Hi guys :B Wanted to know if anyone's got a machine they'd recommend? Preferably one that can be found for less than $200 (in-store) and is durable enough to handle a few layers of fabric. Don't care for stitch features, so that's not really a factor. I've never owned one before, and only recently picked up sewing by machine, so even my research is limited =\ So I figured this would be the best place for some help
I just bought a basic machine at walmart. They sell decent ones if you want to shop there. Otherwise go to your local fabric store. They sometimes have good deals on machines too. I know one near where I used to live that sold used machines for really cheap and new machines at reasonable prices. *hugs* Jess
Wait, you're in SoCal? That's where I used to live. You can try Yardage Town. I know they sell machines (if there's one near you).
Yeah, Walmart and Target are what I'm looking to get one from. Maybe Joann's (strangely enough, Joann doesn't carry as many as the other two) I just need brand/model recommendations. What kind did you get at walmart? Yardage Town hmm.. Nope none near me, like an hour away. Aww
I've had 2 machines go through my posession and they are/were both vintage machines from the 70's. The first was an old Kenmore model from Sears and I loved that machine. It did everything I needed it to and even went through layers of denim with no problem. It eventually died on me so I got an old Dressmaker made by someone. Its a basic machine with straight and zigzag stitches and a weird specialty stitch thing that I've never used (has button things that snap in and change stitch lengths to make designs). Anyway, picked it up at a garage sale for $10 and have used it almost daily for the last 4 years. It has its quirks but I would rather use an older machine that was built in the days of durability and reliability than any of the newer machines out today. The thing to remember is with any machine is to test it out an lots of fabrics with several needles so you can get a feeling for what your machine does with what. Get to know that machine before you start in with any projects.
Defenitley not Singer! Unless its an older model, because the ones that they make nowdays are terrible, there hard to work with and repair is very difficult. I like Brother sewing machines. I have model LS-2125i of Brother. I love this machine. it's great for a beginer or an expert. They sell these at Wal-Mart or Target or you could try some other shop in your town that will probably sell it even cheaper.
pfaffs are the best! i have a 70s one thats still going strong. my moms had hers for like 20 years with no problems at all, and she used to be a fashion designer and then a seamstress, now she has a store that she makes clothing and the like for. so her machine has seen a lot of use. pfaffs are expensive, but you can sometimes find them second hand like on craigslist.
