I need a new sewing machine - HuskyStar?

[3boymthr]

Anyone have a Huskystar Sewing Machine? They are made by Viking Huskvarna. It's their low end starter model. My trusty old machine quit working, I took it to be fixed and it's a no go, the part that moves the needle up and down is bent and the machine is going to cost more to fix that it's worth and quite frankly it's OLD (I got it used 25 years ago) so it's going to take a long time to even find the part. I love to quilt and I'm definitely past a starter machine but right now with DS' graduation looming and, and, and... I'm on a starter machine budget.

Or, can you recommend a good machine, not starter, that I can get for less than $200 used. I've been looking at others but just don't know what's good.

Based on reviews I don't want a newer Singer or Brother.

 

[jm0925]

I used to sell sewing machines for Viking. I worked as a part-time sales person in a store about 10 years ago when I was going to school, and to this day I still think Vikings machines are the best machines. I have one of their higher end computerized machines (at that time) and a serger. Both still work like new and I wouldn't trade either of them for anything. They are phenomenal. Yes, Singers now are poor quality machines and the frustration with them is not worth any amount of money. They are terrible which is real shame.

I don't know how the Huskystars are now, but back then they were great little machines for the money. They were great for the person who just did basic sewing, but didn't do a ton of sewing. We recommended those to the person who was a beginner and was looking for the bare basic machine to learn on. I can remember customers buying a Huskystar and coming back months later to upgrade it to a Viking machine. I know your budget is low, but if their was anyway you could spring a little more for the lowest model Viking that is not a Huskystar. I would seriously do that. They are worth every penny and if you are a serious sewer, you will be much happier you made the decision. The quality difference between the Huskystar and Viking is noticeable. There are many more accessories available for the Vikings, the motors are fantastic, no oiling, easy to thread, easy to clean, bigger area on the machine for bigger projects.....I could go on and on. The other plus with Vikings is you can trade them up and they have long warranties. It was 20 years I can only assume that still holds true now. I believe Huskystars only had 5 years. It could be different now. If you have a Joann Fabric with a Viking store inside nearby, I highly recommend going in and testing the machines to see the difference between the two.

 

[tloveswdw]

I would go to an actual sewing store and buy a reconditioned model if you want a higher end model. But, Brother machines get great reviews and are easy to use. Amazon has great deals on them

 

[amomma23]

I know you said no Brother, but... A friend who sews for a living recommended this one. I have had it for a few years and am very happy with it. I have made 3 quilts and many, many outfits for DD. The price is right and it comes with just about every accessory you could want.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featu...487034&sr=8-2&keywords=brother+sewing+machine

 

[manning]

I know you said no Brother, but... A friend who sews for a living recommended this one. I have had it for a few years and am very happy with it. I have made 3 quilts and many, many outfits for DD. The price is right and it comes with just about every accessory you could want.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featu...487034&sr=8-2&keywords=brother+sewing+machine

The Baby Lock and brother come out of the same factory.

Know someone who got a Bernina 830. Fell over when she told us the price, over 10 grand.