pjl63

Hi everyone.

My girlfriend is an avid quilter and she's been using a rudimentary Brother mechanical sewing machine that was owned by her grandmother. She occasionally uses her mother's newer Singer Confidence Quilter machine and seems to like it much more.

We recently bought a house together and I want to buy her a new sewing machine as a housewarming present and a "thank you" for all the things she's done for me over the past year. I can't take her to the store and have her try different machines out because she would definitely yell at me for even considering buying her a new machine (even though I know she wants one…she’s the practical type). Through internet research, I’ve been considering a Singer Quantum or a Husqvarna/Viking Opal 650 (I would love to get her the H/V Sapphire with the sale going on this month, but it’s just out of my price range).

I'm completely ignorant about the realm of sewing, so any insight/advice, or other suggestions to consider, would be greatly appreciated.

NJ Quilter

Welcome. What a wonderful gift and gesture. I'm sure you'll get lots of folks here strongly suggesting you let your girlfriend pick the machine herself. Buying a sewing machine is much like buying a car...it's quite a personal decision really. There are many features on sewing machines that are very important to some that are totally irrelevant to others.

That said, out of the two you mention, I would go for the Viking. Singer's newer machine's don't have quite the same reputation that they did years ago. I have a slightly older version of the Sapphire and absolutely love it.

Is it possible that you could go with a higher-end used machine? Are you working with a dealer in your area? They frequently have used machines for sale as well. Even used machines - from a dealer - usually come with at least a limited warranty. Many are trade-ins and have been well serviced prior to sale.

Good luck and congrats on the new house.

ckcowl

If you have a dealer anywhere close to your home maybe you could pay them a visit. Find a couple that are in your price range, buy her a gift certificate so she could go in, try out the machines and choose the one she likes best. The dealers never ( or seldom unless having a big sale) have the prices on them. They would know which ones you were looking at and steer her toward them.
Another ( perk) to working with a dealer is " new owners classes" which are free and teach you how to use all the features of the machine, along with local service and trouble shooting. If that (local) is available you could choose a machine yourself but talk to them about her trading for something different if she likes something different when she goes in.
I would start at a dealership and explain the situation and talk about options, budget, services, ( my janome included 5 years of free cleanings)

meyert

What a thoughtful young man

I have only had Janome machines - but I love them. Not sure what your price range is, but I have a Memory Craft 6600P which is awesome - - but if I had the money I would buy one of their more higher end machines

I have bought 2 of the Janome Magnolia 7330. (so I have one to take to sewing groups and a spare). Its a great machine

https://smile.amazon.com/Janome-Magn...ds=janome+7330

I agree with NJ Quilter and ckcowl's suggestion of finding a local dealer. they are great for information and support

I have tried purchasing a used machine. It was a bust and I ended up throwing it away. I do believe if you had a reputable seller a used machine is a good option

Good luck!

pjl63

I haven't looked around much for independent dealers. The only interaction I've had thus far is the local JoAnn Fabrics, which is a H/V dealer. They also carry Singer, but not a lot in stock. The Quantum was attractive because of the included quilting board. I will take a look for other dealers, though.

Thank you for all the insight thus far.

Watson

The Singer s18 is the same machine at the Janome 6500, made for Singer by Janome, but sells at a lower price. You might look into it. I've had it for a year and worked it hard and been thrilled with it.
Be sure you can find one from a dealer in the area so that you have back up and can get lessons.

Watson

http://sewing-machine-ratings.com/si...inger-s18.html

DJ

What a wonderful gift! Personally, I always recommend something with an integrated feed (IDT in Pfaffs ... Bernina has something similar) for quilting. They are wonderful. DH bought me my first Pfaff years ago. It was a demo from the dealer. He bought it with the agreement that I could return/exchange it if I wanted something different. Perhaps you could work that out with a dealer.

Mitty

Do you think you could ask her what she likes better about her mom's machine, without her getting suspicious? It might be one feature hers doesn't have that she really likes, and then you could make sure the new one has it.

AliKat

I love my Pfaff's. A friend loves her Bernina. Another friend loves her Janome.
Puzzling.

My thought would be to forget about the time element. Gift a nice card. Include a card for what you want to get her (including a price limit, perhaps), and plan a nice fun trip to a place where she can actually try out the various machines and decide for herself.

To me my sewing machines are very personal. I have tried various machines within my price limit, listed what I want the machine to do, thought about how I relate to some machines, then choose what would fit me.

Hint: almost all sellers of machines tout about how many fancy stitches each machine does .... yet, I really don't use that many, and more than likely wouldn't pay for them.
Also used machines can be a good buy if they are serviced before buying. Many people trade-up to the next level of machine, so the used ones can be quite a bargain.

Yes, One of my machines also does embroidery but I have found I really don't enjoy embroidery by machine that much. I mostly make labels or decorate items like towels and such. Probably not a good investment considering how little I use it. However, I do use and love the sewing machine portion of the combo sewing & embroidery machine.

profannie

I think the most wonderful sewing machine a quilter can own in the Juki TL-98 (or newer version like 2000-2010). I have owned more expensive and sophisticated machine, but when I bought this one, it was like entering a new world. I never saw or read anywhere any quilter not loving it. It is a workhorse, non-computerized sewing machine (and a straight stitch only, so your wife would keep her older sewing machine for mending, zigzag and such). You don't need class, dealer or anything with this machine, it is easy to use and need no maintenance.
It may seem out of your price range, but if you look on Amazon, they often have warehouse deal for sewing machine with damaged box and such. For exemple, you could buy it for 629$ https://www.amazon.com/JUKI-TL-2000Q...ywords=juki+tl
If your wife doesn't like it, you could always send it back, but I assure you she won't