Sewing Machine Advice Needed

[collamalleen]

I'm looking to buy a sewing machine. I was pretty sure that what I wanted was a used mechanical Bernina circa 1980. But, it sounds like used Bernina's are impossible to come by. I had been very sure that I wanted a mechanical machine, but I've had two dealers say that I should go electronic (partly because some of the electronic machines are

Comments

[collamalleen]

Yeah! Well, I'm not sure what I want to do with it, probably very basic sewing projects mostly using lightweight cotton and mending. I haven't done any sewing in years, but have a couple of small projects I want to try and I'd like to finally knit the pajama pants for my sister that I got the flannel for years ago (it's flannel Chinese take out print).

I'm not sure what my price range is exactly. Definitely not over $1000. But, I was thinking more in the up to $300 range. Alex thinks I should go with a very low end Brother and plan to upgrade if I find myself sewing.

I really like the mechanical because it's so straightforward. I can't really imagine pushing a button to move the needle. I also don't want to get bogged down with learning how to do simple things from the manual.

As far as what's important, I don't want something that feels chintzy. Other than that, I am looking pretty basic. I can't think of any stitches I would want other than straight, zigzag maybe, and a few stretch stitches. It sounds like a big point of contention with the Bernina 1008 is the multi-step button hole. I'm not sure how many button holes I'd be making though.

Thanks!

[wendyhouse]

okay, first off, even the electronics still let you do things manually if you want to. You can still turn the wheel to move the needle, and all that. (If the machine you're looking at *doesn't* have that, don't get it.) And you're a very bright person, and will have little difficulty doing all your basic sewing with very little manual-reference time.

Even your basic electronics these days have some fancy buttonholes and other nifty features. And let me tell you, as someone who used to plan outfits around avoiding buttonholes, those new one-step buttonholes with the huge plastic buttonhole foot may be the Best Thing Ever.

You could try reading through the reviews and articles here: http://sewing.patternreview.com/
Then maybe pick out a couple of contenders, and have us weigh in on those? There are so many out there now that it's kinda hard to make a recommendation out of the void. :)

[collamalleen]

So, I think I need to go to a Bernina dealer and try out some Bernettes and maybe the 1008 Bernina. Then, depending on how that goes based on your recommendations and what I've seen I'll look more into the Brother. Are there Brother dealers that you can go to and try out machines? I just can't picture Target with a decent demo area.

[wendyhouse]

looks like there are 4 Brother dealers in your area. go to http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/DealerLocator.aspx and give them a call?

But I purely love Berninas! Never used a Bernette, but I would assume they're good just based on relation.
oh, here's their dealer link: http://www.berninausa.com/dealer_locator/dealer_locator.jsp