Kittywolf13

Not sure if there's a thread like this already but I just wanted some opinions and reviews and thought that it would be nice to have a general thread for folks to post and chat about their machines.

So hers my story. A friend of mine gifted me a Brother LS 1216 (or something close to that number). It's just a basic strait stitch, when I informed her I wanted to learn to sew. Ever since I owned it it has given me issue after issue with the bobbin. Won't feed the bobbin thread and more recently it spit the whole bobbin casing out at me after sewing up an entire project! So another friend took a look at it and said its probably to due with the tension. (I thought it might be a timing issue)

In the meanwhile she lent me her Brother XR6060. I had wanted a machine that could do a little more then a straight stitch. I'm trying to fix my mothers old touch and sew 758 for that reason but it's being a lot more difficult then expected. So today I set up the Brother and ran it through some test stitchs and Im kind of in love with the machine! It's so light compared to my other brother!

I just wanted to see if anyone else had any experience with this machine? (but feel free to post pics and reviews of your other machines too!

romanojg

Not with this machines but why not check others out. I know that Viking just came out with two new sewing machines that look great. Them coming out with these means that there will be alot of trade-ins at the stores so you could get a used one that comes with a warranty. I have a few Vikings and a Kenmore that was made by Janome and love them all. Vikings are great because you don't have to mess with their tensions all the time; especially the newer ones.

J Miller

Just realize that light weight machines will slide all over the table as you use them. An example is the 400 and 500 series Singers we have. They use a push button reverse and when you push the reverse you have to hold on to the machine at the same time or it will slide away from you as you push the button. Weight in machines is what makes them stay put as you are sewing with them.

Heavy machines are a pain to carry and move around, but when you set them up to sew they don't move around on you.
Also my biggest gripe about the modern machines (other than the plastic) is their lack of room under the arch. I like lots of room.

Other than that I have little experience with the newer machines and none at all with anything computerized.

Joe

nanna-up-north

I've seen several posts from you getting several machines..... all are different. I don't have any brother machines to answer your question but I do have vikings, singers and an elna. ... about 10 machines. And, I don't use all of them all the time. Some are better for some sewing than others. You will find some machines that you love and perhaps others that you don't love. We all have different 'favorite' machines for one reason or another. So, try out several before you decide which one you want to use for piecing, or quilting, or regular sewing. You'll probably settle on a couple with a back-up or two like the rest of us. Good luck finding the 'ONE'.

Tothill

You may want to check out the sewing machine reviews at www.patternreview.com You will find all sorts of machines reviewed there.

Kittywolf13

Well my brother LS is my first machine. It never worked properly. The touch & see has always been here... The W&G I fell in love with and brought home and the featherweight was purchased because they are light ( and so cute!) I don't really quilt but I'm going to be learning to do soon, but so far all my sewing has been mostly utilitarian and a bit of doll clothes.

So I just wanted a machine that would behave properly and could do some fun stitchs was a plus. I'm trying to fix my mothers touch and see for that purpose... But this one was super easy to use. It was nice. I'm still learning so I'm sure my needs might change but it's nice to have an all around multi purpose machine to take with me. ok this all a long winded responce to say I'm addicted. Haha!

Thank you for the link! I'll be sure to check it out!

lclang

Put a piece of that rubbery shelf liner under the machine and the traveling will stop. Light weight machines are great for classes and sewing afternoons with friends but don't let the aggravation of it moving around easy get your goat! I have a roll of that shelf liner and use it for foot pedals also. It also helps to put a couple of rubber doorstops under the back of the machine, which encourages it to "stick" better to the shelf liner and makes it easier to see what you are sewing. Shelf liner and door stops don't add much to your weight to carry your stuff with you. I hope this is helpful.

Kittywolf13

That's a good idea icelang! I will keep that in mind!

purplefiend

I wouldn't mess with trying to fix the Touch &Throw 758, they are a royal pain; the wind-in place bobbin winders tend to fail and there's no replacement parts for them.
Be nice to yourself and get a vintage Singer machine no newer than the 1960s that doesn't have plastic gears. The older Berninas no older than the early 1990s are great machines, I have had mine since 1992, also a 930(2), they're a bit heavy to tote; don't give attitude. There are other brands of vintage machines that are also very good, the old Elnas if not used in years can have a flat spot on the pulley that makes the machine not sew well.
The older machines are so much better than the plastic junk sold today.
I used to sell new Singers, they are total garbage. The new Vikings are better, the Emerald line of machines are great; especially the 116 & 118.
Sharon W

Kittywolf13

Purplefiend, if I remove the touch & sew can I put another singer in the cabinet? Like what do I need to know in regards to fit. I saw a pretty red eye for a great price but they didn't answer the phone and it was an old post so I assume it's already sold. but I'd like to keep the cabinet. (even though I'd like to keep the machine too. It's older then me. But mom really likes the cabinet and I guess has no attachment to the machine. )