KnittingPlatypus

Wow thank you all again. It seems like my wife and I will be going shopping. I would also like to say sorry to all of you, I am an only child so I can't play the role of match maker for one of you. I also noticed the other thread about getting a machine for christmas, but felt that I would post a new thread because I was thinking about a specific machine. Also the vintage appeal is there because both my wife and I enjoy the beauty classic pieces bring, her being a Art Historian/Librarian and myself working in the performing arts you can see where that came from.

And tisk to some of you! With a name like KnittingPlatypus do you think the best analogy is "Do you want your wife buying your guns or car"? But I jest, You have all been helpful, I'm not looking for a last min gift, or to buy something that doesn't fit her needs. I knew that new machines had all sorts of fancy stitches but I didn't realize the added abilities that you got from a machine that doesn't do just straight stitch.

*Also, I am really interested in knowing what the lasting machines are I read the one post about how she got a machine from Target that was nothing but problems. I don't want that, I'm sure my local sewing shop will have all sorts of great suggestions, but I always would like opinions from the seamstresses of the world!

miriam

here is a link to a lot of nice vintage machines and lots of comments:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t130994.html

Amythyst02

I agree with thimblebug, you should both go shopping for a machine for her. It really all depends on what she is planning to sew. Is she wanting to make quilts? or is she planning on sewing for you and her? Or is she planning to do both. There are so many questions that go into the purchase of a machine. Not only that, she needs to be able to test out the machines. So I suggest your local sewing machine merchant. Find one that you like, one that has good customer service and you enjoy going into their store. Also when purchasing from your local merchant they should offer lessons on the machine. This is very important with new machines, especially someone new to sewing as well. Also prices can vary so much, from just a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars or even more. But the most important thing of all is that she likes the machine. Make sure she tries out as many of them as possible. Good luck and your a very special hubby to be thinking of doing this for her.

sewbizgirl

I have a Featherweight (among other machines) and might not recommend it for someone's first and only machine. They are small and portable, which makes them great for taking to quilt classes for piecing, but they are not strong or fast. You also need some sewing machine experience to know if the machine needs cleaning, oiling or re-wiring, due to it's age.

I agree the best thing to do is go and look and talk to a local dealer where your wife could take a few classes with her new machine. It's good for a beginner to have that kind of help.

sewbizgirl

So... knitting platypus, what are you knitting? I am an avid knitter, too.

karenpatrick

I don't have an answer for you but I noticed that you are from Goshen, IN. Imagine my surprise. My son and family live in Goshen. I've been there many, many times. It's a lovely little town. Perhaps we've met at some time. My only thought about the sewing machine is, does your wife know how to sew? If not, some sewing lessons along with the machine might be in order.

clhr

I would have to agree with you on that one & to have her take a few lessons. I have kids that would not learn to sew until they were grown up & set in their ways & then wanted me to show them how to sew which added to many stressful disagreements. They thought it would be so easy. So another person other than family is best.

sash

Ok, here's my 2 cents worth. I have a featherweight and I love it, but don't use it that much. I have a Janome 6600 and a Janome 3050; love both machines. Now the 6600 is wayyyy more than my 3050. There's also a machine right up from the 3050; not sure which one. But either of these machines would be good. These are two things I would really love on any machine and that is the thread cutter and threader (the 3050 doesn't have the cutter). And a good reliable dealer is always nice. She might like a say on the matter too.

Grannyh67

take Her shopping and see what she might like. I have a featherweight and I do love it but I don't use it that much. It is more of a collector for me. Shop to gather and take notes, lol
...and that is about what they run around here in Arkansas- $250.00 or more sometimes

jitkaau

I would get a mid-range computerised machine which has easy button holes,variety of stitches and able to drop the feed dogs. It would be less frustrating for a beginner if she goes to classes and finds out that her machine will not do all of the necessary tasks. A straight stitcher is a very specialised machine.I have one and love it. However, i also have an ordinary machine as well.