I need advice about a sewing machine
I want to get back into sewing. Not that I did it alot before, but I did it a little, which is more than I do now. Problem is, I don’t have a sewing machine. So I need your advice, because I know some of you own your own machine and have opinions 
I don’t need anything crazy like what Martha uses or anything, just something I can make simple clothes with for the little kiddos that will one day rule my life. And maybe a few things for me too So, fire away ladies, what should I get?!
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My mom bought me a Kenmore (sorry, I don’t know the model #) a couple of years ago and its perfect for light sewing. I’ve gotten more into sewing lately and plan on doing lots of DIY wedding projects with it. My mom and I are actually sewing my wedding dress together. I love your blog!
I got this Kenmore from my parents for Christmas, and I love it so far! I’ve made several purses and I’m currently using it to make all of our table runners. It’s really easy to use and I haven’t had any problems yet!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02016231000P
i asked craft mom, her only advice:
buy from an actual store, that is reasonably close to your house.
your machine will break.
get a warranty.
moral of the story when the machine breaks/under waranty.. you take to the store & they fix it.
& my advice: start basic, you can always trade up later! (i.e. trade in the old machine & get $$ towards a newer one!)
My parents got me this little brother machine for Christmas:
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-25-Stitch-Free-Arm-Functions/dp/B000F7DPEQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1242269441&sr=8-3
I loooove it! So easy to use- and tons of features. Just promise when you get one you’ll share photos of your creations. k?
I’ve owned a 1965 Kenmore, a 1993 New Home and a 2002 Elna. All have rocked in their own special way. The New Home was a basic model, no frills and it was awesome and never broke. The Elna is a little sassier and has yet to break. However, I totally agree with Holly. Buy from a sewing machine store, get the warranty and take it to the same store for repairs.
i’m not sure what model # my mom has, but she owns one of the newer digital kenmore’s…she loves it. she spoiled the surprise and said she’s getting me one as a wedding gift, and she wanted to get me a viking (she says the swede’s make the best ones), but they are a little steep in pricing, sooo…i don’t know what she’s got up her sleeve, but i think she may be giving me a kenmore. there are so many good ones out there…it’s hard to name just one. my friend has 2 vintage singers that she absolutely adores…and she’s crafty like nobodies business. i don’t think i helped solve your dilemma…at all. haha. good luck! keep us posted
My fiance bought me a lower-end Kenmore for my birthday with the idea that I’m a beginner and still trying out this sewing thing — if I start using it more heavily and find that I need more bells & whistles, then hey, it cost less than a hundred dollars, so it’s no big deal to upgrade! I’ve been slacking on the sewing lately so I think that this was a very smart thing to do. (Oh, and as for the sewing machine itself, so far it’s been great for what I need it to do — tote bags and such. I’m all for Kenmore though because both my mom and future mother in law have had theirs for 30+ years).
After reading lots of reviews on “starter” and inexpensive machines, I bought target.com’s Hello Kitty machine…. I get made fun of for it, but it’s been the easiest machine to teach myself on, and do all kinds of simple projects. I eneded up finding it on ebay for about $60. Worth every penny! Good Luck!
I have a Husqvarna Viking that I inherited from my grandmother, and I LOVE it. Get a solid machine — metal parts, not plastic. You will want a variety of feet and stitches, which most basic machines should have. For now you can skip things like embroidery, unless of course you feel like you’ll really want to do that! When you’re shopping around, go to http://www.patternreview.com and check their sewing machine review section — it’s very helpful!
I bought a Brother machine a few years back from Target. I think it was $150-200. It works fantastic and is easy to use.
Thank you so much for asking this question! I’m in the same boat as you; my grandpa gave me some money at our wedding to use specifically for a sewing machine. I’m thinking about buying from Costco since you can always return it if you are unsatisfied. I can’t wait to hear about (and see) your progress!
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