first sewing machine questions (long sorry)

mjkern · September 2011

Hello,

I've been wanting to get into sewing. I've got a baby on the way and would like to make baby stuff and maybe get into quilting.

I looked at the faqs here and was planning on getting either the

brother cs 6000i
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-CS6000I/4764726

or

the brother sq9050

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-100-Stitch-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-with-Alphabet-Font/17039056

Yesterday I went to a local quilting shop and a local sewing shop and I'm confused with what I should get. The quilt shop only sold berninas. The woman there recommended the bernette 12

http://sewreview.com/brands/bernina/bernette12/

It is a mechanical machine. She said it is a great beginer machine, simpler than an electronic and though it's an offshoot of bernina is a great brand. The shop would support it and it comes with a free hour class to learn how to use it. She said a lot of the folks there love this machine and even if they have nicer ones at home they buy this for class or social quilting.

I then went to a general sewing shop. The woman there suggested the brother hs 2000
http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/modeldetail.aspx?PRODUCTID=HS2000

She said that for beginners they should have an computerized model because it's so much simpler to use, all the set up is right there etc. This place also has classes to show you how to run the machine(they are group though) and said you can take them as much as you want to learn how to use the machine(the free ones).

Now I'm so confused. I like the bells and whistles and the apparent ease of a computerized machine, but I want something that is going to be simple and easy to use so I don't get too frustrated and just give up. I like the prices of the ones at walmart but am willing to spend the extra for the ones from the shop because I like the idea of classes and having someone who knows the machine to ask with questions. Do you think it's worth the extra money or should I be able to learn how to work the machine on my own?

I also don't know if a computerized or mechanical would be a better starter machine.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

TheBridesMom · September 2011

I am an experienced seamstress, who uses an entry level bernina. I don't really think bells and whistles are necessary. I don't really utilize even the few bells and whistles on my Bernina, and have no problems with my non computerized machines.

I think there is a lot more to go wrong with the computers, and repair and regular servicing is more expensive.

I am a firm believer in buying from dealers and taking advantage of their support. It is worth the money to me to buy quality and supporting local businesses is important to me as well. I really appreciated being able to ask questions and get guidance from my dealer. and I have nothing but love for my Bernina.

hindsight's_a_biotch · September 2011

I'd go for the last brother from the sewing shop if I were you. While I don't think you need a computerized machine, I do like them better and believe in buying a machine that you can grow into but not one that's so far above you.

While the other Brothers are similar, I think you'll find all the classes invaluable and they will make it much more likely that you'll stick to sewing instead of trying it a couple times, feeling lost, and abandoning your projects.

Gretijean · September 2011

This!

TheBridesMom:

I am a firm believer in buying from dealers and taking advantage of their support. It is worth the money to me to buy quality and supporting local businesses is important to me as well. I really appreciated being able to ask questions and get guidance from my dealer.

stephm0188 · September 2011

I'd get the Bernina. I hate the quality of low end Brothers.

Aknight1986 · September 2011

hindsight's_a_biotch:
I'd go for the last brother from the sewing shop if I were you. While I don't think you need a computerized machine, I do like them better and believe in buying a machine that you can grow into but not one that's so far above you.

While the other Brothers are similar, I think you'll find all the classes invaluable and they will make it much more likely that you'll stick to sewing instead of trying it a couple times, feeling lost, and abandoning your projects.

This. I love my brother machine. I would recommend the classes for a beginner and if the shop supports your machine it's a plus.

mjkern · September 2011

Thanks for the advice! I do like the idea of the shops, just wish the prices were closer to what I can find on-line, but I think the classes and the fact the staff would know the machine and how to help me would probably benefit me the best. Still talking it over with dh but probably will get the bernette. This was mostly that the lady there was a lot nicer and actually took the time to pull the machine down and taught me how to sew a few different stitches. She never pressured me for a sale (at the sewing shop she kept showing me a fancy embrodiery machine, which was cool and all but not what I think I need right now) and even spent time telling me about the brothers I was saying I had found on line. Plus the quilt shop is very local for me and it would be nice to give them business.. Only bad thing is all of the group classes they have are during the day m-f

emoflamingo · September 2011

I have the first Brother and I love it. I would second going to a dealer if you have one nearby that offers classes. I looked at the Berninas and they were out of my price range and my skill range.

first sewing machine questions (long sorry)

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