Replies

1. 
   EUGENE978 | Dec 19, 2003 08:59pm | #1

   Hi again,

   I just found out that it is the Brother XR65T for 65 stitches. 

   Is anybody familiar with this basic machine?  Comments? 

   I normally practice the belief in buying the best tool you could possibly buy but I am afraid that this sewing interest of my wife might be temporary.  Maybe not, who knows.

1. 
   nmog | Dec 23, 2003 03:01am | #2

   Hello.  I am not familiar with this Brother model, but have had Brother machines in my junior high classroom, and they've stood up to use by teenagers.  I'd suggest that you find out about the warranty and who is responsible for honouring it.  The last thing you need is to send a broken machine to the Brother dealership because the place you bought it from doesn't do the repairs.  Of course, this would apply to any model.  I know of a number of people who have had this problem when they bought machines at 'factory sales' in non-sewing stores. Good luck!

   Nicole

2. 
   Elaray | Jan 17, 2004 09:07am | #3

   This particular model of Brother seems to be the one available in discout chain stores. My sister who, like your wife, is learning to sew, received that model from her husband last Christmas. Although she hasn't made a lot of time to use it, she is very satisfied with it. She said it suits her level. A friend of mine received the same model from her husband this past Christmas. This must be the "husband-giving-wife-a-sewing-machine" machine!

   It is a good idea to find out where and how the machine will be serviced if needed. If there is a reputable sewing machine dealer in your area, I recommend a visit to them. They should have quality machines for all levels of sewers and in a wide variety of price ranges.

1. 
   Bernie1 | Jan 22, 2004 07:20pm | #4

   I would like to offer a slightly different viewpoint. I would take your wife out to a number of dealers and let her choose the machine she feels most comfortable with. The big box stores are not known for follow-up service and the type of machine one bonds with is a matter of personal taste. All of the big manufacturers have excellent beginner models and it's always best to get a machine a little better than you think the person will use. Make sure there is a return policy where you'll get at least some money back. You might check out all the dealers - Elna, Bernina, Viking, Brother, Singer, Kenmore, Pfaff, White, Janome and Baby Lock.  If she doesn't like it she won't use it so if you let her choose it herself the chances are she'll use it more.

1. 
   EUGENE978 | Jan 22, 2004 11:22pm | #5

   Well, I have some news.

   I did buy the Brother from Costco and she was delighted with the gift.  However, we haven't have any time to open it and play with it.  So the box is sealed.

   The other news is that I just purchased a free arm Elna TSP from the mid 70's for $99 and it seems to be in perfect condition.  All of the attachments and books seem to be there.

   So now our plan is to return the Brother and 'play' with the Elna.  I did a little research on the net, ebay, etc and it looks like I got a great deal (well, I hope). 

   So the Brother is going back to Costco and we will see how it goes.

   If you have any pointers/comments about the Elna TSP, please share them.

   Thank you for all of your comments and help. 

   Eug