Sewing Machines - What do you use and why?

[Sixoclock]

I would take a refurbed model from 1940-1980 over ANY modern machine. The new ones all have plastic parts as opposed to metal, and I happily sacrifice care-free and easy to use over "threads itself." You can get a good refurb that is a brand other than Singer (vintage Singers are getting a wee pricey) for under $100.

Ohh that wasn't the only reason I wanted it, I just really liked that feature as I had never seen it before and always had issues with the threading ^__^ Like I said, I have not sewn with a machine in a long time. I just liked how easy it was to use and the different adjustments you could make etc... but I am just trying to rationalize. Right now it's determining what I will use and what I will not - with what would be nice to have and what I could really go without.

I'm finding that I am very torn at the moment between a singer I saw in walmart, a brother I also saw in walmart and the viking. >_< I will look again in a few more of the thrift stores around here. We tried a few but thaey ony had those smaller machines that are like half the size of a regular machine. Not many goodwill stores that are within decent driving distance unfortunately.

[magkelly]

I use a New Home/Janome non computerized machine and also an old 50's black cast iron Singer. I love them both actually though I use the Janome more now. Why? Because they're easy to thread and make nice tiny stitches.

[Greyhaunt]

I've had an old Singer (it caught fire and died), and then I was given a Kenmore for Xmas many years back. So that's what I use because that's what was given to me LOL.

I would gleefully give up an unused limb to get my hands on an antique treadle sewing machine because I have simply ALWAYS wanted one.

yea, I'm wierd that way.

[Aine]

I've had an old Singer (it caught fire and died), and then I was given a Kenmore for Xmas many years back. So that's what I use because that's what was given to me LOL.

I would gleefully give up an unused limb to get my hands on an antique treadle sewing machine because I have simply ALWAYS wanted one.

yea, I'm wierd that way.

I believe we have one :x It came with my sister's house. It's an old Singer, I'm not sure how well it works though. Have you ever had the chance to use one? It seems like it would be interesting.

[famedglory]

I use a bottom of the line Janome. I wanted a decent basic machine and from the reviews their Hello Kitty machine seemed like a decent choice, a good price, and it's really cute. It's actually pretty amazing for such a basic machine. It has no difficulty getting through think strong fabrics like denim and fake fur, and it also does well with danity gauzy fabrics. Kind of sucks on spandex but most machines do. It handles everything from doll sized hems to this one full sized marathon art quilt I made. Leading up to that project being due that machine was running basically 16 hours a day for three days straight and it handled sewing the "free drawn" line work on the story patches. The next day I cleaned out the fuzz from the gears and it's been running smoothly. I've had it for four years and it has never been serviced. It you're interested here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Janome-11706-Hell ... 762&sr=8-1 I'm pretty sure I ordered mine through Target although they no longer carry it and it had a different set of about 100 reviews at the time.

My roommate has a much much nicer Viking which she loves. I've only used it a couple of times. For general things I prefer my no fuss Janome but her button holer is much nicer than mine. Her Viking is pretty fussy about what thread you use.

I've also used my Aunt's Singer which is about 10 years old now, not sure of the model. It tends to tangle itself up and I know it did that new too. Also, the plastic on it feels flimsy while the plastic on my Janome and roomie's Viking just feels more solid. My mom has this ancient metal Sears machine. In my lifetime it has never been good on delicate fabric and now it pretty much just chomps on anything but I'm sure it would run better with some proper servicing.

[quidam]

I actually just received my first sewing machine yesterday! It's my mother's old Singer. She's moving and was trying to get rid of things.
I hope I can get it to work. She quite using it years ago because it needed a part replaced- something to do with the bobbin tension. As it is a bit old, I hope it's not to hard to find and that nothing else has stopped working due to disuse.

If it doesn't work, I am getting that Hello Kitty machine famedglory linked! It's cheap and happy!

[mygreenpajamas]

My first sewing machine was/is still a Janome but it's really cute and makes me happy just looking at it! Not to mention it's lightweight and smaller than most sewing machines so transportation to sewing parties is wonderful.


My favorite color is green and my favorite thing in the world is Hello Kitty!

It costed $120 or something like that (bought in 2008) and does all the basics. I've been interested in getting an upgrade (this Brother: http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewing/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=CS6000i#.T7LuMsWtaEp) for a while or maybe a serger but that entails some serious spending.

I'd suggest that when you first start out, get something affordable that you like, something really user friendly. And get ready to drop some money on fabric and other crafting items. I have a HUGE box full of fabrics that I absolutely love and have plans for but I just need to make time!

Hope that helps a little bit!

[Sixoclock]

Just updating this!!! I just got back from NJ and my experience with my mom's Singer. It's an older model, but I had a really good experience with it overall. Just a basic machine and no issues whatsoever. As much as I really like that Viking and understand a lot more of it's offerings, I just don't think I need everything it comes with. I will probably decide on either a Singer or a Brother. Not sure which yet. Thank you everyone for your input!!!

[cirquemom]

I had my mom's machine from the 1960s that I used to death. Then I got a Brother from Costco for about $189 and it worked great- I made prom dresses, doll clothes, circus costumes- but after about two or three years of HEAVY use the damned thing literally wore out. Sadly, because it had plastic gears, it could not be fixed.

So I went to the best sewing machine place in Santa Rosa, CA, one of the few places on earth that still repairs sewing machines. He gets machines in from all over the country to fix, and there is quite a waiting list for his services. I told him what I wanted (straight-forward, no frills, just needed a good stretch-stitch at the time because I was sewing circus costumes for my contortionist daughter). He suggested a Janome, because they have metal gears and if needed can be repaired.

I have used the heck out of this machine, have NEVER oiled it or done any maintenance other than pulling fuzz out of the bobbin, and it works great. I've been using it for about 7 years now. The only problem I have had is the bobbin holder broke a tiny piece off (cost to replace part: $7). Now the feeding teeth seem a bit weak, but I'm sure that is due to my INTENSE heavy usage of this machine, and could be fixed. I think it is probably just due for a little tune-up.

If you are a beginner, and will only be sewing doll clothes, then honestly any SIMPLE machine in good working order will be fine for you. Basically you need a good backwards and forewards straight stitch, and an adjustable zigzag, which all machines have had since....maybe the50s? Even the basic plastic-geared, simple machines will be fine for quite a while, if you are doing doll clothes, which is pretty light use.

By the time you have used it for a couple of years you will then know what you want/need from a machine and at that point may want to plunk down a few more bucks for a better machine.

What you don't need for sewing doll clothes is a bunch of fancy computerized stitches that add to the price of the machine but likely you will never use.

* * * * *
Oh- and I got the Janome on sale for about $600. It is basic, no-frills, does not do fancy embroidery, etc., but it works great for everything I have needed it for.

[mica]

OMG. Must.. step.. away.. from... the H.K.
I love HK!!
but because of this thread I am def. thinking of getting a Janome Jem Gold 660
I live in an efficiency with zero room though!