Sewing machine recommendations please!

[papertraveller]

Hi everyone,
I lost my aged Singer sewing machine during a flood this past summer. Soon it will be time to get a replacement, but I took a quick trip to Sears and was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices.

I'm not looking to embroider or do much fancy -- my work is generally limited to mending and hemming, plus a few straightforward clothing projects.

Please tell me about your sewing machine, the features you love and use, and what you find indispensable about it.

Many thanks!

 

[lromanauskas]

I have a very old viking that I love and my son has a brother that I am learning to love. The machines can be really complicated these days. I like the Vikings but they are pricy. Been reasonably happy with my sons brother and it was under 200. It's a brother cp7500

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I am a quilter, so I have a Pfaff. Just had to buy a new one because the circuit board of the old one shorted out (hubby was able to fix it after I got the new one, but we aren't sure how long it will last). I still have my old Singer which I'm putting in the yard sale next May.

If you are doing simple work, you can easily pick up a Kenmore that will also give you some additional decorative stitches.

 

[chargerbelle]

I have a Brother LS-2125. I am a beginner but I found this sewing machine very easy to use. It is my first (and only) sewing machine, so I can't really compare it to others. It has several different stitch options and I have found it to be pretty universal. Looking online, it appears to run less than $200. I've sewn through denim, cotton/cotton blends, fleece, and a microfiber suede-like material.

 

[Ericandjenng]

Did you pick a machine yet? Which one?

I have 5 plus a serger. I just got a Singer Futura Embroidery machine but been so busy working that I haven't had time to play with it much--got a really good deal on it & free shipping before Thanksgiving. My work horse is a Singer Heavy Duty...Joann's frequently runs these on sale for $179 & the next step up for $199--this one has a 1-step button-holer. I also have a cheap Brother Mechanical machine that is set for gathering only....it's a great back-up machine too. I also have a Brother Project Runway machine...it's a $150 button-holer...that's all it's good for. It does make nice button-holes though. I also have another Brother electronic/computerized machine from Wally World...it's in the garage & unusable unless I want to sew at the speed of a snail...