Buying a used sewing machine (US)

Dear all,

My friend is asking me about buying a sewing machine (she is in AL). She wants to spend no more than $200, which is not a lot. My first sewing machine was a $179 simplicity machine from walmart, and I did just fine on it, but the balance was an eternal struggle. Other then that, just fine, including very forgiving of weird and/or thick threads.

Now, I'd rather advise her to go for a quality brand used machine, but is that doable at $200?

If you tell me that it is, I'll email a LQS (local to her) that I visited at Christmas and ask for reputable local dealer.

Thanks, Hanne in DK

Reply to
Hanne in DK
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Hanne, Might very well be in AL. Certainly not in NJ. Here, machines at the service dealer range between $500 - $1000. It may be older than ideal but should be okay. Maybe get the reputable dealer name and have her look on Craigslist local to her with some guidelines/input as to brand/ age of machines as well. She may be able to find a real deal there and still have some $$ left over for a service if needed. There are a ton of vintage singers on our local CL here along with other brands periodically. I picked up a Brother serger for a song. Spent the $$ for service and classes and am still waaaay ahead of the game.

Kim in NJ

Reply to
AuntK

If she has a little patience, it's definitely possible. She might have Freecycle in her neighborhood, or other places to post that she's looking for a machine. There ARE people who want to get rid of them, oddly enough. My daughter bought a good used machine on Craigslist for

150, and she lives >Dear all,
Reply to
Roberta

Well, I just tried to join the Freecycle group for her area (a closed yahoo group), and the moderator rejected my application to join. Interesting for a Freecycle group?

I might ask her to try also, or just stick with Craigs List, and watch for a little bit.

Hanne in DK

Den 21-01-2012 11:21, Roberta skrev:

Reply to
Hanne in DK

Reply to
Roberta

Actually, they know where your comp is - my yahoo account is still registered not in DK ('cause I never changed it).

I was asked (when applying to join) my reason for joining, and I stated to help a friend locally. Oh well.

Hanne in DK

Den 21-01-2012 18:03, Roberta skrev:

Reply to
Hanne in DK

There's a lot of oops. I remember someone who lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA) trying to get tickets to the Olympics when they were being held in Atlanta GA. They were told they would have to apply through the foreign office. I suppose we should be glad things work as well as they do. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

LOL!

Hanne

Den 22-01-2012 06:10, Polly Esther skrev:

Reply to
Hanne in DK

On Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:37:46 -0600, Hanne in DK wrote (in article ):

It might be, depending on the dealer and the machine. But it would probably be a much older machine and without a lot of bells and whistles.

Maureen

Reply to
Maureen Wozniak

My suggestion is to look at thrift stores and even pawn shops. Speaking from experience, I just bought a barely used sewing/embroidery Viking machine that normally goes for well over $2000 for $400 at a pawn shop. It works great. I never even thought of going there, but a couple friends of mine found it and called me.

Lana

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Reply to
lroghair

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