Quilter 53

I was in Costco the other day and saw they had a Brother sewing machine model XR 3140. I've been thinking of getting another machine because the Husqvarna I have now refuses to do a buttonhole (it's been to the shop twice, $100. a trip, works for about a dozen buttonholes and then reverts back to crap). This wouldn't be my only machine as I have another Brother that I love to use for quilting, a Singer 99 for the heavy duty stuff, and an Imagine serger. I not only quilt but do costumes, and buttonholes are necessary.
My question is that when I went to look for reviews, I found nothing. Even tried the Brother website and they don't even have a picture or any specifications. So I assume this is so new that there are no customer/owners out there yet. Do the manufacturers make a series of machines just for the big box stores? Do I really want to be the first person out there to take a chance? For $190. it's not that big of an investment, but I could use that money for something else for sure! Of course it's Costco, so there was no display model plugged in to check it out.
Any body out there own one and can give me a review? Anxiously awaiting everyone's thoughts.
Thanks!
Karen

crafty pat

I have the SQ9000 from Walmart and have had it for about five years. It is still running perfect and I love it.

yngldy

Costco takes anything back, anytime, no questions (or so they say). Have heard that people buy a BBQ at first of summer and return at end, dirty! Ask, at least you could try it at home under all your conditions.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with yngldy. I would get it a test drive. I use to in the 80s have my buttonholes professional done. Never could get the hand of it.

dunster

Since it's Costco, and returning the machine is easy if it doesn't do what you want, I would go ahead and try it. Brother has a good reputation. But I think I would first call Brother and ask for more details on the machine. Ask them about the machine's ability to produce lots of good buttonholes. They should be able to tell you if it's a strength of their machine, or just a feature.

Girlfriend

I have that machine, I bought it from Costco last year, which means, if they have it now, it's a re-order, and Costco doesn't do re-orders unless it sells very well the last time.

I use it to fly on airplanes when going to quilt retreats. I took it to Staples and found a rolling bag that fits it perfectly. I have to say, it's a workhorse. It sews the same as my (expensive) home machine, Symphony. I highly recommend this machine. Having said that, I don't sew button holes.....

You can ALWAYS return it to Costco if you don't like the buttonholes.

Quilter 53

Thanks everyone! I have to drive back into Anchorage next week, so think I'll make a trip to Costco. I'll keep you posted.

Aliciajim

I actually bought that same machine. I'm going to open it today and see what it's all about. The closest thing I could find to reviews was http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR1355...rds=brother+xr

^In the reviews, someone had purchased that machine from Costco back in 2013

Veggielady

Did you like the sewing machine? I was also thinking of buying it.

Snooze2978

Thanks to all the basically good reviews on this machine. I found it on sale online at Costco and ordered it for a backup and to sew binding onto my quilts while its sitting on the cutting table. This gives me more room to manuvuer the quilt. Should get it on Tuesday so keep your fingers crossed that it works as folks say.