Chrissy in Nisky

Hi everyone,
My name is Chrissy and I am from Niskayuna, NY (close to the state capitol of Albany).

I am brand new to quilting and have very little sewing knowledge. A friend is helping me make my first quilt, but I am using a sewing machine that is probably 35 years old. Even though I just had the machine serviced, I am still having major problems with the tension (bottom thread is loose no matter how I set the tension knob). My husband was going to get me a new machine (my Mother's Day gift) but he was overwhelmed when it came to the choices and now says I must pick out the machine I want. Price is an issue, but I want to get something that is goint to last. So my questions are:
1. If spending between $300-400, what do all of you recommend?
2. Can I even get a decent machine for this price? (I'd rather wait and save up more money if the answer is no)

And seperately from the sewing machine questions, what's the best piece of advice you have for a newbie like myself?

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Ducky

Unfortunately, my sewing machine desires tend to run much higher than the $300-400. That's not saying I can afford what I desire, but they are the ones I keep my eye out for. A while back I went into a Pfaff center to replace a 1/4" and while I was waiting I looked at some nice looking refurbished machines. Have you looked at any refurbished? It may be a way to go until you can get something different.... Good luck

sewjoyce

Hi and Welcome from southern Indiana!!

And I think Ducky has the right idea -- buy a refurbished machine from a reputable dealer. Go to the different shops, tell them how much you want to spend and then test drive all of them. And sometimes, you can find a really nice machine on ebay for little cost.

Best advice for a newbie quilter? Gee -- take as many classes as you can; watch the t.v. quilting shows (if you're lucky enough to have any in your area); and of course you can ask all kinds of questions here as well as get inspiration!

Ninnie

You can also go tho the tutorial section here and go through it!

quiltswithdogs

I bought my great Bernina in your price range. It's called a Bernette 65. Love it!

Welcome!

Jim's Gem

Welcome from Southern California. I found a great machine on e-bay but it is a little over your price range. You may find one there, but I recommend that you do go to a dealer close by and talk to them and see what used machines they have in their shop. It is wonderful to have someone close by who you can call or take you machine into when those occasional problems crop up. You will definately want a machine that you can lower, or cover the feed dogs, a 1/4" foot (may be purchase separately) an "open toe" or embroidery foot that you can use for free motion quilting. Have some fun and sit down and try out a couple of machines if you can.

Chele

Check the bobbin on your older machine. Is it in properly? When I started sewing, I missed that a few times. It made the tension funky. Once I got the bobbin seated correctly and "threaded" all was well. I would encourage you to use the machine you have during the learning process. In the meantime you can save up for a fancier machine and discover exactly what you need.

You're going to have fun no matter which route you take! Start clearing closets for your fabric stash! LOL!

quiltswithdogs

Chrissy, I forgot to say that while you are researching new machines, you might want to take your old one in for a clean-up then when you pick it up, ask for a free lesson about your bobbin and tension.

I did that and my crummy old machine worked great for a couple years.
Then wham, right in the middle of my first ever wedding quilt... it broke and was declared unfixable. 2 weeks later, I opened up my Christmas present from hubby and it was a brand new machine; my Bernina! He wisely went to a wonderful mom&pop place that sells and services sewing machines. I got a free lesson about all the features, although I only use a few. I can call them at their shop for advice and they seem to always have a booth at quilt shows.

That reminds me... look for a quilt show and go! There are often sewing machine places that have a special discount there!

Go get going and have fun!
Cathy

Stitching4Fun

I have had many many sewing machines and only one was over the $500 price range. Most of mine were the basic ones, and did not cost much at all. (some around the $100 range). And some of those were the best sewing machine.

I don't need all the bells and whistle on a machine. Most of the time on my quilt I just use my featherweight. I have a long arm so I don't need one for that stitching.

Get as much practice as you can.

Barb

molly4503

Hello and welcome from Maine! I am also a newbie so I know how you feel! I always post my questions on this board; the people are so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly it's amazing.

I also needed to get a newmachine and was in the same price range. I actually got a great deal on my machine. I bought the Baby Lock Grace. It is a great machine in my opinion. The good thing about buying from your LQS is that often times you can upgrade for a newer model, more expensive machine during the first year. So, you really don't have to wait to save up!

The dealer where I got my Baby Lock will let me trade up anytime within the first year and will credit me the full purchase price of my current machine towards the purchase of a hgher end one!

Also, ask for deals. LQS are looking for your business and you want to build a good relationship with them. They threw in the walking foot, darning foot, and 1/4"foot with guide and a Baby Lock sewing bag for free- value on the freebies was about 85.00 alone. I spent 299. on my machine with all the above!

There are deals to be had you just have to look for them! Good luck and let us know what you decide....