Hello ! I am looking to replace a very old Singer sewing machine that i have. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as brands or models go?
Keep in mine that i have not sewed in years, and my sewing skills are shall we say very limited...but i would love to start sewing again, and to be able to learn to sew garb and acessories to wear to faire. I would like to have one that does embroidery stitches, cause i use to do alot of embroidery by hand years ago.
My husband also would like to learn to sew. He saw one brand of sewing machine that caught his eye. It was " Husqvarna Viking Scandinavia 400 ." is anyone familiar with this brand or model ?
Amy, we've had a lot of recent discussions on this; here's the latest:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=5839.0
But... how old is your "very old" Singer? If you're talking pre-1975, then you might have a very nice machine that just needs a good servicing. I know lots of people who swear by their vintage Singers.
As for Viking, that's what my new machine is (Emerald 183). The Scandinavia line has been discontinued, so you'll probably get a great price on it. I went with a Viking because I liked the feel of the machine, and because two of my most trusted sewing buddies (and a number of professional garbers!) use them. But you can find a great machine among any of the better brands: Viking, Bernina, Brother, Janome/Kenmore.
Thankyou Gem. Don't know how i missed it, but I checked out the thread you mentioned above. Some very useful info ! :)
Amy if you do a search
We have dealt with machines several times!
I tell people to try them all and see what fits you.
Cilean
Baby Lock makes very good machines for the starter, intermediate, and advanced sewer.
My apprentice, Elizabeth, bought a Crafter's Choice Baby Lock machine. It runs smoothly and has a lot of features that boosted her confidence big time!!!
I just bought a Viking Sapphire 830 tonight. I had gone there intending to buy the Emerald, but when I saw how many of their feet weren't compatible with it I changed my mind. I get free sewing machine classes through their stores for the lifetime of the machine though, so that's pretty nice. Anything is an improvement over my 6 yr old, $100 Brother.