Replies

1. 
   BernaWeaves | Aug 10, 2007 08:57pm | #1

   I just recently gave up on my old Singers, too.

   My weaving / sewing teacher recommended that I get a Janome, with the following:

   Self threading needle (worth the price of the entire machine)

   Drop in bobbin with clear face plate, so you can always tell how much bobbin thread you have.

   Snap on feet, which makes changing the feet a breeze.

   Built in stitches that I actually use, they're not just weird embroidery things.

   I actually enjoy sewing on my Janome, whereas the Singer was a chore.

   My Janome dealer (I found the one closest to me by looking on the internet) gives me good service and free lessons for life.

    

   Berna

2. 
   suesew | Aug 10, 2007 11:14pm | #2

   Husqvarna Viking makes wonderful machines, Be sure you buy from a dealer rather than Kmart or Walmart so you can get the lessons and help you may someday need. And while you say you just want to do basic sewing, if you can stretch your idea of what you want so that it has a few extras, you will be able to expand in the future. There is so much available in the sewing world today. It can make your head spin.

3. 
   Tatsy | Aug 11, 2007 07:42am | #3

   Husqvarna is well-made and easy to use, but the lessons are a must.  Make sure you buy from a dealer close to home--I didn't and I know there are lots and lots and lots of things I could be doing with my machine that I'm not even aware of.

4. 
   B | Aug 14, 2007 07:35pm | #4

   If you really want just a good stitcher rather than all the fun stuff that the dealer can show you how to do, consider going back in time 45+ years when Singer was producing quality machines that are still going like Energizer Bunnies!  The Singer 401 is considered one of the greats, along with 500, 600, 403, 503 (all slant needle).  I recently picked up a Singer 500 in a cabinet for $40, and it sews perfectly!  Of course, I also have a good computerized machine which I also love and both were top-of-line machines in their day!

5. 
   carolinecymru | Aug 17, 2007 10:55pm | #5

   I have a Husqvarna Orchidee. Bought second hand, but works brilliantly. I get rare opportunities for sewing, but know that I can just start it up, and it's stitching perfectly straight away, without fussing about. The dealership were very helpful and knowledgeable too - an absolute must with these more complicated computerised machines

6. 
   Mobleygirl | Aug 28, 2007 08:39am | #6

   Not sure if you've bought a new machine yet, but I recently bought a Viking Husqvarna Sapphire. My mom has a Viking from their Platinum series. These are wonderful machines. They cost more, but I think they are worth it. I looked at Bernina (I used to own one), but IMHO, Berninas aren't what they used to be; however, many many people swear by them and love them. My old Bernina was great, but very basic and getting quite old, and I outgrew it. My grandmother was a loyal Pfaff user for over 70 years. Ah, I digress...

   Whatever you get, I second another poster's comment about buying from a dealer. Don't buy your machine at Wal-Mart or Target. My dealer has been so helpful to me, which is great because when I've had questions or confusion, my dealer has been great and given me support and info. that the user manual doesn't offer. Plus, my dealer knows my name and knows what I like to sew. The "big box" discount stores just can't offer that level of service and support.

   Good Luck!

7. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 28, 2007 06:19pm | #7

   I love my Husqvarna/Viking Machines!  I have the Rose, the Designer 1, and the Huskylock 936 serger.  I've had them for many years and they are all still running like new.  They are excellent reliable machines and very quiet, stable, without vibration issues. 

   My daughter in law has two beginning level H/V machines and they are also excellent, she can always trade up if she wants more features.  Her stitches are as beautiful and perfect as on the top of the line machines.

     Free classes and owner support are very important with any machine you buy.  Some shops offer gently used machines which may be reconditioned too.  They may have just been used for classes or a sewing promotion.  Many people traded up thier Designer 1's when the new Designer SE came out so there may be alot of those still available. 

   http://www.patternreview.com has machine reviews.  Good luck in your search.