I think I’ve outgrown my sewing machine. My parents bought it for me when I was in college (I think–or was it in high school, Mom?), and I’m very grateful to have it, but I just can’t quite do all the things on it that I want to. I will be honest and admit that half of that is probably my lack of skill. It’s like the idea that if you’re a good enough cook your cookware and equipment doesn’t matter. Regardless, I get these big ideas and I can’t really accomplish it all.
I always have a backlog of projects, but there is a certain one that has been sitting around for months and months… which is embarrassing because they are supposed to be gifts. Going through thick layers is one of the issues I’m facing with my machine, so even when I get it all working right (it has had an issue with tension and threading since day 1) I sometimes have problems. A couple weeks ago I sat down to work on it again, but the tension was all off. I rethreaded it and retested it about five times and it finally worked. Yay! So then I sewed a few stitches… and broke the needle. It took me a few days to even look at it again.
Well, I finally got at least one thing finished, which only opened the floodgate of things I’ve been wanting to make in my head. It also made me admit to myself, finally, that I think I probably should be thinking about getting another sewing machine. My two partially-finished quilts have been cast aside because I was so frustrated with how they were coming out. Again, that is partially due my lack of skill, but partially due to the machine, too. It wasn’t meant to quilt, and certainly not to do free motion terribly well. So the ideas I have in my mind simply can’t come out right. So the top pieced together nicely, because it’s a great machine for that sort of thing, but as soon as you start doing layers (which I can barely even fit between the base and the pressure foot sometimes) it’s not so smooth.
Enough whining. I’m writing this to ask if anyone has thoughts on sewing machines. I asked Erin about it and she wrote a great post about finding her machine, so I’m just wondering if anyone else has some advice for me. The trouble is that sewing machines get so expensive very quickly. Plus I don’t want a lot of extra embroidery stuff because that simply isn’t my style. But I want it to be nice enough that I can do what I want and it’ll last well. I guess mostly this question goes to Lesley, since I’m not sure if anyone else who ever reads our blog sews much. I guess I could have just asked her directly. 
But just in case I can happen upon someone else who likes to sew, it’s worth asking publicly. What do you use? Do you like it? Etc.
I probably won’t be getting a new machine any time soon, incidentally, because I do HAVE one that works well. I don’t mean to come off as ungrateful for it. But… it’s tempting to think about. Hehe. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a serger, too? Oh my, the possibilities are endless.
I got a new machine a year ago. I wasn’t in the market at all-even though my machine was broken and I knew it would cost more to fix than it was worth. I was waiting in a long cutting line at JoAnn’s and the lady in the machine section was having fun a t a machine so I decided to take a look. Apparently this time of year is when a lot of the manufacturer’s are getting ready to bring out the new models so they are clearing out the last years stock of models. They gave me a great deal on my trade in, more than it was worth, and I scored a great HusquaVarna/Viking brand new machine for 1/3 of the price. THe Husqua’s are super durable machines and last a long time. I know you aren’t looking immediately but if you can get a great deal it might be worth it. I’d call around to some local dealers and see what they can do.
Oh yeah-when I first told Jason about the deal he though I was being ridiculous but after thinking an hour or so on it he realized the wisdom in making that kind of purchase and let me do it.
Emily,
If it cushions the blow at all when you purchase the new one. We might be interested in purchasing the old one. Does that help?
Hey Emily! Looks like you have some great suggestions here, and an offer to buy your old machine… nice! There are so many great brands out there and so many options, but overall I guess I would suggest METAL. Yes, sounds strange, but of all the brands I’ve sewn with (Singer, Viking, Necchi are machines I know the most) the metal ones have the least problems. My Mom bought a floor model Necchi from a shop and then later gave it to me (thank goodness cause it was like a $500 machine) for 30-40% off retail. I was helping a friend find a machine and most quilting stores or vacuum/sewing machine repair shops will sell floor models or older models from time to time. You’ll get a far better machine that’s in perfect working order.
And I’ll also suggest that you first need to determine what you will be sewing. If it’s clothes and quilts and you don’t want/need any fancy stitches, go for a nicer, more basic machine. For example, my Necchi only has about six stitches, but it’s amazing. It can stitch through anything and I have had virtually no issues with tension in my stitches (the primary issue with less expensive machines) in my nearly 5 years using it. It also doesn’t have a drop-in bobbin or a self-threader, but those things aren’t important to me. But if your primary goal is to have myriads of options for fancy fancy stitches, you’ll probably need to spend more to get the same quality as a basic machine, or go for a less expensive model that has 50 stitches.
Just like your DSLR purchase, you’re going to have to fork out a bit more to get something you won’t outgrow, and feel free to shoot me an email once you’ve narrowed down a few models.
Emily, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been sewing with the same stubborn machine (Singer) since Adrian was a baby. It must be the reason I have all this patience. It skips and gives me problems on silky material. I have used it for upholstery and drapes and I guess abused it a bit and I really got my money’s worth but I think it’s time for a new one. I good heavy duty machine is an investment that you will have all your life (or just about). Get a good heavy duty one. Maybe even a commercial one. You won’t regret having spent a bit more money. Trust me. In fact think of all the money you’ll save by making everything yourself. It’s fun and better quality. Tell Adrian his mother said to get you a good one. (smile)
Emily-I know I’ve given way more than my 2 cents on this topic, but I wanted to ditto the floor model suggestion. Those machines are kept in great working order (practically new) and are quite a bit less expensive than a brand new machine.