Looks like buying smart might not have anything to do with old or new in this case. Anything bought around here for
5K better keep interest a good while! Older machines can be a great value. It is amazing how often you will see a famous quilter in a magazine photo with her (or his) little old Singer Featherweight. More than once I have read it is their only or main machine. FW's haven't been made in something like
40 years. Quite a few other older model mach>
Howdy! Well, you made the choice to spend that money on that machine at that dealer.
Our local sewing machine dealer does offer the same support it has always offered, the shop is very user-friendly, and there is GREAT service AFTER the sale.
Good customer support and service does exist. Arlington Sewing Machine proves it. They support our quilt guild, and we support them. (A couple of years ago I manned their booth during a lunch break and sold stuff I didn't know anything about. )
Ragmop/Sandy--who by choice, because I have many choices in this area, does not shop at WalMart
Just bottom of the range and built down to a price rather than up to a standard. Most brands have machines like this, but some are worse than others for reliability. Not somewhere you'd buy a machine if you wanted regular expert sewing advice, good servicing, or a machine that will withstand 10 or 12 stitching hours per day for 10 or more years. If what you want is a light weight cheap and cheerful machine for occasional light to medium weight projects (like skirts and trousers, but not Cordura spray decks for canoes, heavy decor fabrics, tough costuming, or hours of stipple quilting on a queen size effort), then fine - you get what you pay for.
I was looking at some of the new mid range Brothers today: nice looking machines, lovely features, and their service and reliability record is improving, just like the newer Singers. BUT they were not for me. I just would not dare put 24 six or 8 foot long velvet panels through one in a week, or 16 bridesmaid outfits in a month, or some of the other stuff I end up doing. They would be just fine for someone like my mum, putting an occasional blouse or skirt through, once or twice a month. She'd get 10 years out of it easily. I'd kill it in as many weeks.
I will always say: if you want tough and have a limited budget, go for a GOOD make, and try for a used machine. Old fashioned metal machines with a smaller range of stitches may be your best bet. For a wider range of stitches, things like keyhole buttonholes, and other fancy stuff, be prepared to pay if you also want quality and reliability. You can pick up good bargains on eBay and in pile-'em-high emporia, but have to accept that if it DOES go wrong, you'll need to send it away, and may not get the guarantee you get with things bought in regular shops.
Wouldn't we all love to have Ron Anderson within driving distance? Sure, anyone would love to have a good dealer who gives support and lessons, but we're just not all that lucky in many parts of the world/country. It's big box stores like WalMart that have contributed to this because the little shops have a hard time competing. Among those that do, not all of them are cut out to deal with the public.
I think it's wonderful when someone can buy a TOL machine. It's also great when someone gets a fine vintage machine. I love them all! Oh, come to think of it, I have them all. Not all the machines there are, but many vintage machines and a TOL or two. Not to mention that some of the vintage machines started out in life as TOL.
Now, it's after St. Patrick's Day, but I want to share the bestest joke I've heard. What's green, Irish, and sits in the back yard?
Funny walmart story. The neighbor gal at the desert house works at the WM distrubution center. She is some sort of manager. One of the neighbor kids happened to ask her if she works at WM. She snapped at him "I've worked there a long time and make a lot of money". The kid says gee I just was asking because mom was interested in a job. I guess wm shoppers and workers tend to be a little touchy!
When I bought my TOL Bernina years ago I learned so much from the classes. There are things about the machine that I never would have used without all the tips and hints. The service was wonderful. (that was La Mesa Sew and Vac in SD area) There are still a lot of small shops that really can use our support when possible. Taria
Howdy! Are the only choices "top of the line" or "vintage"?
One thing that keeps me loyal to the local s.m. shop was the service I got when I first walked in; the (then) owner asked what I was looking for, "how much machine", how I planned to use it (piecing quilt tops, mostly), what price range, and then introduced several options. I got just what I wanted, no hard-sell, no pressure, just great info w/ a great attitude, at a price that worked for me. This little Janome ($$$) just fits me. Fits in w/ the 1917 Singer treadle, and the 1952 Singer electric, too. I do try to shop locally (altho' that will change a bit when the newest ball stadium boondoggle tax goes thru'), preferring to keep the independent shops open if I can help. Because I have that choice.
Joanne, what's your connection to Bernard Schopen?
:-) Yup... I went to the local dealers first, and they were not willing to work with me. Then shopped on line... and honestly am very happy with what I got.
I do still have my treadle and a 20+ year old singer that is mechanical... but for piecing... I wanted needle up and needle down... and was very specific in my price range. :-) And I think it sews better than my janome ever thought about... but I got a lemon with the janome and I knew it and the dealer here didn't want to work with it.... so I guess if you have a great dealer, consider yourself blessed. :-)
Jan
" Ellison" wrote in news:QI0%d.404$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com:
I know! I live in a very rural area and the local dealer seemed so great while I was debating about buying from them. The dealer in the city closest to me that I have dealt with is wonderful. I can't say enough good things about them. I have steered business their way from guild members who are looking at Vikings. I have made the effort to drive the 200 miles to some of their promotional events.
It is times like that (and only times like that!) that makes me wish we had stayed in the city.
That's too bad. You can get perfectly good used cars at the same car dealers who sell used cars -- they won't carry lemons -- and you can get perfectly good used sewing machines at the dealers who appreciate them and who actually try to steer people to them rather than suggest they buy a POJ (piece of junk) new machine for the same price. I have a gem that I spent $129 for just a few years back. I told the dealer what I was interested in and if they had one come in I would want it, and it has been a wonderful machine.
at least a new sewing machine doesn't depreciate quite as fast as a new car, which looses value the moment you drive it off the lot. I'm a big fan of 2-3 years old when it comes to cars, let someone else take the financial hit of depreciation.
Throwing in my 2cents: An expensive machine is not a prerequisite to being a good/prolific sewer. If you can afford it, though, why not? It's a nice luxury. Used machines, my fav subject. Last purchase, thrift shop: an older Singer, Athena 2010, electronic model. Cost: $25.50. Beautiful, absolutely fabulous performance. Stitch formation is perfect, none of the slightly off-kilter straight stitches one sometimes sees with a ziz-zag machine. Nice range of built-in stitches, in-place threading, extremely long basting stitch. Moter growls in a most pleasing manner, machine handles a wide range of fabrics/weights/thicknesses. I'm lovin' it. Works well in tandem with the three-thread Singer serger which I bought at a yard sale for $4.00. Cleaned and refurbished both machines meself. < snaps suspenders in a self-congratulatory manner.>
Am currently reading a book titled, "Brain Surgery At Home", sub-title: "Yes! You Can! The Idiot's Guide To Low-Cost Medical Treatment!" Cea
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.