New Sewing Machine Purchase HELP!

[Joannequilts]

I have a Kenmore that I love..I paid around $350 for it. The dealer at Sears said that the Kenmore machines were really Janome "guts" and Kenmore cases. I had looked at a Janome..$750 for a very basic machine..but got the Kenmore with "bells and whistles"...needle down, lots of special stitches,and comes with a darning foot, etc. for half of that. I also like that I can take it to Sears to have it cleaned and serviced alot cheaper that my local shop.

The Singer and White machines are not what they used to be.

[cindyg]

Janome does make Kenmore (Sears) machines and you can get more machine for your buck at Sears, especially when they have a sale going on.

[lorettav]

I have 2 machines from Sears (Kenmore's). Never had a bit of trouble with them. I paid less than $300.00 for one and the other one I use to take to guild. I paid $89.00 for it. I also have a Singer Futura 250 that is a sewing and embroidery machine together. I paid about $800.00 for it. I really like it also. I don't think you would be disappointed with a Kenmore.

[gershwin64]

I love my little Janome that my mom and dad gave me and it was about $300 and it makes all my quilts! Hope you find one you love as much as I love this one! )
Tina

[Flystitch]

I have a Janome Platinum that I bought for classes as it is much lighter than my old Bernina. It stitches very well.
But Auntjana is right, you get a good deal at a sewing machine shop on last years model if you shop around and still get the guarantee.
Write down all the things you will want from it - like needleup/down etc. Easy to forget once you are in the store.

[Jeanne]

I have a Pfaff Quilter and I love it. Though it did cost about $900 it was worth saving my pennies for. Used to use a Singer from Hancocks and wore a Kenmore from Sears out but this is by far the best machine I have ever had! My sister loves her Janome but did purchase it from a local quilt shop and has a quality machine. Good luck!

[Quiltmom]

I have had 2 Kenmore sewing machines and i loved them both. One I wore out. My mother left me a little bit of money when she passed away so i used some and bought a White Quilter's Star. I love it, and it is easy to use. I kept my Kenmore that still works. I use both sometimes on projects so i don;t have to change spools. I found that suggestion in a magazine one time. I have been checking out sewing machines and I have already picked out a Janome when I get my next machine. It is going to be my gift to myself when I retire in 2 years.

[Quilter1952]

I HAVE A DRESSMAKER THAT I BOUGHT ON EBAY BUT HAVEN'T USED. I'M USING MY BABYLOCK MACHINE. I LOVE BOTH OF THESE BRANDS ALSO WHITE IS A GREAT BRAND.

[alonelymom]

I'm sorry to see all you that say that Walmart sells bad machines. I bought my brother machine for $140 with 2 day shipping. Its computerized and has/does more than I will ever need. Its light enough that I can lift it and carry it and not hurt my back. My girls are/have both taking sewing classes and in class they sewed on Vikings, but come home and use my Brother, and they both say they like mine better. I was taking quilting classes at the same place as my girls and I started taking my sewing machine in with me because I like it better than the vikings.
Bottom line, buy what YOU can afford! You don't have to pay 1000 to find a good machine. There is a private owned sewing store not far from me, and they sell my brother machine for $599!!! Thats $459 more than I paid!!!
Anyways, good luck
Katherine