New Sewing Machine

[CaraGreenleaf]

First off, I want to say many thanks to Lord Dragonspyre for making this post possible...

I am soon to be getting a new sewing machine (as in on the 22nd of May) and I want to get a good one that isn't too expensive. Any suggestions? I want something that can handle some pretty long hours of sewing, but I don't plan on sewing anything more than 7 or 8 total layers (and that would be something like cotton, cotton, duck cloth, cotton, cotton, duck cloth, cotton, cotton). Any suggestions, Ladies?

[Baroness Doune]

Here a couple of links you might find useful.

A Few Features of the Dream Machines
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/tvt046.asp
The dream machines in this video cost $5,000 - $10,000.  But some of same features are available on machines priced much lower.  I mention the video so you know what the possibilities are.

Threads Checks Out the Latest in Sewing Machines
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00130.asp
This is the article that got me inspired to look for a new sewing machine.  It is from the 2002 issue of Threads, so the information is a little dated now. Some of the models mentioned may have been replaced with other models.

Sewing Machine Reviews at PatternReview.com
http://sewing.patternreview.com/
To see reviews older than a few months, you need to join.

Consider buying an older machine - say before 1960.  Machines of this vintage have all metal bodies and working parts.  They are much tougher than modern machines and can handle many layers of fabric with ease.  That said, I have never had a problem sewing through many layers with my circa 1998 Singer.  The fancy Brother?  Don't even think about it.

[Kate XXXXXX]

Take a read of this: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Make a list of the features you NEED, those you woile LIKE, and the things that annoy you about some machines.  Talk to the sewing machine shops about what they have to offer, and seriously consider the Bernina 1008 if you want utility without embroidery!  Husqvarna and Pfaff also have good electronic machines, but the Bernina is the mest mechanical one on the market right now.  For sewing eyelets they also offer and eyelet sewing kit!   

[Pascal]

Just to add to the FAQ that Kate posted at the beginning of this thread, if you buy a $15 older machine that needs $100 of servicing, you'll still end out spending less than you would for a Walmart plastic special and you'll have a quality and proven machine that will last your lifetime.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I love Freecycle!  Dunno if you have it over there (check it out: http://www.freecycle.org/), but I've had several good used machines off the lists, including a Frister & Rossman Cub 4, which is fantastic, and an 1890's Adria Saxonia treadle!  A free machine that only costs you the price of a service (what most of them need is a good clean and some TLC with an oil can!) might do well for a beginner, and will probably outlast a 09% cheap plastic  Walmart special.

[Cilean]

Remember to play with any machine, see if you can get a 'feel' for it, and bring denim fabric with you and sew on it if you can, this will give you some thought on how hardy the machine is!

Good luck

I love shopping!!!

Cilean

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

My "Dream Machine" is a few years off. I want one that I can do many different Blackwork designs, as well as other decorative stitches for Shirts and Chemises, as well as gowns, Doublets, etc.

Of course, I am going to be spending anywhere from $5,000 on up for one ON SALE!!!

[Cilean]

Lady I am so with you, I have my dream machine, until they come out with a better one 
I have the Husqvarna Designer SE.  However, I did find when I began looking for a good program
because it is really the issue, the program is what would do blackwork and other things.  So when you are thinking of what machine to purchase, really spend some time checking out programs as well. I have been working on using my cross stitch design to make my own blackwork projects.

However? I have these links in which you can get some awesome blackwork.

http://www.emblibrary.com/el/searchresults.aspx?search=Blackwork

http://www.i-oftheneedle.com/machine_blackwork.htm

http://www.rowenacharlton.com/onlineshop/index.php?cPath=35

So if you are looking for machine design these are just some of the places I have found!

Cilean