Sewing Machine Advice?

[Mark@Sea]

Hi Ladies,

My wife has decided she wants a sewing machine. She knows nothing abou them, and believe it or not, neither do I. Anyway, can anyone give me some advice or real-world reviews?

[DWARREN123]

Our last couple have been Brother machines and seem to work well and lasted 7 years for the first (upgrade) and 6 for this one so far. Singer use to have a very good rep.

[Guest hustle]

I have a Kenmore that I absolutely love. It is really simple, and I haven't broken it yet. I just do simple sewing though. My mom is more into the embroidery and ornate stitching. She has a Brother that is way more high-tech that she loves.

[PackinMama]

Sorry Mark, I can't help you with that one! I don't even know how to operate a sewing machine......I sacrificed learning how to sew for learning how to shoot!!

[musicman]

Good trade, Mama!

My wife has a Singer she's never used, and my mom still uses a 40-50 year of Pfaff. No help here, I guess.... sorry!

[TGO David]

My wife owns a Kenmore. I bet she didn't know I even noticed that.

[saintsfanbrian]

Wow, all the men responding to Sewing Machines. What's next??

Seriously though, my wife has an old Singer portable that she uses.

[Guest db99wj]

Wow, all the men responding to Sewing Machines. What's next??

Seriously though, my wife has an old Singer portable that she uses.

And look you did too!

Oh, and my wife has a Singer, was my moms, has the wooden desk thing, probably 30-40 years old, it is Harvest gold, it gives me the heebbbeee jeeebbbeeees when it runs, I remember that sound from when I was a kid.

[Guest Grout]

Sewing machines are for sissy boys. I got pretty handy with a needle and thread while I was in the Army.Buttons,patches etc.Nowdays though if I need something hemmed or what not I take it to a shop.When I was a kid about 4 or so I was playing with my Grandmothers sewing machine.I ran the needle all the way through my finger.I don't trust them automatic things.

[enfield]

A sewing machine repairman would probably buy a 30 year old all-metal machine.

[musicman]

Yep. My mom got a $2,000 offer for that Pfaff I mentioned earlier!

[RASHGUNNER]

My wife swears by her Bernina. But she says if this is for casual use buy something cheaper.

[Guest Tracy]

I don't know if a machine has been selected by now, but...

I took a sewing class about 15 years ago and our instructor highly recommended Riccar and that's what I ended up buying. I haven't used it that much over the years, so no surprise that it works and is still in good shape - lol

I would visit an opinion forum such as: http://www.epinions.com/Sewing_Machines

to see what other consumers have to say.

I suppose it would be beneficial to know how complex her sewing projects will be to help figure out what features will be important - the fancier the machine, the pricier.