$600 budget - what machine should I get?
06-12-2012, 03:28 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: N. Atlanta, GA
Posts: 805
Buy a used quality machine such as Pfaff or Bernina instead of a newer cheaper machine. These good machines last for a reason.
And I'd look into a Juki, as well. I've heard very good things about them.
And I'd look into a Juki, as well. I've heard very good things about them.
06-12-2012, 05:02 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: League City, Texas
Posts: 504
Check out Amazon and OverStock.com, you can get some really good buys at both those places and gently used one is a good idea if all the attachments and instruction books are with it and it has been well taken care of. I have a Brother and love it and I just inherited a Phaff from my sister-in-law that passed away but I haven't tried it yet. I hope you are able to fine what you want.
06-12-2012, 05:20 AM
#34
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,252
I prefer Pfaffs due to their built in walking foot. I sewed clothing for 40 years on sewing machines without a walking foot, but when I started quilting I found much better results with the Pfaff. I was frustated using my "clothing" sewing machine for quilts. At the end of quilt strips I would always be off (ends not matching). So, I bought two used Pfaffs off EBay - they are the best machines I have ever had - I love them. I got a Pfaff 1475 and a Quilt Edition 7570 - both wonderful. The newer Pfaffs are now made in China, not Germany, so I prefer the older models. All the gals in my quilt friendship group have Pfaffs and would have nothing else. I would recommend going on EBay and seeing what is up for auction. I bought mine using the "Buy Now" method and paid around $600 for each machine. You just have to be patient.
06-12-2012, 06:20 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ.
Posts: 1,342
Well I am very happy with my Babylock Quilters Choice Plus and I cannot say enough about it. It has the built in walking foot, like several of the newer machines. Now this was a floor model, and it came with everything that you get with a new one, but a much lower price. All 15 of the feet were included, the extension table, etc. Most of the stores around here have a "Christmas in July" sale, and I bought it then. IF it were going new, I would lean towards the Juki's and I like the harp space, and the nifty foot pedal (it clips the thread for you) but what ever you choose make sure you have a dealer that will give you lessons, and will be there to help you with it.
06-12-2012, 06:45 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Posts: 443
I love my brother pc420 for general sewing or if I want the computerized features. That one was $420 on amazon. I also have a singer featherweight for piecing ($100 at garage sale. Usually can be found for about $200) and my grandmothers singer 15-91 for quilting (often under $100 in cabinet on Craigslist).
06-12-2012, 08:51 AM
#38
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,213
My Daughter has the Brother 1500 from All Brands With extra goodies and loves it. Freight free and was $600.00 with the extras. She can quilt a queen size quilt on it. I own 2 straight stitch machines and love them both, they are more money than $600.00. I would rather get a new machine than a used one. Just how I am.
06-12-2012, 09:35 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 580
Have to say I love, love, love my Singer 15-91! Straight stitch only, mine has reverse. I have pieced/quilted a king sized quilt on it. It does not have an auto-threader or thread cutter (which is really important to some) - but I don't mind. I find her relaxing to sew on, and I absolutely love how it feels when I FMQ on her.
I also have a Janome MC4800 (have had for about 8 years now). I use her occasionally, but prefer my Singer.
Additionally, I have a Singer 401 that I like as well. I have to replace a plug on her that I messed up, so haven't been able to use her for a bit.
Good luck in your search - lots of great ideas of what to look at here!
I also have a Janome MC4800 (have had for about 8 years now). I use her occasionally, but prefer my Singer.
Additionally, I have a Singer 401 that I like as well. I have to replace a plug on her that I messed up, so haven't been able to use her for a bit.
Good luck in your search - lots of great ideas of what to look at here!
06-12-2012, 09:44 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 786
The Artista 180 came out about 7-8 years ago if I remember correctly. They were $3000 new (without the embroidery module, $4000 with the embroidery module). I helped a friend buy a used one on Friday, at our local dealer.[/QUOTE]
Time flies when you love your machine Christine - I bought mine 12 years ago!!!!!
Generally good advice here - I think a used machine would be a great idea - I also agree that you need to play on a few machines, that will help you decide which functions you 'need' (!!) I love the needle down and speed control for the learner quilters I teach. A few decorative stitches can be fun and EVEN quilters sometimes want to put a few buttonholes in thier quilts!!!!!
Time flies when you love your machine Christine - I bought mine 12 years ago!!!!!
Generally good advice here - I think a used machine would be a great idea - I also agree that you need to play on a few machines, that will help you decide which functions you 'need' (!!) I love the needle down and speed control for the learner quilters I teach. A few decorative stitches can be fun and EVEN quilters sometimes want to put a few buttonholes in thier quilts!!!!!
Last edited by PurpleBecca; 06-12-2012 at 09:58 AM.
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