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ElisabethGrace
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 8:05pm | IP Logged
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I seem to be full of questions this evening! 
I am currently sewing with a Singer 221 Featherweight that was my mother's back in the sixties. I adore this sweet little machine, but I want to progress to something larger (I'm actually kind of afraid of burning out the engine!  )
So where do I begin in choosing a new machine? I know I don't need top of the line. I'd probably be too afraid to actually use it! But I do want to buy a good quality one that will carry me through as I learn more about sewing. Help!
Blessings,
Angela
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chicken lady
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 8:09pm | IP Logged
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If you want quality, then I would buy a Bernina! That is what I have, I love mine.
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mavmama
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 8:38pm | IP Logged
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Again, for quality, Viking machines are wonderful. I've had them since I graduated from high school, and really love them.
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Liz
Blessed by 4 wonders
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theogles
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 10:26pm | IP Logged
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I LOVE my Bernina, too.  I almost gave up on sewing until I got my Bernina about 9 years ago. I've made everything on it from a dance costume to curtains to matching Christmas outfits to quilts. I wanted something "inexpensive" but I have a wonderful dh who insisted I get quality. It was a great decision. 
Good luck,
Therese
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chicken lady
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 10:43pm | IP Logged
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theogles wrote:
| I LOVE my Bernina, too. I almost gave up on sewing until I got my Bernina about 9 years ago |
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Well said, Therese I really feel like having a quality machine makes all the difference.
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Cheryl M.
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| Posted: April 18 2007 at 10:47pm | IP Logged
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Bernina
BabyLock
Viking
wonderful machines with many different models for your needs! Test drive them in the stores nearest you, also think about the dealers as they'll be important in helping you learn how to use the machine to the fullest. Good luck! Sewing is fun and sewing with a good machine is almost heavenly!! 
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Matilda
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| Posted: April 19 2007 at 6:46am | IP Logged
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I found myself in a similar situation a few months ago.
I chose a Janome. I had never heard of them before and was a die hard Singer fan. I also didn't want something too fancy because I was already making such a time warp jump into the new technology that some of the really fancy machines flat out terrified me! I really can't say if one brand is better than another since my experience has been pretty limited, but what I would recommend is finding a small, mom & pop sewing machine store to walk into. The one I went to was run by a man whose father started it about 50 years ago. He knew everything about every machine and every company out there. He could tell you what part of China made each brand (because lets, face it, they are all made in China these days) and what level of quality they produced (apparently there are 3 levels of quality).
The Janome I bought was under $300, had a lot of features my old machine didn't have, but not so many features that I felt intimidated. (Janome is a new name, but an old company. They use to be called New Home, I think.)
I hope this helps!
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Charlotte (Matilda)
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chicken lady
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| Posted: April 19 2007 at 10:09am | IP Logged
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Good advice MAtilda, however I try not to buy items made in China, here is Berninas information.
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Matilda
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| Posted: April 19 2007 at 1:37pm | IP Logged
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Wow, it looks like Berninas are manufactured in Thailand and Switzerland. When I checked the web I discovered that Janome is actually a Japanese company with a manufacturing plant in Tokyo.
I understand this might be important information in making a decision for some people. You have to do what works for you!
My comment about things being made in China was only a (poor) expression of my frustration when I discovered that my beloved Singer was no longer the quality product it use to be. Sorry if I caused offense.
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Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11, 10, 9 & 5) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
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Mary Chris
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| Posted: April 19 2007 at 3:35pm | IP Logged
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This is so timely for me, Thank You! Last week I was browsing some crafty blogs and saw some book bags folks had made and were selling. Surely, I could do that I thought, I like all straight lines ! I hit JoAnn's bought some cool fabric. For the cost of what they are selling one book bag, I can make at least 8. I pull out my machine, get it threaded, my eyesight is not what is used to be . And my machine won't work  .
Along comes my sweet little leprechaun ds7. Oh he says, I love it when you sew, hmm, I haven't sewn since you were a baby. He says oh I love your sewing machine, well I love to play with your sewing machine. Oh well that explains why it won't work .
Anyhoo, now I am in the market for a new machine. I will definitely check out the above.
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Blessings, Mary Chris Beardsley
mom to MacKenzie3/95, Carter 12/97 Ronan 3/00 and wife to Jim since 1/92
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Donna
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 5:00am | IP Logged
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marychris wrote:
| Anyhoo, now I am in the market for a new machine. |
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Me too!
I've been researching for a couple of weeks.
Yesterday, I went to JoAnn's and spoke with the associate about the differences in machines. Though they sell Singer, she recommends not buying the newer ones. She says they are now making them with plastic parts and has had many complaints about the quality. Stands by the older Singer machines, though. Also spoke positively about brother machines.
I looked into White machines. They are made by Viking, yet less expensive. I found one on sale marked down to $99, regularly $299. Our JoAnn's is phasing them out because they negotiated a better deal with Singer.
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marcie
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 7:43am | IP Logged
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I have had my Bernina since 1981. It is a real workhorse. I have Never had any trouble with it.
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Marcie Melancon
New Iberia, LA
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Cheryl M.
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 8:20am | IP Logged
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Marcie, I've had my 1230 since 1993...it sews so very well. A couple years ago my daughter wanted to start sewing and I purchased an 830 from a lovely woman over the internet....it's probably close to 30 years old and sews just beautfully...I love the sound of the 830 as it sews along. :)
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chicken lady
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 8:56am | IP Logged
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marcie wrote:
| I have had my Bernina since 1981. It is a real workhorse. |
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My experience as well, and I notice a lot of Mennonite use them, they buy quality items in the first place then they have them forever
You can also look at Bernina dealers and they often will have used ones they are selling. You may have to go on a waiting list, but you cannot beat the price.
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marcie
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 9:17am | IP Logged
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Cheryl,
That's so funny what you said about the sound of the machine. I love the sound my machine makes when I turn it on.........my dh and dc think that I am just a little crazy!!!
I have not been in a "sewing mood" for such a long time. I really need some inspiration and a good swift kick in the pants!!! 
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Marcie Melancon
New Iberia, LA
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Cheryl M.
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 9:24am | IP Logged
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Well...they may think we're crazy, but we certainly know we're not.... 
and consider this your "Good Swift Kick!!"
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Time-Really-Does-Fly
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marcie
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| Posted: April 20 2007 at 9:46am | IP Logged
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OOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!  HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYY................THAT HURT!!!!
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Marcie Melancon
New Iberia, LA
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Sewing Machine Choices
