Hey all!
I'm a new quilter, who caught the bug from my VERY talented grandmother who's my idol. For the past few months I've been doing everything by hand as I don't have a sewing machine yet. But my very generous parents have offered to buy me one for Christmas! I'm a college student, so it really helps. I'm wondering if any of you have suggestions on good machines, or at least specific features I should look for. Our budget is from about $200-300. Also, does anyone suggest looking for machines on Ebay? Has anyone had good luck? bad luck? Depends on the seller I guess.
Thanks in advance for all your help, I love this message board already!
Maggie
Granny M. I think shopping around is a good idea. Wish I could do that. My DH is disabled and I can't or don't want to leave him for too many hours. I think other than this dealer my only other choice would be in OK. To far to go.
Joan L.:my only other choice would be in OK. To far to go.
Understandable, but don't you hate it when you don't have choices? Granny M
Granny M. I hear you. Don't even get me started about the lack of places to buy fabric.
Joan L.:Don't even get me started about the lack of places to buy fabric.
Thank goodness for on-line shopping. Granny M
Granny M
You know I still want a Featherweight I can take to quilting classes becauses its so light. I suppose I am dreaming because they're a basic machine and they're still pricey I think for what you get.
Don't worry if you ever get to visit me you can always use my other machine! See that's why I need two, for visitors!
I have several Janome machines from a $99 Heavy Duty refurbished one I got on eBay to the Janome 1600P quilt machine and several in between. I bought my mom a Janome Gem Platnum and she loves it. I have two Janome Gem's (a Gold and just the Gem) as well and have used them for years for simple quilting and ease of taking with you (about 12 lbs.).
Here is one I found on ebay. I have bought several machines on ebay and I usually try to be sure it is is from a sewing machine/vacuum dealer. This one is. (Where was this one when I was looking for my mom's?)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Janome-Jem-Gold-660-Mechanical-Sewing-Machine-/280612748176?pt=BI_Sewing_Machines&hash=item4155d2bb90
But I'm not at all biased... LOL
Please listen to this lady, she speaks the gospel truth. Once you have your machine, you going to need something, like fabric, needles, thread, advice, so don't go for broke, you got time.
Personally, I have 5 machines, as I learn I want more, If I had bought a Bernina I would have been stuck. Each machine has different features and more stitches as you learn and grow you need to have variety and new tools, Bernina should bring their price down. You looking at a grand just to get started. I may have saw something around $650. For a grand I paid for all my machines and may some change. Last machine has 300 stitches and was bought brand new with at least 6 presser feet and is electronic.
This must be your best friend in the world, I hope she knows you really care about her, to trust her with your machine, usually sewing machines can't be replaced at the original price, they are going up, up, up.