Need Some Advice on Buying a New Machine
Hi all! My mother is going to buy me a new machine and I’m overwhelmed at the choices. I’m not a beginner, but haven’t really sewn anything but pillows for years. I want a machine that I can sew on fur, leather (for home decor pillows) and that will monogram single and multiple initials on towels and home decor. I use some pretty thick fabrics (upholstery and trim) and break a lot of needles. I have an antique Singer machine that sews straight lines beautifully, but I really need some advice on where to start. I’ve looked at a Brother PC6500. Another question relates to price–I’ve looked on line where prices for this machine vary from $1,400 to $749. All for new, in-the-factory-box, warranty and all. Any advice on where to buy?- Thanks
Edited 2/16/2004 4:08:13 PM ET by auntenid
Replies
My advice would be that nomatter which machine you decide to purchase, make sure that the shop you buy it from will be able to service it as well. I've heard horror stories from people who have bought machines in a warehouse sale only to find out that they have to ship the machine to a different place (sometimes city) to get it serviced. Good luck!
Nicole
Surf on over to http://www.patternreview.com and check out the sewing machine reviews. Personally, I'm longing for a Janome 6500P. Don't know if it does the monogramming, but the owners who've posted at PR are ecstatic with its speed and strength. Machine specs at http://www.janome.com A gently used Pfaff 7570, with the integrated dual feed, would also do the trick. This machine has been replaced by the 2140/2144 so good prices should be available on trade-ins. I would only go the internet shopping route if you are prepared to learn on your own or pay for lessons from a local dealer. You will save on the machine price (e.g. http://www.craftystitcher.com ) but will not have dealer support should you run into trouble. A used Husqvarna/Viking #1+ can be found for around $1600. It's a fabulous machine that was the TOL before the Designer 1 came out. Has all the bells and whistles, is a real workhorse for regular sewing, and takes embroidery cards. NAYY to all the foregoing, HTH. Happy shopping,
Moushka
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