New and in need of advice!
#31
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
Originally Posted by Chrissy in Nisky
Wow! Thank you all so much for your quick responses! My husband said the same thing about taking the machine back to be re-serviced; I know I should, but I feel like I'm causing trouble...
As for choosing a new machine, I'm probably not any less overwhelmed. The local JoAnn's has an independent Husqvarna-Viking dealer located inside of it, but I have not read many favorable reviews about the company's current entry level machines. There is also a local quilt shop that I haven't yet visited (my girldfriend who is teaching me warned me about all of the beautiful fabrics that i was going to fall in love w/and I thought maybe I shoud avoid it for a bit) but maybe I should head there too? Anybody have any thoughts?
As for choosing a new machine, I'm probably not any less overwhelmed. The local JoAnn's has an independent Husqvarna-Viking dealer located inside of it, but I have not read many favorable reviews about the company's current entry level machines. There is also a local quilt shop that I haven't yet visited (my girldfriend who is teaching me warned me about all of the beautiful fabrics that i was going to fall in love w/and I thought maybe I shoud avoid it for a bit) but maybe I should head there too? Anybody have any thoughts?
THEY are causing YOU trouble!!!!!
#32
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Niskayuna, NY
Posts: 30
You know, we went to Sears, and I was really disappointed. They had several machines, but not one was plugged in, there wasn't a sales associate around, or those who were didn't "work in that department". It was very clear to me that they had no desire to sell me a machine. On the other hand, the woman at JoAnn's who, granted, is running her own business, took 20 minutes to walk me through 3 different machines at varying price points, and ofers free classes on how to use them! I'm torn because I haven't seen any recent reviews on her machines, only ones from a few years ago, that weren't spectacular...
BTW, my old machine is a Kenmore 158.1212180. Anybodu know anything about them?
BTW, my old machine is a Kenmore 158.1212180. Anybodu know anything about them?
#33
When I go to Sears and no help to be found, I take a machine off display and plug it in. I bring fabric and thread with me. No one bothered me at all. Lazy clerks didn't care. Several clerks came over from appliances to watch and ask me questions.
#34
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Originally Posted by Chrissy in Nisky
You know, we went to Sears, and I was really disappointed.
There are a lot of reviews available on the web AND it is very important to test drive the machine. I spend a lot of time on research before I commit.
Have fun with it.
#36
Chrissy, Welcome to quilting and this board. This has been a wonderful place for me to get ideas, encouragement and inspiration. And often a good laugh when I need one.
I agree you should be able to go back to where the machine was serviced and have them fix it and show you some basics. I would wait to invest in a new machine until you have a couple projects under your belt. It is a big investment and you will have a better idea of what features that you want.
I still sew with a machine I won in a raffle in high school, over 30 years ago. I have only done straight line machine quilting patterns on it so far. I just invested in a Singer Featherweight (antique) sewing machine to take to classes. It is wonderful.
So you don't have to spend a lot of money on a machine to get into quilting. My 0.02.
I agree you should be able to go back to where the machine was serviced and have them fix it and show you some basics. I would wait to invest in a new machine until you have a couple projects under your belt. It is a big investment and you will have a better idea of what features that you want.
I still sew with a machine I won in a raffle in high school, over 30 years ago. I have only done straight line machine quilting patterns on it so far. I just invested in a Singer Featherweight (antique) sewing machine to take to classes. It is wonderful.
So you don't have to spend a lot of money on a machine to get into quilting. My 0.02.
#37
Super Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NE Pa.
Posts: 1,738
Go to your local quilt shops and check out themachines. Janome is a great machine and you can buy a very good one for under $500. It will serve you well. They are allmost trouble free. I have 3 of them and never had a problem. But get your machine (whatever you decide) from a dealer who will back up what they sell. Marge
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post