SEWING MACHINE - HELP!!

bailsmom · 08-20-2007, 02:13 PM

I know there's a post on what's a good sewing machine, but my mom just called to tell me this one is on sale at Joann's and I wanted to ask your help to see if it's worth the money!!

Here's the link....Sewing machine

TIA for your opinions.

Oh, one more thing, I'm not a sewer at all, I took 1 home ec. class in the 9th grade, but enjoyed it immensly. I need this for basic hemming of garments and the such. Easy beginner stuff.

Nobones · 08-20-2007, 07:25 PM

If it were me I stay clear of 'Re-furbished' machines. That usually means machines have been used a lot and tided up by the company to re-sell.

The rule of thumb with a sewing machine is get one that can do more than you can, that way you won't out grow quickly and you'll have a machine that will last you a fair while. If that machine does more than you can do and feel comfy getting it then go ahead.

I'd love to see your sewing efforts, sewing remains my first love, even though I haven't done any in while.

Doodknitwit · 08-20-2007, 07:36 PM

2 good points..
1 it is a Singer
2 it is a portable
you can do alot more than basics with this machine!!
great price!!

check the warranty and let that be you guide.....

kayeknit · 08-20-2007, 08:02 PM

That's not a bad deal. And it does come with a warranty. I don't know much about refurbished models, though. I've been sewing for seven years now on my grandmother's (late 1980's model) Simplicity sewing machine, and my mother still uses her old (1970's?) Kenmore machine. Sewing machines can last a long time...that's my point.
If you are just looking for a basic beginner machine, I would consider this model (or something similar). It's probably simple enough to get started without much frustration, but seems to have enough features to keep you learning for quite a while.
Do you live near a Hancocks? They have many sales on sewing machines. Here is the current ad.
I personally always found this model appealing, and it's $50.00 off right now.

bailsmom · 08-20-2007, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by kayeknit

That's not a bad deal. And it does come with a warranty. I don't know much about refurbished models, though. I've been sewing for seven years now on my grandmother's (late 1980's model) Simplicity sewing machine, and my mother still uses her old (1970's?) Kenmore machine. Sewing machines can last a long time...that's my point.
If you are just looking for a basic beginner machine, I would consider this model (or something similar). It's probably simple enough to get started without much frustration, but seems to have enough features to keep you learning for quite a while.
Do you live near a Hancocks? They have many sales on sewing machines. Here is the current ad.
I personally always found this model appealing, and it's $50.00 off right now.

No, I don't live near a Hancocks. Sure wish I did. I think maybe I'll get this one since you all seem to think it's a good one to start with, plus if it turns out to be a piece of crap at least I havn't forked out hundreds of dollars for it!!

Thank you all so much for your help!!

dakatzmeow · 08-20-2007, 10:35 PM

don't rely on the fact that is has the singer name on it. if i'm not mistaken, the name was sold and the machine it is on is not by the original company. that doesn't make it a bad machine. it just makes it not quite what you may have been expecting.

kayeknit · 08-20-2007, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by dakatzmeow

don't rely on the fact that is has the singer name on it. if i'm not mistaken, the name was sold and the machine it is on is not by the original company. that doesn't make it a bad machine. it just makes it not quite what you may have been expecting.

I haven't heard about that. But I doubt that JoAnn's would be selling a "counterfeit" Singer...
Anyway, there are many other reputable brands out there: Simplicity, Janome, Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, Brother, Kenmore, BabyLock, etc. Any of these machines should be dependable, and you can find many lower-priced models at your local Wal-Mart (or Sears), as well as a fabric/sewing shop.
By the way, have you looked into buying a machine online? I'm not sure how much shipping would be, but you can buy direct from Hancocks, or even find a new machine on eBay.

Belphoebe · 08-21-2007, 12:55 AM

I'm an exclusive Bernina girl myself. I saved for two years to get one, but I have never been disappointed in it. It runs today as well as it did when I bought it, and I've put it through some heavy duty sewing. Good luck with your decision.

bailsmom · 08-21-2007, 04:04 AM

Oooooh, I forgot about Walmart! Guess I'll have to check there first. I called my local Joanns and she said "We don't carry any sewing machine that cheap"! Can you believe that!! I could have reached through that phone and smacked her upside her head......idiot.

There are just wayyy to many stupid people in this world.

hunterjenn · 08-21-2007, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by kayeknit

But I doubt that JoAnn's would be selling a "counterfeit" Singer...

Not counterfeit--they just sold the name brand to another manufacturer.

Sears is a good idea, too. I've used my Kenmore machine to death for the last 10 years, and I learned on my mom's Kenmore, which is now 30 years old and still going strong! I think you can get a good machine in the $150 range. I'd be a little nervous about the refurbished thing, too.