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Learning A New Craft, First Years, This Way Please! |
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 Jul 4 2006, 11:58 AM
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Sewing Goddess
Posts: 641
Joined: 10:17am December 19, 2005
Location: Craft Therapy
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Of course I have to give my two knuts on this one, as sewing is my specialty! 
If you're going to buy a new sewing machine, there are several things you want to think about. What do you want to use it for? Quilts, Clothing, Denim, crafts etc? Do you want embroidery stitches? How much do you want to spend? Sewing machines can run from very cheap (which I really don't recommend) to VERY expensive, which I wish I could afford! Most importantly, do some research before you buy. It's important to know what you want so you don't invest in a machine and realize it's not what you need when it's too late.
I highly recommend getting a machine from somewhere that offers an extended warranty or repair service on site. Sewing machines need maintenance. I get mine serviced yearly, and it makes a huge difference in performance. If you buy your sewing machine from a specialized shop, you are likely to get a free "how to use your machine" class. (something I wish I'd known when I got my first one!)
I absolutely agree with Josée about not buying your machine at a superstore like Wal-Mart. Be very wary of cheap sewing machines. Many of them have plastic parts inside and wear out quickly, something I didn't know when I got my first one (an inexpensive Brother machine). Once I really learned to sew, it lasted less than a year before I had to replace it. I actually tried to get it repaired and the guy at the repair shop told me about the plastic parts and that it couldn't be fixed. A "throw away" he called it.
I have a Kenmore now that I've had for about 8 years. Sears sewing machines are made by another major sewing machine manufacturer, Janome, I think, though not 100% sure on that. Anyway, because of Sears warranty service, I've kept an extended warranty on it, about $100 every three years, which enables me to get an $80 service every year for no cost and any repairs I might need for free. I'd really like to upgrade to a Bernina machine that is especially for quilting. Unfortunately, the one I want is very expensive and by necessity is pretty low on my list of priorities right now!
I hope all that helps! I had no idea what I was doing when I bought my first machine and did make the mistake of getting a cheap one. If you have a friend that sews, it wouldn't hurt to take her with you!
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