sewing machines
 

Does anyone have any recommendations for a very basic sewing machine that you like? My DH is getting me a sewing machine for my bday (yah!), but he wants me to pick it out (obviously). I just want a very basic machine that allows me to sew things such as pillows and simple window treatments as well as for my cards/scrapbooking.
What do you recommend? We've looked around some stores in town, but haven't found one that I like yet.
THANKS!
Betsy

Your decision making skills are probably being hampered by overzealous sales people. Ordinarily, I strive to be a kind and gentle person. But, sometimes it helps to be more assertive and just tell the salesman that you want simple, not fancy; that customer happiness is more important than cash in the drawer; that if you are pleased you will send your friends in.
PS... My Bernina will sew through absolutely anything. I bought a used one a few years ago because new prices are out of reach.

This all depends on your price range. The best "basic" machine that I've used is the non-computerized burnina. You can find these at a burnina dealer. They may also have trade ins/used machines. If you want a good, solid machine that will last a lifetime and give you consistent stiches, go for a burnina or a viking. Both make a "basic" non-computerized version. New I think the burnina one is around 750.

Personally, I would rather have a used Burnina that someone has traded up into computerized model than a brand new cheaper machine like a white or a singer. I had a cheap singer for a long time and just realized that it didn't have the power to do the job. Plus, if you EVER go beyond pillows (it could happen), you will find that the accessories for burnina are so helpful. They can make even a wobby seamstress look like a pro. Plus they are just such solid machines. My sister has one that is from the 60's and it works GREAT.

Here's a line to their non-computerized machine so that you can see what they are like. I had one of these for 2 years and it was really great (just upgraded to a computer-- only reason to get rid of one....)

http://www.berninausa.com/product_de...=1129687267977

They also have the little "burnette" like which is a smaller, lighter machine really designed for convenient transport. They have several models. This is the least fancy of them:

http://www.berninausa.com/product_de...=1129687267977

If storage isn't a problem, then the top one is probably better and since it has been around forever, finding a used one would be really easy. Finding a used burnette would be a challenge since they are just out on the market in the last 2 years.

Good Luck

I agree with the others.....buy a good machine. I think mine is a New Home - but donlt quote me on that.....I donlt use it as much as I used to! I wanted Bernina, but didn't want to spend that much. Go to a sewing machine store.....not a deprtament store.

I have a Janome (also known as New Home) that I really like. It ran me around $125 a few years ago and I would buy another one. IT's a good basic machine and not all plastic parts like the Singers you get at Targer or Walmart.

Janome gets my vote. They are great machines, very user friendly, and require very little maintenance. I have 2 Janomes and have used just about every kind.

My neighbor is a sewing machine repair store owner, and his wife does alteration. They have been in the business for about 50 years. He suggests that you get a machine with as many metal parts as possible. I would go talk to a machine repair guy and ask them specifically what machines are in all the time, and which he thinks last longer. I have a Janome New Home, that is older (within about 8-9 years), and I have an computerized embroidery machine, babylock ellure. My neighbor says that the machine that is desired by many was made in the 1940-50's, and is called a singer featherweight. It is 11 lbs, and will sew forever and through anything! I am looking on ebay for one in good condition. He has one for sale in his shop for $350.

There are many other machines that are made of metal that you could get used for a decent price I bet. Good luck.

I guess I'm a lousy one to ask because I have a Singer. It was very reasonable, and has served my for over 10 years without a hitch..............I used to sew fabrics like pillows, valances, and even my youngest's crib set..........now I just use it for cardmaking, and the occassional mending project. It serves me just dandy, and was about $150 bucks or so. If you are going to use it on fabric and paper, just be sure you change the needle.

My Kenmore's have been great machines for a reasonable price. The Brother my mom bought for the kids at Walmart was an expensive piece of bovine excrement. :mad:

sewing machines
 

I keep an eye out at goodwill for older all metal machines. They are easier to work on . I have picked up machines that HAVE NEVER BEEN USED for less that $20. But if you have never sewed you might want to buy new and find a shop that offers basic sewing. I am a sewing machine addict I always have to havbe at least one back up and if I see a used machine even if I don't need it I can't seem to resist buying it.

I have a Kenmore from Sears that is actually manufactured by Janome/New Home and is a bit less expensive than a Janome with the name on the side. I hope that made sense. Anyway it is a super great machine and was very reasonable. Prior to that I had a cheap, cheap Singer that despite its bad rep served me just fine.

Thanks for the help. =)
I think I have figured out some sewing machine lingo over the past few days after talking to people and browsing online.....I'm hoping to get a solid inexpensive machine that will sew pillows, simple window treatments, and on my cards/pages. THEN, if I take off in sewing (doubtful, but you never know!), I'll just get a better machine at that time.
I think I'm leaning towards the Janome though. I saw some last night that I liked.
Thanks!
Betsy