Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue quilting. I was not machine sewer prior to this quilting class and currently own a very very old very basic Singer sewing machine.

I am in need of a 'walking foot' and a 'darning foot' attachment for my machine and find that these will cost me over $75.

My dilemma is: do I purchase these feet, or do I get a different sewing machine? If a different machine - what kind do I need?

Any suggestions from others would be most appreciated! (I know I don't want to spend the life savings on a really high class machine, but I would be interested in something that would last me for a few years, be more up-to-date than my current machine, and perhaps have a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to operate bobbin, etc.)

Many thanks for any comments.

linda

Reply to
Linda F
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A "very very old very basic Singer" will probably do most of what you need as a beginner, but if it is a real pain to work with and you don't want to spend a lot take a look at some good second-hand machines. Over here in OZ I usually recommend that new sewers looking to upgrade without taking out a mortgage go see a reputable repair place and see if they have any "reconditioned" machines, as these will come with a warranty.

That advice is also based on my personal preference for a solid (ie heavy) machine that will not bounce around if I get a bit of speed up. I know those bright shiny new machines you can pick up with one finger are appealing, but I would rather have a good solid work horse that would keep on going year after year.

Buying a machine is a bit like buying a car - you will get a million opinions, but your decision will - and should - all come down to what you feel comfortable with.

My personal advice, with a caution that I do NOT do my own quilting anymore - try not to spend too much until you are sure you really want to get into quilting seriously, then buy the best quality basics you can afford and wait for the extras. If you need another machine, check into local reconditioned machines that will use generic feet and attachments (that means no Berninas, etc unless they come with everything). Prioritise your buying. I would get a "Little Foot" (NAYY - I just find them more versatile) instead of a generic 1/4" foot, and then a walking foot. The darning foot can wait a little while.

If you ask 12 quilters you will get 50 opinions. Good luck sorting through all the advice that is sure to follow lol

Reply to
Cats

I would tell you to find a local dealer and sew on some of their machines, including any used one's they may have. Don't sew on the high end machines, but just ones in your price range, or you may find yourself wishing for more than you really need. (Ask me how I know :)

I think most machines are probably pretty good so finding a dealer who treats you right is important, then pick the machine.

Reply to
Kiteflyer

My advise is to keep that old Singer! Check out the Yahoo Group Vintage Singers and find out what you have. Many of these old machines are highly desireable amongst quilters. You will pay much more than $75 for a newer machine.

Betty in WI

Reply to
Betty in Wi

Hey Linda:

The best machine to learn to make quilt tops is that old Singer you already own. I own one made in 1932. Yes it's heavy, I can't take it to quilting quild meetings or classes BUT it works extremely well when the other basic machines I have won't. I've owned that old war horse for over 30 years and won't part with it.

If you can find a walking foot for it I'd suggest buying it. A walking foot is an "accessory". It is not usually sold with a basic machine, only high end ones.

See if you can get into a class for beginners where you can get individual attention while learning machine quilting. Maybe they can teach you how to adjust the pressure on your presser foot and adjust the tension of the shuttle (bobbin) so you can successfully machine quilt in a straight line and not have to use a walking foot at all.

Kate T. South Mississippi

L> I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who

Reply to
Kate T.

It's a lot cheaper to just get the feet.

Only you can determine if a new sewing machine would be worth the fuss of getting a new machine.

-georg

Reply to
Georg

First off -- WELCOME to the wonderful world of quilting. Now, down to basics -- as everyone says -- KEEP YOUR MACHINE. The old machines are workhorses and are so easy to have repaired. Their innards are made of metal so they don't break down all the often. You can get a generic 'walking foot' from Clotilde (

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). I'm looking at the catalog as I write this and they show item #103745 for a Singer Slant machine and the foot is on sale for $14.98 -- regular price is #24.98. I'm not sure about the darning foot -- the one in the catalog is for a low shank machine and the sale price is $7.98 -- regularly $9.98. So, take a look at the generic feet available before you spend a ton of $$ on ones made specifically for your machine. If you buy generic and they don't work, send them back for a refund and then go out and buy the expensive ones specifically made for your machine. I used a generic walking foot for years on my old Brother machine and it is still used when I have quilting "parties" here at my house and let people use my older machines. My fancy-schmancy Janome came with it's own specialty feet and that's what I use all the time. Good luck and let us know what you decide on, OK? CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Reply to
Tia Mary

