The Updated and All-Inclusive Costume Thread

[GollyGadget]

So...I murdered our sewing machine on Friday, hemming a basic tank top, of all things. Since the machine was older than me, it's been decided that it should be replaced. We don't do a ton of sewing, but I'm trying to do a little more custom costumes, instead of just buying pre-made things, and we use it for the occasional basic alteration or repair. Any recommendations on what machine to get?

Have you taken it anywhere to get a quote? Sewing machines are one of those things where the older ones are much higher quality. Newer models have a lot of plastic parts that break more easily than their metal counterparts.

I have no suggestions on new models. I plan to keep using my 1970s Kenmore until I die.

 

[The Expert]

Have you taken it anywhere to get a quote? Sewing machines are one of those things where the older ones are much higher quality. Newer models have a lot of plastic parts that break more easily than their metal counterparts.

I have no suggestions on new models. I plan to keep using my 1970s Kenmore until I die.

THIS! I guarantee there's a sewing machine repair somewhere in MSP that could fix it. The new machines are not made to last like the old ones are, and they don't really do a lot more (unless you're uploading complex embroidery files).

And if you need a machine to use while yours is getting fixed, check the local libraries. A lot of them have sewing machines and sergers to use for free.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Have you taken it anywhere to get a quote? Sewing machines are one of those things where the older ones are much higher quality. Newer models have a lot of plastic parts that break more easily than their metal counterparts.

I have no suggestions on new models. I plan to keep using my 1970s Kenmore until I die.

For years I had my mom's 70s Kenmore after she passed away. The ex wanted to take a sewing class and the other women wondered why she brought it to class in a small wagon. Turns out that Kenmore under its "portable" cover, was 4x or 5x heavier than any of the newer machines full of plastic. FWIW, my sister has it now.
When I needed to do some sewing more recently, I bought a new Brother machine and have been fairly happy with it. And it is very light.