Sewing Machine Shopping

Posted by rgypsyrose on August 20, 2009, 7:23 pm

I am looking for a "new" sewing machine, my mom gave me a brother 1120
that she had it pretty much drove her crazy. I can get some things done
but it really has some issues and doesn't have the guts to do what I need.
I put zippers into hubbys coveralls a quite a bit, as well as hem jeans.
I am also wanting a machine that can handle stretchy knits as I would like
to make some wool covers for my little one.

With my limited funds, I know I cannot find a new machine with hte guts to
do what I need. Ihave been watching craigslist as well as venturing to
the local sewing shop (has a bad rep for bad customer service) others are
farther away so more challenging with a little one.

I have found and I am planning to look at a Viking 6440 and a Pfaff 362
for sale locally. Can anyone give me some backgroung on these are they
good solid machines anything in particlar I should look for?

Thank you,
Mary

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Posted by Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH on August 21, 2009, 1:20 am

rgypsyrose wrote:
show/hide quoted text

I will never say anything bad about a Viking, but when I was looking at
one a few years back someone told me that they are exceptionally
difficult to find parts for, so many sure that if you get it, it works
perfectly. Don't know anything about the Pfaff. Both brands were
excellent during the time period that those machines were made. Don't
believe any bozo on Ebay that tries to convince you that since the
machine is that old, it is actually "industrial strength."

A Singer 400/401 or 500/501 machine would also do what you want. It
doesn't have a free-arm, but I have never really used mine -- just
changed the order of sewing seams to eliminate the need for it.

Posted by Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH on August 21, 2009, 1:22 am

When you have to buy a machine off of the used market, take your time
and keep looking and make sure you have what you want. Don't be tempted
to buy something just because it's there if you aren't totally happy
with it. Another machine will turn up. You just have to be patient.
It might take a few months, but you will find it. I buy most things
used and that's my policy, and it works.

Posted by Rgypsyrose on August 21, 2009, 7:58 pm

Rgypsyrose had written this in response to
http://www.sewgirls.com/sewing/P-S-Re-Sewing-Machine-Shopping-42505-.htm :

Thank you for the advice, I am getting ansy lol. I want to make some
things for my little girl, but hate my machine. I have a nice old serger
that I really likeand it works very nicely. So I have been trying to
figure out how to make things using just the serger :-)

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Posted by Samatha Hill -- take out TRASH on August 21, 2009, 11:37 pm

Rgypsyrose wrote:
show/hide quoted text

A serger will do okay sewing knits by itself.

Save your precious dollars and get a machine that will last you, not one
that will need to go in a landfill in three months.

I have found nice older machines that sew very well in thrift stores for
$20 -- ones that will still be sewing rings around the top machines of
these days when they are in the landfill because their electronic
circuit boards are no longer manufactured. If you have to have a
machine immediately, go make the rounds of thrift stores (or post a
"wanted" ad on Craigslist) and find a good machine that will do for now
and will serve as a backup machine for when you get your great machine
later down the road.

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