|
|
Post by aftermidnite on Dec 28, 2015 0:36:20 GMT
I am looking for some input for a new sewing machine .
My budget is for one under $200 ..
I want one that will do straight and zig zag stiches !
I also would love to be able to put in zippers and button holes and be able to do gather stiches (but will need to learn those ..LOL)...
I know many own more than one and am sure those machines cost more than $200 but my budget is what it is ..so am hoping to get some ideas of which ones to look at .. |
|
|
|
Post by mollymckee on Dec 28, 2015 3:02:14 GMT
I would look at Kens Sewing Center online. They have reconditioned machines as well as new and used. They pay shipping, and there is no sales tax if you are out of state. They have machines that have been put on layaway and not paid for. If you can find what you want it only costs the layaway balance.
If your machine cleaning and repair knowledge is good you might find one on Craigslist. If you can find a Bernina 730, the old 730, it will do what you want and should be less than 200.00. Be sure it comes with the feet, Bernina feet are expensive. You can get an adapter so you can use generic feet, a much cheaper way to go. The 730is a great machine, will do everything you want and has only one non metal part. You might watch eBay for one, but shipping is expensive.
|
|
|
|
Post by mollymckee on Dec 28, 2015 3:21:28 GMT
I just looked at eBay, their prices are high. I bought a Bernina 730 several years ago on Craigslist for$50.00 and I bought a 830 for$150.00. The 730 needed a good cleaning, the 830 had been cleaned by a dealer. Both were really great deals. If you by a new machine at Walmart or Joanne's or somewhere, you will get one with plastics gears that wear pretty fast. I would rather have a used, factory reconditioned Janome from Kens or a older Bernina if I could find one. Look at Kens website, then maybe give them a call.
|
|
|
|
Post by spacecase0 on Dec 30, 2015 20:40:27 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by ardiefromwi on Dec 30, 2015 21:03:45 GMT
Go to a dealership that sells new, used and reconditioned machines. The older ones with metal components are far better than anything from Wal-Mart.
|
|
|
|
Post by Billie on Dec 31, 2015 17:38:44 GMT
mollymckee, what does the adapter look like and do you know where I might find one? I have a Bernina and just replaced my pedal for the third time and I am not happy with it. Piece of junk, in my opinion, and I paid way too much for it. If there is another option I would like to look into it.
|
|
|
|
Post by mollymckee on Dec 31, 2015 21:58:33 GMT
Billie,Nancys notions carries the adapters and then you can use any short shank foot. What model Bernina do you have that has been such a problem? I have a 730 I've had for over 40 years and I haven't had any problems. I sew a lot,everything from bridesmaid dresses to horse blankets. I do clean it often and oil it. I have another 730 I got for quilting at church a few years ago, and an 830 I also got a year ago. Both were real bargains on Craigslist. Do you know why your machine burns out the foot pedal?
|
|
|
|
Post by Billie on Jan 1, 2016 3:51:56 GMT
mollymckee , mine is an 803 and I love my machine. Got it used many years ago. I meant the latest foot pedal I got from an authorized Bernina dealer is a piece of junk, in my opinion. I was not happy with the service I received from this dealer either. However, the guy who serviced my machine said my machine was good and should last me another 100 years. I do a lot of sewing so I can only assume that that is the problem. Have had no other issues with my machine otherwise except this last time after I got it back. The light bulb is loose and keeps going on and off and I have to keep pushing it up. Thanks for the tip on where to look.
|
|
|
|
Post by farmchix on Jan 1, 2016 12:14:40 GMT
You could get one of the Janome Gem machines. Watch for a sale. They are lightweight and have a great stitch.
|
|
|
|
Post by TommyIce on Jan 1, 2016 17:17:07 GMT
I've got a few machines--a Free Machine treadle, a 1980's BabyLock and a Brother CS6000i. The Brother was under $200 on Amazon in 2010--looking back it was $156 with free shipping. I use it almost exclusively now. I originally got it as a spare and for the range of buttonholes (7). It has turned out to be a fantastic little workhorse.
|
|
