My husband just got his bonus (YEH) and I have decided I would like to spend some of it on a new sewing machine. My old one (15 yrs) was my mom's and is now in the barn. It froze up and cost as much to fix as it would to buy a less expensive brand. It was a Pfaff. I know how to sew, but can't say I have been very serious about it until recently. I want one that is easy to use, makes buttonholes and is not outrageously expensive. For you sewers, what kind do you have and are you happy with it? Thanks in advance.

-- Ivy in NW AR (balch84@cox-internet.com), October 12, 2001

Answers

I have an old Singer that my mom got for a wedding present 42 years ago. We keep it tuned up and it works great. I work with the zig- zag stitch to make buttonholes; a friend taught me how about 10 years ago (before that I always made them by hand, as my grandma taught me). I don't know anything about the brand you mentioned, but sometimes it's better to go ahead and repair the old ones, as they generally last longer than a new one. My mom gave me her machine before she discovered quilting. She has since gotten a newer Singer which works fine. I also have my grandma's old Singer from the 1940s which still runs. I don't use it as it only does straight stitching, but Grandma made my sister's wedding dress on it in 1983.

I guess the point I'm making is that we like the Singer brand, and if you can find an older model, get it.

-- Cathy N. (keeper8@attcanada.ca), October 12, 2001.

Last year with my share of the income tax refund (we each get $200 to do whatever we want to) I bought a brand new machine!!! It is from Sears, a Kenmore and I love it. It was a basic model, has about 10 stitches and button-holes. It was $139. This was well worth it in my mind. I had an old one that could frustrate me to tears. I had it worked on several times, and the tension just drove me crazy. I imagine this one will last, as my mom has one she has had about 15 years and it is still working great.

-- Melissa (me@home.net), October 12, 2001.

I presently have 2 machines. A Pfaff and a Bernina. They are both absolutely great. When I was hunting a new machine, I would take with me my own sample to sew on instead of using the very starched, easy to sew on demonstration swatches provided at the dealers. Sewing through multiple layers of denim and a good buttonhole were two important features I was looking for. Be sure to "test drive" the machine you are looking at so it will meet your needs. I've had no problems with either machine, but I firmly believe that any good quality machine will work well. Half the fun is in the looking!

-- LS in SW MO (wildfire@fidnet.com), October 12, 2001.

Ah.... new sewing machines! I've sewn a LOT- I sewed professionally for years, and on lots of different models. If I could afford it, I would buy a Bernina. But..... They are very expensive. Viking Harsquvarna(SP?)is also very very good, but again expensive. My personal machine is A Sears Kenmore- a "Basic" model (not computerized) but I have more stitches than Melissa's I bought mine about nine years-then I was doing lots of fancy sewing, now I think now I'd get less stitches. I love it and in nine years I took it in for servicing once-somehow cherrios mysteriously got into the under carriage. Makes great button holes. But I also absolutly agree with the Test drive idea-take your swatches of stuff you sew and get the machine you want. Good luck and have fun!

-- Kelly in Ky (ksaderholm@yahoo.com), October 12, 2001.

I have an old Singer w/basic zigzag (1949) LOVE it/ sew LOTS. Also have a red head Singer treadle. Original investment $75, yes they were a deal!! My sister also has an old Singer and likes it.

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.com), October 12, 2001.

Ivy--I have the basic model of Viking sewing machine. My husband bought it for me about 8 years ago as a gift. I really like it. I believe Consumer Report rated it first back then. I believe starting in November, the machines go on sale most places for the Christmas season. Back then, it was $499 and on sale it went for $299, which we thought was a good price. It sews beautifully.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), October 12, 2001.

I don't know if you've bought your new machine yet, or how much you might want to spend, but my mother-in-law has an old Bernina (she hardly uses, honestly) that I tried out a couple of days ago, and if I ever replace my Singer, that's what I'm getting! It was wonderful!

-- Christine in OK (cljford@aol.com), October 27, 2001.

I've been debating a new machine myself. If you haven't bought one, Joann.com has some White models on sale....really nicely priced.

-- Lisa in WI (lehman16NOSPAM@vbe.com), October 31, 2001.

Do you do alot of sewing? If not, Wal-Mart has some less expensive Singer models.The basics, you know. If you do alot, like me, I really like the Singer models. Bernina is great but very expensive.If you have a Singer store or sewing machine repair shop close you can get the older and used(5years old and up) for dirt cheap. Mine is about 10 years old and I have never had any major problems. Just serviced about once a year.

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), October 31, 2001.