Suzanne115 Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Hi - I want to purchase a simple sewing machine for my daughter and myself. We want to start making doll clothes for her American Girl dolls. I have very limited experience with sewing on a machine. I have made simple hand puppets and a few very simple costumes. My skills are very limited, but I think we would have fun trying together. What sewing machine would you recommend? I had a Bernette by Bernina, but it was destroyed in a recent house fire. The insurance money allocated for me to use is a little over $400.00. It is part of our replacement policy so it is use it or lose it. I would want to spend $500.00 or less. Thank you, Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 Anyone ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I love to sing the praises of my Kenmore, but no one else ever agrees with me, so take that for what it's worth. I think the Kenmore was under $300 and has served me for many quilts, items of clothing, and mending for about 10 years and still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 There are multiple threads discussing this topic. Do a search. Suggestions vary. Do you have a sewing machine shop near you? They often carry used machines that are awesome. My personal sewing machine is probably 30 years old now. I bought it used and I have had it for over 25 years. It's a Pfaff. I love it. My DD has a Kenmore that's less than 5 years old. It does really well for her level (Beginner) level of sewing. I have borrowed it when mine was in the shop and it does a pretty good job. There is a Bernina at Costco right now that is getting pretty good reviews too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathermomster Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Take a look at Janomes. I own a Pfaff 6122 and a Janome MC3000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 Thank you for the response so far. They are so helpful. I will also do a search and read past threads. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 I have a beginner level Janome (Janome Magnolia 7318 is the model number), which was about $250 or so, then add a bit for extra feet, bobbins, etc. Would you be able to use the insurance money to get the sewing machine + accessories like that? Or only the machine itself? If you have a quilt shop or sewing machine shop, I'd buy there vs. a big box store, because the purchase will come with an introductory lesson on the machine, which is very helpful. Like you, I'd never really used a machine before but wanted to learn; this machine has been fantastic (and I'm sure other Janome's are as well) as it is very basic yet very sturdy and user-friendly. There are markings on it for which way to thread the needle (where to run the thread from spool holder to needle), how to insert the bobbin, etc. For $400 you can probably get a machine that's a step up from the one I have. But do contact a local shop; the shop I bought from was fantastic in helping me pick out what I needed and really guided me to the right machine for what I'd be doing, in my price range, etc. Best of luck! I know you'll have fun when you get the machine and get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 My daughter has a Babylock Maria. We love that thing. It is durable, easy to use, has an automatic button hole maker....just last night, she was making a custom outfit for Tonner dolls. A friend's mom paid her $40 to design Dr.Who costumes for her daughter's Christmas dolls. Not a bad business for a 14 year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 Thank you so much for the responses. They are so helpful. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janie_ranae Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 I would second the option of checking a sewing machine store vs. a department store. The sewing machines already listed are wonderful brand names. I bought an old used Bernina 830 which has metal inside instead of plastic. It works great but doesn't have a lot of fancy options. I too have been looking for sewing machines for my daughter (not this year, but possibly in a year or two) and I've wondered if getting one with a slow and normal speed option would be beneficial... So many variables - have fun deciding :) I would love to hear what you decide to purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 The Brother machines are very nice, especially those in the 350+ dollar realm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne115 Posted December 17, 2012 Author Share Posted December 17, 2012 Thank you so much for all the suggestions! I decided upon a Janome DC 2012. My daughter and I made our first doll outfit this weekend. It was a lot of fun. Thanks again, Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janie_ranae Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Neat! That looks like a great machine with a lot of options!! Thanks for sharing which machine you purchased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janie_ranae Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Sorry, dp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 The Brother machines are very nice, especially those in the 350+ dollar realm. I am a big fan of Brother. I have a high end quilting machine, but even the lesser expensive models have a very reliable computer component. Brother doesn't make a bad machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 for that price, i would get the brother SE400 or LB6800. they are identical, but one is marketed as project runway. excellent machine!!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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