First I have do say that I don't really sew, not with a sewing machine. I don't need an expensive embroider machine, I do THAT by hand :)
What I MAY need is something to help me do hems when something needs re-doing for whatever reason, and to finish certain kinds of liturgical embroidery projects that would take WAY too long to do by hand, and yes, I do have problems doing a straight hem :)
One of my charge accounts is offering two sewing machine for low end prices, what I am trying to decide is if either of them are worth even the low end price.
One is a Shark Sewing Machine by Euro-Pro. It has 32 stitches, has a builtin buttonholer, converts to free-arm sewing and is a single needle machine for $179.95. Comes with needles, seam ripper, snap-on zig-zag foot, felt pads for spool pins, lint brush, zipper foot, buttonhold foot, bline hemming foot and a hard case.
The other is also made by Euro-Pro (Twin-needle Crat N'Sew Machine) for $259.95. This one has 42-stitch functions, also has a built-in buttonholer and comes with 11 creative feet (zipper, button hol, blind-hem, satin stitch, roll hem, button sewing, darning/embroidery, overlock, cording, quilting and gathering) and twin-needle capability. It comes with needles, seam ripper, quilting guide, darning plate and a hard case.
I have no real interest in doing machine embroidery or quilting, but I can see myself wanting to see what it is like (sorry, to me, handmade is more attractive to me than machine made, it is a subjective thing :) It seems to me that the second machine may be the better value, though I am quite sure that both machines are not really meant for the serious seamstress.
I look forward to hearing what the knowledgable people here think about the choices.
Catherine K.