Sewing machines?

[Rajah]

I'm really interested in getting my first sewing machine (lots of quilting stuff I'd really like to try, but I'm intimidated by doing it by hand after my one block experience). I'm trying to find one that is reasonably priced (under $1000 on sale), good quality, a good range of stitches including a couple of decorative, a good range of attachments/feet, but also has the ability to quilt (meaning pretty much put the right foot on and drop the feed dogs, if I remember correctly?).

My mom has a new Elan machine she got at the quilt show a little over a year ago, but neither of us have used it much. It's just too inconvenient for me to gather up my stuff and take it to her house to sew, then cart it all back home. Especially if what I'm wanting to work on is *for* my parents! LOL! But what little I have done on her machine, I like it. I'm a little intimidated by it, but I'm sure I'd get over that with some practice.

We can't afford to get me one right away, but I'm hoping that if we can find a really good sale, DH will let me get one for my birthday at the end of the month. I'll probably have to wait until the quilt show again (when they tend to have the best sales) and get it in October/November, but even if I have to wait until then, I'd like suggestions on what to get and what to avoid.

A local quilting shop is having a sale on their machines these next few days. They have the Elan Quilter's Dream for $800 (my mom's machine, and same price she got at the Quilt Festival), and there's a Brother one that has even more stitches than the Elan but is only $600. It didn't sound a smooth as the Elan, though, nor do I remember the number on it. I've also heard mixed reviews on the Brother machines as a whole.

Anyway, can anyone (especially you quilters) give me any suggestions on sewing machines, and what to look for in the various brands and styles? I know I want computerized rather than mechanical (I just think better with computers than I do the mechanical ones, though I could get a very simple one of those for $150 that only does 9 stitches). I also know that I want one I can "grow" into, or at least that's what's been recommended. Getting one from a local shop would also probably be a good idea, so I could go to the classes to learn how to use it, and not have to go to the other side of town like my mom ended up having to do.

What would y'all recommend? Go with the $150 Jo-something (Joelynn?) that would at least let me do straight stitches and basic quilting (theoretically) and could be a "travel" machine for any classes or guilds or anything I might get into, then when I can afford it get one of the nicer "Quilter's Dream" type machines?

Or just wait entirely until I can get a nicer machine?

Or is there a "happy medium"?

Thanks!!

 

[gravymom]

I don't know much about Elan, but if you like the way your Mom's sews, I'd say go for it. I have a mechanical Bernina that I hate. But, I have heard good things about Bernina (nice, even stitches, smooth, durable). I also have a computerized Viking - I llike it. I think my problem with the Viking is I don't know how to utilize it to the fullest. I cannot sew - just use it to piece quilts together - quilt by hand.

I would stick with the Elan over the Brother - have heard better things about the Elan. Pfaff (sp?) is another solid brand. Stay away from the el-cheapo machines. You get what you pay for. That is the mistake I made with the cheapy Bernina. I should have gotten a high-end model (and then I would not be stuck with two machines!).

You might also see about a second-hand machine if it comes with a warranty.

Good luck

 

[doxdogy]

I have heard some good things about the Viking. If you go to http://www.marthapullen.com and go on the sewing message board, you can get some good opinions about different machines. Just be careful about buying over the internet. Alot of the companies will not honor their warranty if bought over the internet and not from a local dealer. Also, most of the companies include free lessons from your dealer when you purchase the machine. Also, check with your dealer and ask if there is a local club. I have the Brother embrodiery machine and we have a local club.

 

[Shadeaux]

I bought a Janome a few years ago, and I love it. I've been sewing for 35 years and had never heard of the brand until I went to a local sewing machine store. I was a little skeptical about buying a brand I knew nothing about, but after a little research on the internet & trying out the display models at the store, I was sold. My friend bought Sears branded machine and was told it was made by Janome. I don't quilt, so I can't say how it would do for quilting, but for sewing, it's wonderful.

 

[Wendy]

I got a really good deal after Christmas last year on a Janome at Sew Contempo. I've loved it! I also highly recommend that shop. They offer free classes to teach you how to use your new machine if you buy from them.

I actually had gotten a low end Janome from my mil for Christmas. She wasn't sure exactly what I wanted, but they told her I could try it out and bring it back to upgrade if I wanted. Sure enough, that's what I decided to do. I had no problems at all bringing it back and upgrading, and found a great deal on a much nicer machine to which I upgraded.

 

[Boots]

I don't know too much about them. I have inherited my mother's big Singer and her serger. It is a Singer too. I don't really like sewing, but I would like to learn to use the serger. She had bought them about a year before she died four years ago. She always loved to sew. I just never had too much patience!!!

 

[Rajah]

Wendy -- Sew Contempo is most likely where I'll end up getting mine, too. They're so convenient, I like the classes, and they have a good selection. Half the time I go in and they have good, friendly service. The other half of the time, they've been rude, so it really depends on who's in the shop when we go in.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Boots, I am jealous. I've always wanted a serger.

I have a New Home, but it isn't computerized. Don't know if they make them with computers or not. I love the brand. Very dependable. My parents bought my first one when I was in high school and it was used. After about 8 years it needed something minor done to it - can't even remember what it was. We took it to the shop and left it and the shop burned down! I got a new machine out of the deal. They gave me a huge discount on a new machine that does much more than the original one and it was new.

My DH's family all have Berninas and they love them. They think they are top of the line. I've never used one, so I guess I'm not much help.

Good luck. I think you'll be glad you have a machine. I don't sew a lot, but it sure is nice to have it handy when you want to sew something.