Need to buy a sewing machine - Help

[sumo]

Hi,

I am thinking of buying a sewing machine but couldn't come to a conclusion with the options and price.

I don't need any thing fancy.. Basic sewing is what I am looking for..

Is buying a fancy sewing machine really worth the price?

Which one is your favorite?

Which is the best place to buy?

Thanks
-Sumo

[saylormama]

Well I just got one for Christmas (i was able to pick it and order it myself though :)) and I got a Singer Heavy Duty. It just does the basic stitches but I wanted to make sure it could handle thicker fabrics and such... I can't remember which number it is (there are two) it's grey and it's selling for right around $170 last I checked. I love it, it does a great job and I'm just a beginner/basic seamstress :) I ordered from a website new egg (not sure if I can post the actual site, do a search for it) and they shipped it to me fast and I was pleased.
Hope that helps!!

[GJohnson39]

I treated myself to a Pfaff about 10 years ago. I use it primarily for drapes, bedding (think custom bedspreads) and an occasional decorative or clothing project (I HATE sewing clothes but have 2 DD that have gone through periods where it has been impossible to find summer shorts/capris that fit). I absolutely love it and don't regret one cent of the purchase price ($$$).

Mine has all the bells and whistles - a computer, and design attachments; honestly I only use about 30% of its features. BUT this machine is soo much more powerful and reliable than the Singer I had for the prior 20 years. I work with some really heavy fabrics, felt interlining and lining materials and have never had a problem.

I take it in to be oiled and tightened up every third year. I clean it before and after every project.

I also have a serger, which I like for knit fabrics, but rarely use now. Hindsight is 20/20, and knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have bought this machine. It is a pain to thread, is finicky and needs frequent adjustments, and serger thread is expensive and sometimes hard to find (around here anyway). I bought it to make doll clothes for DD's and friends back during the 90's/00's "American Girl" mania. Did a tidy little business for a few years.....

[motherofmolly]

if you just want a good basic one...go with a singer. i love mine and it does just what i need. after 15 years of having it, it still does nicely (fingers crossed). and recently dh's relative gave me her serger she never ever used. something about bad memories of who gave it to her...but it is brand new!