New sewing machine for graduation!
05-09-2011, 08:27 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,972
Congratulations on your nursing degree!
I would only buy vintage machines since I'm into vintage.
Have fun shopping for your modern machine. If there is enough money left over for a cheap vintage machine that you can pick up from CLs then treat yourself to one, like a Singer 301. The cute 301s are cheaper than the Featherweights, you can take it to quilting classes, and when not in use it can sit on a bookcase to decorate your sewing area.
I would only buy vintage machines since I'm into vintage.
Have fun shopping for your modern machine. If there is enough money left over for a cheap vintage machine that you can pick up from CLs then treat yourself to one, like a Singer 301. The cute 301s are cheaper than the Featherweights, you can take it to quilting classes, and when not in use it can sit on a bookcase to decorate your sewing area.
05-09-2011, 08:32 AM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Well, I think it's HUGE overkill to spend $1,400 on a machine that will be used exclusively for piecing with no FMQing or embroidery. In that case, you just want a very reliable machine that makes a perfect stitch and have a few additional features such as:
needle down
variable needle position
variable stitch length and stitch width
standard decorative stitches (potentially for applique)
maybe auto cutter for thread
Many, many good quality sewing machines have these features for much less than $1,400 when you are not concerned about harp size (area under the arm that affects how much quilt can be stuffed in there when machine quilting). Maybe you can use the excess money for fabric?
needle down
variable needle position
variable stitch length and stitch width
standard decorative stitches (potentially for applique)
maybe auto cutter for thread
Many, many good quality sewing machines have these features for much less than $1,400 when you are not concerned about harp size (area under the arm that affects how much quilt can be stuffed in there when machine quilting). Maybe you can use the excess money for fabric?
05-09-2011, 08:33 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CA & NM
Posts: 1,120
Originally Posted by vintagemotif
Congratulations on your nursing degree!
I would only buy vintage machines since I'm into vintage.
Have fun shopping for your modern machine. If there is enough money left over for a cheap vintage machine that you can pick up from CLs then treat yourself to one, like a Singer 301. The cute 301s are cheaper than the Featherweights, you can take it to quilting classes, and when not in use it can sit on a bookcase to decorate your sewing area.
I would only buy vintage machines since I'm into vintage.
Have fun shopping for your modern machine. If there is enough money left over for a cheap vintage machine that you can pick up from CLs then treat yourself to one, like a Singer 301. The cute 301s are cheaper than the Featherweights, you can take it to quilting classes, and when not in use it can sit on a bookcase to decorate your sewing area.
Happy Quilting and let us know what you get.
Again Congratulations on your nursing degree! You go girl!
05-09-2011, 10:55 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I agree with the folks who said $1500 was too much for a machine that you are just going to piece with. I would get one with as large a harp as I could, even if you are not going to FMQ now, you might change your mind! It is so nice to have the extra room to work, then you'd have all that extra money for fabric!!!!!!
05-09-2011, 11:10 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
I would get a top of the line used Pfaff. Many of us are sure we'd never do FMQ, etc. but later we might feel differently. With a machine like this you will easily be able to as well as doing excellent piecing. But then I am a Pfaff lover!
05-09-2011, 11:34 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: north east
Posts: 8,394
Originally Posted by Prism99
Well, I think it's HUGE overkill to spend $1,400 on a machine that will be used exclusively for piecing with no FMQing or embroidery. In that case, you just want a very reliable machine that makes a perfect stitch and have a few additional features such as:
needle down
variable needle position
variable stitch length and stitch width
standard decorative stitches (potentially for applique)
maybe auto cutter for thread
Many, many good quality sewing machines have these features for much less than $1,400 when you are not concerned about harp size (area under the arm that affects how much quilt can be stuffed in there when machine quilting). Maybe you can use the excess money for fabric?
needle down
variable needle position
variable stitch length and stitch width
standard decorative stitches (potentially for applique)
maybe auto cutter for thread
Many, many good quality sewing machines have these features for much less than $1,400 when you are not concerned about harp size (area under the arm that affects how much quilt can be stuffed in there when machine quilting). Maybe you can use the excess money for fabric?
Needle up/down, a needle threader and a knee lift lever (for the presser foot) are my absolute musts on a sewing machine. I passed on a beautiful Bernina 150 because that model doesn't have a needle threader. Sorry, but these eyes just can't see to thread a needle anymore! :roll:
And although a new machine sounds wonderful, if you're not quite sure what you want in a machine, get a used one for now and put the money away until you decide what features you really "need" in a machine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
