Woman vs Machine

My dear little sewing machine is driving me bananas!  You know, when you're fighting with your machine the entire time you're sewing, it just takes the fun out of it.  It's loud, it shakes, and I just plain don't like it.  So I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade.

I'm feeling kind of bad though.  My sweet grandma bought this machine for me two Christmas' ago and I feel mean for getting rid of it.  But, I'm ready to move on to something a little more heavy duty, especially since I am sewing a lot more these days than in past years.  I actually wish I had her sewing machine instead.  Grandma has a Singer that she bought back in the early 70's from a store called Montgomery Ward.  (I'm surprised to find out that they are still in business...go figure) I'm in love with that machine!  The phrase "they just don't make them like they used to" comes to mind when I think about that machine.  It's the best!  It's actually quieter than my current machine.  The fabric seems to just glide through.  It's never given me any trouble.  I always find an excuse to use it whenever I go to visit.   You know, like my bag may mysteriously fall apart and I just have to make another right there on the spot.  *sigh* I wish I had that machine.  The only downside to it is that it's super heavy, seems like that thing weighs about 50lbs!

Well, my search for a new machine has begun.  I'm sure most of you know that buying a new sewing machine is no easy task.  I'm so torn between the different brands, features, and  prices.  It's a little overwhelming.  I've heard that Janome makes pretty good machines.  But then, I've always owned a Singer.   And do I buy one with all those really cool stitches  and the nifty computer?  So much to think about.  What type of machine do some of you use?  Any suggestions on brands to lean towards or brands to avoid?  Help! ^_^

Comments

[Wendy]

I have a Janome LE 4623 that I got for my birthday over 4 years ago and I love it! I then bought the quilting feet set to go with it. In fact a friend of mine ended choosing the exact some one after using mine also. The model is available online in a lot of places. It has like 25 stitches, but I don't even use most of them - I wish it had just a simple blanket stitch for applique, for example. The up or down needle position button is super convenient. The auto button hole maker is also great. It's got really easy controls for stitch length, width, tension, etc. also.

I've heard (from a Janome dealer) that Singers are not what they used to be. I was convinced I wanted one because I learned on a 70's Singer also. They said that now adays they are made with plastic innards and just don't hold up.

[MissMeshell]

I agree with Wendy's dealer that the NEW Singers aren't that fabulous (that was what my last machine was and it gave me so many troubles).

I ended up with a Husqvarna and I love her! A real workhorse, I blogged about her here if you're interested... =)

http://littlemissmeshell.typepad.com/meshells_little_corner_of/2007/02/meet_helga.html

[kayla_d]

I have one of those old workhorses (my mom's from the 70s) and my mother-in-law is always trying to sell me on her new Janome memory craft. She resisted the change to a computerized machine for a while, but is really happy with it. It's super quiet, and she says it can handle anything! I still love my heavy old thing, though.

[amy]

Delurking to comment. I have a Janome MemoryCraft 5700. I have had it for 4 years and I love it! I am somewhat a beginner sewer--working at honing my skills and this machine is not intimidating at all. It gives me many stitch options (including a blind hem stitch that I love) and a few embroidery options. It is a work horse and easy to use. It is a quiet machine as well. I was told by the person who helped me when I bought my machine that Janome is an excellent company with a good reputation. I asked her why out of all the machines in the store she showed me this one and her response is the reliability of the Janome and the easy of use of the machine. Last week I bought a Janome serger because I have been so pleased with my sewing machine. Good luck with your machine search. Happy sewing!

[LeeAnn]

I came scooting over here from justlikesew. I just made a major upgrade in machines. From on old Brother to a Pfaff 2038. I love the IDT feature which is just a small lever in the back to make your fabrics feed evenly though the feed dogs and the needle up/down feature. I made a list of all the things I like to make and would like to make and had the sales person find the best machine to suit my needs. I couldn't be happier.

[Rashida]

Thank you, ladies, for all of your advice. I'll keep you posted on which machine I choose!