Replies

1. 
   jatman | Nov 27, 2006 09:05am | #1

   Have you looked at http://www.patternreview.com?  They have a section devoted to sewing machine reviews by people who've bought those machines.  This might help you if you have certain brands in mind already.

   JT

2. 
   MargaretWI | Nov 28, 2006 08:38pm | #2

   Hi,

   I've found that Janome offers some good basic machines. Consider going through a dealership because they'll support the machine both with education and warranty assistance.

   Steer clear of current Singers.

   Margaret

1. 
   thelegend | Nov 29, 2006 03:29pm | #3

   Thanks for the tip! I didn't know there was so many machines out there till i started researching them. On the singer, i was surprised on the bad press they have. The local sew/vac guy said to stay away also.

3. 
   NovaSkills | Nov 30, 2006 07:08pm | #4

   The most important thing to decide is if you want to get her a low-end computerized machine (used ones someone turned in on trade-up at a dealer) or stay with a mechanical model. There are many advantages to the computer models, as more of the tension games are automated.

   If you buy mechanical, try to find a "vertical bobbin" model. It is most reliable. Brother and Babylock are two lines made by same company, Tacony.

   Their basic computerized machines are good, but I personally like the stitch assortments that are standard on the Viking lower end models, as more of the everyday things seem to be available with one touch on the menu. 

   Janome machines also have a good reputation. Bernina makes better medium priced models than low end, and are not price competitive with the other 4 makers I mentioned. There is a good Singer school model, if you can find it. Other models, ick!

   Other posters are right--buy from a dealer, not JoAnn's, not WalMart. She can get classes and share with other sewers, and might discover there is much new and fun in our little fabric world.

   Yes, I teach part-time at a dealer...

1. 
   thelegend | Dec 02, 2006 06:02pm | #6

   Thank you for your advice and help on this subject. I ended up buying a Brothers [reconditioned]6000t computorized. Will see how this works out. I figure, if my wife can get a years worth of sewing out of it, it will have been a good investment for the price.
   This has been an interesting adventure. Didn't know there was so many machines out there, and had no idea that some were computorized etc.
   Have A Merry Christmas!

4. 
   Betakin | Dec 02, 2006 07:57am | #5

   I have owned several Janome machines and recommend them. Sears Kenmore machines are made by Janome and cost less than a Janome machine with the same features. The Sears website also sells some Singer models and a machine made by Europro.  My local stores however only sell the Kenmore models so far. I would stay with a Kenmore. One of my machines is a Janome made computerized Kenmore and they are some of the quietest machines made with lovely stitches from their 7 piece feed dog system. Some of the lower end models are different however. Some of the lower end models do not have the full rotary drop in jam proof bobbin but have a front load bobbin and it might have an oscillating hook instead of a rotary hook which might not be jam free.

   I highly recommend Janome Kenmore's for more features for the price. Janome has now taken over as head of Elna for the USA. I don't know if they will continue to make the Kenmores. KMart now owns Sears and Kenmore products and Craftsman tools can be found at Kmart ..so changes are taking place. Janome is the largest manufacture of machines today and have made the HuskyStar and Mega Quilter for Viking, the Grand Quilter for Pfaff and made Elna's for quite some time, some models for Bernina including embroidery models and machines for other brand names.

   The newer model HuskyStar models from my understanding are no longer made by Janome. A company out of China now makes the newest models. The older Janome made HuskyStar models are available at on line dealers for great low prices. I don't know if Janome will continue manufacturing with as many company's as they have in the past now that they are the parent company of Elna in the USA but it will be interesting to see.

1. 
   thelegend | Dec 02, 2006 06:05pm | #7

   Thankyou for your help. I have found this search very interesting. Never new there was so many machines out here. The research has been fun, and a learning experience. I ended up buying a reconed Brothers 6000t. For the price, if it last a year, i will have gotten my monies worth.
   Have A Merry Christmas.

1. 
   Betakin | Dec 02, 2006 06:56pm | #8

   I think it was nice of you to take the time to search out a machine as a gift for your wife and I'm glad you found one. I hope she loves her machine. I hope you both have a Merry Christmas.

5. 
   user-237859 | Dec 05, 2006 12:06am | #9

   Greetings,

   I have purchased a Husqvarna Rose years back and will only use this machine!  Even though Husqvarna machines may be a bit pricier, I think you might find one on EBay for that price.  Truly, it's an outstanding sewing/Embroidery machine!  Happy hunting!

1. 
   thelegend | Dec 05, 2006 02:43am | #10

   Thanks!!!! I bought a brothers 600 for 140 bucks. If it last a year, i will feel she got here money out of it. This site has been Great, and all of you that have written have very helpful. Will be sad not to get the post from u-all anymore. I guess i will have to look for another machine and ask more questions! lolMerry Christmas,John Rush