Sewing machine shopping

[Meliisen]

So I have an older Brothers sewing machine...it loves to jam in the bobbin...would love to upgrade just done want to spend more than 300.00 any ideas...my mom has a Janome...thanks!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

I've owned a bunch of Janome machines over the past 25 years, they are good machines. Mine were embroidery machines and high end sewing machines, so I can't recommend a specific model in your price range.

[Meliisen]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

Thanks! So much

[MHG Winnower]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

Look at some Brothers. If you have a shop near you, they often get trade ins and give them a service and resell so you might be able to get a "new to you" solid machine for ~ $300.

[Rhonda K]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

You may just need a new bobbin case. A broken needle can cause nicks in the case. Does the machine wind the bobbins OK? Make sure they aren't squishy.

Good luck deciding!

[Carlie Wolf]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

Thank you for mentioning the bobbin case and bobbins RhondaK. My Brother has been doing that lately too, periodically. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the way it sews. I'll have to look into that because I don't want to get another machine. So far it's just to the point where it's causing me a few "well now, isn't that annoying" thoughts

[Bernina2]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

Instead of buying a 5 year machine for $300,
(Which is what you have)
I would save until you can buy a better
quality machine which will last for many years.
It isn’t necessary to buy a new machine.
There are good used machines available
as trade ins. Do some research on what machines,
Models you would be interested in.
I love my Bernina and would not have anything else.
I bought a used machine, hardly used still in the
Original box for $1300.
Everyone has different uses and needs
and prefers certain brands. After research sew
on the machines you are interested in. Talk to
the salesperson and let them know what
models you are interested and to call you
when they have a used machine available.

[auntstuff]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

If your machine hasn't been serviced in a while, it may just need a tune-up. They DO get out of time after a while.

[dwil23]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

I agree a good servicing may be all you need.

Otherwise, I always suggest good vintage machines. If you don't need fancy stitches, something like a Singer 301 or 404. If you need fancy stitches there are lots of those availabe too, well within your pirce range. They will long outlive any plastic machine you buy today. Goodwill, thrift shops, garage sales are all good places to start. Plan on taking it to be serviced and cleaned, too. There are lots of facebook groups that are vintage machine oriented and they can advise on specific models.

[grammaterry]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

It may sound morbid, but a lot of us are aging rapidly and when we go...some of us don't have anyone who would really value our machines. Watch the craiglists as people will be clearing out mom's old stuff. Just make sure you try it before you buy it.

[Meliisen]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

Thanks everyone lots of ideas!

[Murphy224]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

If after trying all the excellent ideas already given to you, and you still want/need a new machine......There is a new "brand" of sewing machines available called "Eversewn" . I have no knowledge of them except what I have read on different forums. Start with a google search and see what pops up. I got an email from Nancy's Notions this am and they are promoting a Babylock "joy" machine for 199.99. So it seems Babylock makes smaller less expensive machines too. Who knew????
Good luck with whatever you do.

[auntiemern]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

If after trying all the excellent ideas already given to you, and you still want/need a new machine......There is a new "brand" of sewing machines available called "Eversewn" . I have no knowledge of them except what I have read on different forums. Start with a google search and see what pops up. I got an email from Nancy's Notions this am and they are promoting a Babylock "joy" machine for 199.99. So it seems Babylock makes smaller less expensive machines too. Who knew????
Good luck with whatever you do.

They promote and sell the Eversewn machines at M* as well. They have tutorials showcasing them. Some of Jenny's newer tuts have been done on the Eversewn machines.

[dwil23]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

They promote and sell the Eversewn machines at M* as well. They have tutorials showcasing them. Some of Jenny's newer tuts have been done on the Eversewn machines.

Recently they had one on sale for $99, not sure if they still do.

[SouthPStitches]

Re: Sewing machine shopping

I bought the Eversewn Sparrow 30 in December. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Love, love, love it. It is smooth and quiet. Haven't taken the time to mess around with the different stitches and features yet but I will. It is a lovely soft ballet pink with rose gold accents. It comes with an attachable table extension. The accuracy of my work has improved greatly from this machine. Also, can sew hours longer without muscle fatigue in arms, wrists, fingers and shoulders. It is my first computerized machine and I love it. The learning curve is not difficult at all.

I bought mine from an eBay dealer who is a sewing machine shop. Believe I paid $310 with free shipping. It had only a couple of hours demo on it. This person sells regularly on eBay. P.M. me if you are interested and I can look up his name/store. Yes MSQC sells for around $399 which is a fair price. Any place wanting a lot more than that you might want to rethink as their price is inflated. It is my understanding that the machine brand is made by family members of Bernina. There was a tiff and several members struck out on their own or at least that's the story.