Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sewing Machine Woes

I have my mom's old sewing machine from the 60s, which has always been great. I even spent $100 a few years ago having it fixed since the guy told me those machines are almost indestructible unlike the newer plastic ones. But now the pedal keeps sticking and the thread gets tangled and it is noisy as hell. I'm not sure I want to get it fixed again since it was $100 and only stayed fixed for a couple years. Anyone know of a good affordable machine? I've looked at Joann and Amazon and see mostly Singer or Brother. Does anyone have either brand, and do you like it? I'm looking for around $120, so none of the fancy ones, unfortunately. Not yet anyway :)

5 comments:

MaryAnne said...

I have a Brother sewing machine that has lasted well so far (11 years). I got it from Costco, because they have a great return policy in case you get a lemon. I bought my Brother serger from them this year too, and so far it's great. They have a nice-looking Brother machine you can get online right now for $160 shipped, or a simpler machine for $90.00.

Chari said...

I got a singer almost 2 years ago and haven't had a lick of trouble with it. It was under $200. I used it to sew all my nursery bedding which was really thick decorative fabric and lots of other stuff. I'm not too easy on it :-)

I have known other people who got a Brother and had issues with it though.

HeartofGoldPlate said...

Consumer Reports says that the Kenmore 13538 is really good for beginners or folks not doing any heavy duty industrial strength sewing. It's only $120. Subscribe to consumer reports online, it's really 100% worth it. They have dirt on EVERYTHING.

ringmaster said...

i have 2 machines and both are brother. haven't had any problems except when i don't clean it. then the thread gets jammed sometimes. other than that i can't complain. my newer brother my mom bought me for christmas last year because it had more stitches and an arm to do quilting that i haven't used. she got it at costco. my sister has the same one. i sew all kinds of fabric and it even sews through fake fur (to make halloween costumes) my mom has a singer and i used it all through high school and college. hope this helps

Amber Liddle said...

Thanks ladies! I got a Brother off Overstock, I'm pretty excited to get it :) I'll let you all know how it goes, I'm sure. Either gushing over it or cursing the day I bought it...