Crafts
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sewing machine recs?
I just recently started sewing and I'm taking a class. I've borrowed a machine [used to do it by hand] and my teacher said it wasn't a good one. She doesn't like Brother or Singer brands but she likes a brand called Janome.
I was going to purchase this one[ brother/costco ]
What do you recommend?
Obviously the one I was going to buy isn't up to her standards ~ but Janome is so expensive.
Thanks in advance!
Re: sewing machine recs?
I think Kenmore machines (sears) are made by Janome, and they have sales now and then.
I am a believer in getting the best machine you can for the money, even if it means getting an entry level or a used machine.
A quality machine will last for many, many years, and people sometimes trade in machines when they upgrade, and there is nothing wrong with them. Even a machine that someone took home and returned for a different model might be discounted.
A quality sewing machine from a dealer comes with something that you won't get from costco or somewhere online. You get support, sometimes classes, an authorized repair center...and actual people to help you and answer your questions.
I normally lurk here, but wanted to chime in and ditto the PP on this point. I have lots of friends who become interested in sewing and crafts, and suddenly go out and spend a fortune on equipment - always makes me cringe because I don't think it has to be that way. Obviously if you have the money to spend, are interested in special technologies or are planning to be something of a professional, by all means get whatever machine you like. But if you're a beginner just getting started in your skills, you can certainly purchase a gently used machine and get way more bang for your buck. Later on, of course you can always upgrade if you like!
I first started sewing just about 4 years ago, and while I was still very much a beginner taking intro classes I started getting interested in purchasing my own machine. Initially I looked into getting a new machine from all kinds of places - Joann's, Target, even dealers. But for my budget I couldn't find a machine that seemed durable, though many of them feature all these fancy bells and whistles like special fancy computerized stitches, etc. They still didn't seem all that hardy.
I ended up shopping on Craigslist, and found an older but hardy, indestructible workhorse of a machine. It happens to be a Kenmore, but there are plenty of equally good or better brands out there. My machine probably dates back to the mid-1960's, but it is a full metal machine - no plastic body or parts (i.e. extremely durable). It does straight stitch and zigzag, enough for a beginner like me. About 10 quilts, dozens of alteration projects, and several reupholstering jobs later, it's still going strong. The best part is that I paid only $60 for it, and that includes a beautiful solid cherry-wood cabinet in which the machine can be stored when not in use.
Earlier this year, I scored an incredible, practically-new Husqvarna Viking serger for only $100 on Craigslist - this is a machine which would cost me about $600-$800 new! It probably dates to the late 1980's, but the lady who sold it to me had only taken it out of the box once and decided it wasn't for her. I am in LOVE with it! It honestly looks like it just came off the table at a dealer store.
So: my personal advice is, look into a gently used machine for better value! My favorite resources are Craigslist, eBay and local garage/yard sales. Just my two cents!
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I think it depends on what you're going to use the machine for and how much you'll use it. A Janome is probably a better machine, but the Brother is probably perfect for a hobbyist.
I have a Brother machine and I've just finished my 9th quilt and started on my 10th in 10 months. I mostly quilt and don't garment sew, but the machine has held up wonderfully with only one visit for routine service. To me, who paid $119 for my machine on Overstock, this is totally worth the cost. I'm only considering a new machine now because I'd like a longer arm and advanced quilting functions, I'll definitely keep the Brother as a back up machine.
Stand up for something you believe in.
I sew garments fairly often. I had a singer for ten years and bought a brother two years ago. For a hobby sewer, I don't see anything wrong with a brother, especially since you've already shelled out the scratch for lessons.
Janomes are great machines but honestly, I don't think everyone or even most people need one, especially not until they've been sewing long enough to know that they're going to make the price worth their while.
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One thing to consider, if you decide to go with a new machine. Do not get a lower end Brother. It will cost you as much as you paid for it to fix something on it, and I can't begin to tell you how many people that I know who have gotten frustrated with timing issues that would cost as much as the machine cost to have fixed. I had one that we picked up, hoping to have it to take 'on the road', but all of us, each with 25 or more years of sewing under our belts, were frustrated and wanted to throw it out the window. It wasn't worth the money spent on it, that's for sure, and it wasn't the cheapest model....it was just cheaply made.
There are Brothers that I think are great machines, but not the lower end models.
I just purchased a new machine yesterday. I got a Viking Emerald 116. It's definitely a little pricey (around $350), but the quality is amazing plus you get a free class to learn how to use your machine!
They also have beginner models that are less than $200. You should check it out. http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/363.htm