think you will find a better NEW machine for under $500 than the Brother PC420-PRW. It has features and accessories usually found only on much higher end machines. I understand the logic for buying from a local quilt store/dealer when buying in the higher price range so you can take advantage of training, service and upgrades, etc. but your price range will be at the local Walmart, Sears stores etc. or online. The real issue is dealing with a store (local or online) that has a good return/refund policy. The manufacturer warranties will be covered the same.

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Check out the reviews on the Brother at Amazon. Current price is $418 with a Brother 25 year limited warranty, 1 year on labor, 2 years on electronics.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Limite.../dp/B000XE3FGO

This machine is universally high rated across the board. I bought my first PC420-PRW from Amazon 2 years ago and love it so much I bought a second one 5 months ago. I have one setup exclusively for quilting and the other for general piecing and sewing. It comes with more presser feet and accessories than most machines including a walking foot and darning foot for quilting. It has needle up/down, needle threader, knee lift for the presser foot, stop/start button, automatic thread cutter, speed control, drop feed dogs and 294 utility/decorative stitches.

Here is the official Brother website product page with all the specs listed in detail:

http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewin...W#.T51WOr9Ah7E

A list of Presser Feet and Accessories included in the box:

Buttonhole Foot, Overcasting Foot, Monogramming Foot, Zipper Foot, ZigZag Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Button Fitting Foot, Walking Foot, Quilting Foot, Stitch Guide Foot, Adjustable zipper/piping foot, Non Stick Foot, Open Toe Foot, Knee lifter, accessory pouch with seam ripper, needle set, twin needle, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screwdrivers (2), spool caps (3), extra spool pin, grid sheet set, power cord and operation manual

I have not had a minutes trouble with either of my machines. I have dealt with Amazon for years and they have the best "no questions asked" return/refund policy around in the event you get a rare defective product. Just my 2 cents worth of course but I am very happy with my purchase of this machine. Somewhere down the line I may consider a $2000+ dealer machine but honestly do not believe it is necessary to successfully create the vast majority of sewing/quilting projects.

BDK, I hope you find a great machine that fits both your needs and budget. The truth is there are no doubt several machines that would do that. I just have had a great experience with this particular Brother machine and thought you might want to check it out. :)

I also have a Singer Confidence Quilter and I've had no problems with it. I just wish it had a larger throat space as I am getting more and more in FMQ.