can you help me decide?

I disagree with that statement. Both of my Pfaff and BabyLock sews perfect seams and is a joy to use, both for sewing and embroidery. Maybe you should try other ones than the ones you've used.

-- Emily

I have the Singer Quantum XL5000, which is a combination machine (and which cost waaaay more than OP is budgeting for a combination machine). I've tested its sewing capabilities and it does very well. However, it does fantastic embroidery, so I leave it set up for that because my 50 year old Singer 401A is still the best machine around for real garment sewing, IMHO.

YMMV

IMHO 2 machines is a better setup. Actually, I have 4 doing what they do best in my sewing room. And Beverly, you don't play fair. Nothing sews a pretty seam like a Singer 401A. Mine is out on loan to a granddaughter and probably won't ever come home. That's okay. Sewing on a really grand old SM is so much more encouraging for her than a piece of flimsy junk would be. Polly

Compensation software and other gadgets are beginning to show up in combination machines to compensate for the differences between embroidery and seaming. Mostly in tension and is easy with the newer CPU based machines.

CPU based embroidery machines are relatively new and combos are improving with each machine version.

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Thanks so much for all the recommendations .... I'm now looking at the Project Runway Limited Edition LB-6800PRW with a price tag of $499.99, and it comes with a really nice bonus package of threads and accesories for a total cost of $797.00 for both, along with 3 additional hoops .... anyone have any input? Thanks so much Cindy

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Only four???

I have THREE 401As, two sergers a Bernette MO2-3-4 and a Huskylock 936, a coverstitch machine Bablylock BLCS, plus the Quantum XL5000 embroidery machine. (And that doesn't even count the other 401A and Huskylock serger on loan to my daughter and granddaughter.) I bought my first 401A brand new in 1961 as a newlywed, the others were rescued from second hand shops and/or sewing machine store trade-ins. All are set up and ready to sew whenever the mood strikes me. You can see some of what I do at my web site.

I also have the Singer 500A "Rocketeer" I bought for my mother-in-law to replace her gorgeous black-with-decals 30s era Singer. It did not have a reverse stitch, and I was troubled by her tying off a knot at the beginning and end of every seam. Sadly the black one is long gone, I'm sure it still sews a better seam than any of the new plastic miracles.

The cost of my original 401A in 1961 was $700.00+. Adjusted for inflation, you'd spend around $5,000 in today's dollars for an equivalent machine. If you could find one. I've probably put several thousand yards of fabric through it, still use it almost every day, and it sews as well now as it did brand new. Unless you're looking at industrials, I don't think you will find a sewing machine built today with all metal gears.

RUN AWAY!

Are you serious about sewing? Have you actually done a hands-on test run?

With that budget, you would do better with a good used machine. Check your local sewing machine center for trade-ins, be sure whatever you choose comes with a warrantee, and run some of the fabric you expect to use through the machine. If you are planning on buying that "Project Runway Special" online, investigate whether or not any local service centers will service your machine when if conks out.

Before I ever embroidered a stitch with my machine (on sale for $2,600 six years ago) I invested several hundred dollars in threads, more $$$ on stabilizers, and another thousand on digitizing software.

JMHO,

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You know ... I do have my grandmothers Singer, it's packed away in storage, and I'll pull it out, and take it to be serviced, (it was serviced prior to packing) but I've never sewn with it, and I'll have to try to find a manual to go with it, maybe I can download one from online, hummmmm more research ....lol I still have her box of presser-feet as well, and her button collection! As for the Brother Project Runway ... or any other Brother I may purchase online, or off, I will have a local shop to service it, I've already spoken with them about that ... they are trying to sell me the Brother Innov-is950D or

1250D ... $1,599.00 for the 1250, $999.99 for the 950! Thanks for all the help, I'm taking all of your advice to heart!

PS .... I wish I had the room for 4 machines ... sadly, I don't, unless I talk hubby into partioning off a section of his art-room for a sewing room for me ... other than that, my sewing station will more than likely be in the guest room, where there's hardly room for more than 1 or two machines at the most, and still have room for guests ... :P

Have a great day! Cindy

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You might want to ask here about the particular model number. If it was manufactured later then the late 60s it might not be worth the cost of servicing, Singer lost a lot of quality for several years in the later part of the 20th century.

Best place for manuals:

also have good threading diagrams for many machines:

All to the good. Current machines usually come with a couple of basic feet, then you have to pay big $$$ for each of the others.

Keep in mind that the higher cost for more advanced embroidery machines will probably include larger hoop areas. My largest hoop takes a 9.375" X 5.375" design without multi-hooping. I would love a larger hoop capability.

If you do a side-by-side comparison of the features/specifications/accessories of several different models, you'll see why the costlier ones are... costlier. Be sure you pay attention to any reviews which knock the tension settings for straight sewing. Some of the cheap machines are notorious for their inability to hold tension.

I'm now living alone in the home we bought 40 years ago for a family of four. I spread out all over the house, "real" sewing room downstairs in the daylight basement (hard surface floors so I don't worry about pins damaging it), "computer" room in one upstairs bedroom, "embroidery" room in another.

I don't do guests. ;-) Well, except for my grandchildren, and they think it's cool to bunk down on an inflatable bed in the living room.