$75 for a walking foot and darning foot is a lot. Check out Chlotilde for servicable ones. Can you id your machine? Lots of photos on my old page:

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very old is a relative thing ; ) TAria

Kate T. wrote:

Reply to
Taria

Reply to
Taria

I can't add any better advice than you've already been given, Linda, but welcome to the group! :) For $75 (or less, if you shop around) you'll be getting what you need to make your old Singer a quilter's dream -- don't get rid of it! As Cheryl said, if your Singer just isn't doing what you need and isn't easily repairable, look into second-hand machines; anything inexpensive and new is likely to be so full of plastic that you'll have to replace it within a year or two -- even if you aren't awfully unhappy with its stitch quality and "cooperation" in the meantime.

Reply to
Sandy Foster

I have a little box of old Singer attachments, including a walking foot. They don't fit my Janome and I doubt I'll ever buy a Singer. (Caveat: they don't fit my friend's new, shiney and terribly expensive Singer with embroidery function). I would be really happy to pass them on to you for the cost of postage. Send me a private email and we can exchange details and get these on the way. I've refused to throw them away, refused to give them to a friend who "collects" and then resells on eBay, refused to give them to Goodwill. I would b e really glad to see them go to a good home with a beginning quilter who will put them to good use. And yes, do keep that old Singer. Take it and have it cleaned and tuned up. Keep it well oiled and dusted. And it will probably do almost everything you want for a long time. As I contemplate buying a new machine, I find myself wishing my mom had kept her old "Singer from the early '70s.

Sunny Washington State

L> I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who

Reply to
Sunny

Thank you to all of you for this info!!!! Sounds as if the consensus is 'KEEP THE SINGER" at least for a while and get a cheaper set of feet.

I'm working on that. I really look forward to learning from all you folks.

linda

Reply to
Linda F

I know just what you mean, Sunny! I bought an old Singer when I was in college -- it cost me about $35 at the time, and that thing just

*purred* as I sewed on it. Unfortunately, I didn't know then what I know now, so when doubleknits became popular and I needed a zigzag function to be able to sew on them, I traded my wonderful old Singer in on a brand-new White that turned out to be the devil in disguise. If I didn't hold my tongue just right and use the precise colorful language, it wouldn't sew at all. It almost turned me off of sewing altogether, except that I was too broke to give up!
Reply to
Sandy Foster

Welcome Linda! I second the advice to look into a used machine. Pfaff machines have a built-in top feed, no need for an extra foot. Hang on to your solid old Singer -those old ladies never die. I have 2 oldies and love them. It's nice to have an extra machine for a session of piecing when you have the other one set up for quilting. Roberta in D

"Linda F" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:pfe%g.206975$FQ1.168865@attbi_s71...

Reply to
Roberta Zollner

You all are making me wish I had kept my mother's old Brother from the late 40's now, it was heavy as lead and I could barely lift it when it was in the case. Shortly before she passed away I was cleaning house and had to move it and I looked at her and said, "I wish we had someplace else to store this thing, it breaks my back to move it." My mother informed me to ask Becky if she wanted it, that's one of my sisters and the one that did learn to sew quite well. Needless to say she jumped at it although I had bought her a new Singer in the late

70's early 80's she said that mother's machine was much better. She didn't even leave it at our house until I fussed for her to take it home. Every thing else she gets she leaves here forever. I have begged her to take Mother's Blue Willow dishes home but to no avail, they are still here. BTW, don't think I am crazy to give up Blue Willow, but I have my grandmother's set and I have another set of my mother's china, then I have my every day dishes and my china and a set of Magnolia stoneware, more dishes than anyone person needs.

Anyway you all have convinced me that I might just ask her if she is using the machine and if not go get it if she will let me.

Jacquel>I have a little box of old Singer attachments, including a walking

Reply to
Jacqueline quilter at mounta

What is it you dislike about the bobbin? Does thread snarl up in the bobbin area at times? That can be "cured" often by bringing the threads uptake lever all the way to the top when you stop sewing, and hanging on to the ends of the thread for the first few stitches when you start to sew (or starting and stopping on scrap fabric).

The other thing I urge you to do is to learn to clean and oil your machine, and do so regularly. Your machine will be happier and you'll be happier.

You can also look on the used parts market for darning and walking feet.

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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