good mechanical machine

Have you been to

They have a ton ofreviews on sewing machines, and they also have a message boardspecifically about sewing machines. In a nutshell, you will find that the folks over there recommend Janome and Kenmore in that price range, but there is a ton of good advice there.

A few months ago an elderly lady of very limited income in my apartment was looking for a basic machine. She just wanted to make a few little lap/baby quilts and do fun, busy work but she hadn't sewn for 50+ years. I found a

1950 straight stitch Singer (not in a cabinet) on Craig's List for her. My son, bless his soul, at my request, went to pick it up and refused to let her pay him. I'm going to take a moment to be a bit puffed up here, these little acts of kindness just make a mother proud. She loves it! Sews like a dream, she sews almost everyday now. I know this because she plays show and tell in the lobby when people gather to get their mail. She's made little quilts, pillowcase dresses for her great grand daughters, and recovered her sofa pillows. I showed her the mysterious workings of the button hole attachment that came with it and she's now working on a blouse for herself. Go Granny, GO!

Craig's List always has oodles of sewing machines (at least in my area) for sale. They are seldom over $200. You could pick up a good used machine and still be able to take it in for a good cleaning and tune up and stay well within your budget. It's just my personal opinion but just about any machine made from the mid 1960s or earlier is pretty good for a basic used machine and a better deal than a cheap newer piece of frustrating junk. But that's just my personal opinion ;)

Val

I'd second that! I've got a 1959 Singer slant 401 that I wouldn't trade for ANYTHING. It's older than I am, does what I want it to do, and it's a tank. It'll outlast me.

Monique in tX

OMG.....a Singer born in 1959 is older than you?? I have bathrobes older than you, I probably have leftovers hiding in the back of my fridge OLDER than you. *sobbing* These are the days when I hate that they reduced the alcohol content in Geritol. ~sigh~

Val

I feel your pain, Val! It really hits home doesn't it >g< . In message , Val writes

If you can find a Bernina 830 (old style) that is really a great mechanical machine that would be in that price range. A Singer 401 or 500 is a wonderful machine too. Taria

It hits home for me, too, Pat and Val -- the old folks' home, that is!

Good one, Sandy >gg< . In message , Sandy writes

You could probably find a 70-year-old Singer that would cost a lot less than that and do everything you want. Any Singer made before ca.

1960, they were built to last forever. Roberta >Any recommendations for a sewing machine in the $300-$400 range? I