RuthiesRetreat3

First good report on a Kenmore that I've seen on this site. I've had my Kenmore since the 70s and it has never been serviced (outside) or repaired, and it's still my favorite go-to machine. I think it was actually made by Brother for the Sears stores but at a fraction of the price of other Brothers.

meyert

I love my Janome 6600 and my Janome Magnolia 7330 I recommend them all of the time

SewingMunchkin

I really did love my kenmore, it served me well for a very long time. It was an utter pain to thread the bobbin but could handle multiple layers of fabric with no problem at all. I did attempt to get it repaired but the shops around me were not very knowledgeable about kenmore machines and my machine came back even slower then it went in so I retired her.

I am really looking for a machine under $800 and I am open to other suggestions. One of my biggest problems is finding a dealer in my area. The Pfaff machines were really drawing me in with their IDT option but the nearest dealer to me is an hour away so I have marked them off of my list. If I ever needed to get my machine repaired or if I drove all the way there and fell in love with a machine they didn't have in stock, I would have to drive an hour there and back every time I needed to visit the dealer.

There are a ton of husqavarna dealers inside of Joanns around me but since they are all inside of Joanns I am not sure that they will be open to negotiations on price/ extras?

There is a quilt shop semi close by that sells brother and babylock machines but I cannot find the prices for the babylock machines online to know if these would be in my price range.

There is also a Bernina dealer close by but again I cant find the prices for these machines to know if any of them would be in my price range.

I would prefer to buy new if possible just because I am terrified of buying used and having the machine break down on me.

selm

I have a Kenmore(computerized) that I got in the early 90's that I really like but about 5 years ago I tried a Babylock Espire and fell in love with the auto up-down feature and the auto thread cutter(sure saves on the thread mess). I still go back to the Kenmore though, especially for decorative stitches as I really am not impressed with the decorative stitches on the Babylock. Also my Kenmore handles really thick layers better. I was told at the time that the Kenmore was made by Janome(New Home). The Sears items, including appliances, rotate between manufacturers I think.

Lyncat

I’ve been reading about Eversewn and am considering buying one . They seem very nice.

SewingMunchkin

I have heard great things about the Eversewn machines but I hesitate to purchase one mainly because they are so affordable and a newer brand with not a lot of feedback. There is also not one I can test out anywhere near me and I really don’t want to end up with a machine that isn’t any better than what I already have.

SuziSew

I have a Viking Emerald 183 it looks more like the Opal than the new Emeralds. I got it about 6 years ago and it's been a good machine with few problems. One thing I don't like (don't know if it's the same for the Opal) is how the backstitch works. You don't just push and hold the button to sew in reverse, you push the button it takes a stitch or 2 then starts to back up, then you push the button again to go forward, and it takes a stitch or 2 before going forward.

I recently bought the Sparrow 30 and I'm really enjoying that. I like the thread cutter and it has a button and you can actually sew without the pedal. It's also a little lighter than my Viking for taking to classes. Down side, it doesn't come with a hard plastic cover but for the price difference I can get a rolling tote from JoAnn's at half price. I posted this in August and you will see other responses. I have a pretty new bird!

Hopefully you'll have an opportunity to sew on both before making your decision. Any by the way, welcome to the Quilt Board!

QuiltyReese

I have a Viking Tribute 140. I absolutely love it. The one thing I don't like is that it seems to have a hard time with bulky seams. Only an issue for me when I make bags so its not a huge deal. I use my daughters machine. A cheap brother machine with no bells and whistles but it can handle it. The thing I love about this one is it automatically puts the presser down for you. When you stop with the needle down it raises and I can pivot so easily. I do a lot of machine applique and its a time saver. I never have an issue with tension and I can wind bobbins right from the needle so I don't have to re-thread my machine.

SewingMunchkin

I was looking at the Pfaff Ambition essential for a while as well but read that it also had issues with the reverse stitch. I really hope that the Husqvarna doesn’t have an issue with this as well. I will have to test it at the store to make sure.

I do love the idea of being able to wind the bobbin without having to rethread QuiltyReese!

SewingMunchkin

How well does the sparrow 30 handle bulkier fabric?