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This one has good reviews, and I believe has a good rep for a versatile machine. It would do many things, and it is computerized. I would not buy a Singer. Other brands that are generally OK would be Babylock (made by Brother) or Juki.
Top of the line would be Bernina. Sometimes you can find used Berninas on ebay.
2 main paths, either get to a sewing machine dealer/repair shop and buy what They have and can repair/service ~ this is the better (though ever so slightly more expensive) of the options. You'll probably go home with a previously used, but perfectly functional machine and when you want more than what it can do, you'll trade it back into that dealer and buy something else.
OR, you buy the cheapest you can with good reviews. I'm using a $70 Brother that's no longer sold. Does everything you need to get well into intermediate and advanced clothing projects, but is a little clunky (only realized that after taking a few classes on nicer machines).
You could try the used, private party (craigslist, thrift store, garage sale), but some machines have nightmare problems, or need more in service work than a good basic new machine costs. I tried that once (freebie), spent about 10~12 hours troubleshooting why I couldn't get a simple stitch, finally learned that it was well know problem prone machine.
Location: The Circle City. Sometimes NE of Bagdad.
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Originally Posted by Brian_M
Not opening that link.
2 main paths, either get to a sewing machine dealer/repair shop and buy what They have and can repair/service ~ this is the better (though ever so slightly more expensive) of the options. You'll probably go home with a previously used, but perfectly functional machine and when you want more than what it can do, you'll trade it back into that dealer and buy something else.
OR, you buy the cheapest you can with good reviews. I'm using a $70 Brother that's no longer sold. Does everything you need to get well into intermediate and advanced clothing projects, but is a little clunky (only realized that after taking a few classes on nicer machines).
You could try the used, private party (craigslist, thrift store, garage sale), but some machines have nightmare problems, or need more in service work than a good basic new machine costs. I tried that once (freebie), spent about 10~12 hours troubleshooting why I couldn't get a simple stitch, finally learned that it was well know problem prone machine.
2 main paths, either get to a sewing machine dealer/repair shop and buy what They have and can repair/service ~ this is the better (though ever so slightly more expensive) of the options. You'll probably go home with a previously used, but perfectly functional machine and when you want more than what it can do, you'll trade it back into that dealer and buy something else.
OR, you buy the cheapest you can with good reviews. I'm using a $70 Brother that's no longer sold. Does everything you need to get well into intermediate and advanced clothing projects, but is a little clunky (only realized that after taking a few classes on nicer machines).
You could try the used, private party (craigslist, thrift store, garage sale), but some machines have nightmare problems, or need more in service work than a good basic new machine costs. I tried that once (freebie), spent about 10~12 hours troubleshooting why I couldn't get a simple stitch, finally learned that it was well know problem prone machine.
This is great advice! Thanks! I wonder how I can find a good sewing machine dealer/repair shop in NYC area. or maybe you have recommendations for online dealers?
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