I'm helping my mum choose a new sewing machine, and have so far been impressed with the new Singer CR-500 series (500, 550, & 590). I need a machine that will be durable, last a number of years and handle the occasional.. okay, frequent, mending of horse blankets. (Our horses have a tendency to shred their blankets and sheets while playing.)
She managed to break her old machine mending them. The technician said something about a cracked bushing or some such. Suffice it to say the needle does not hold fast but rather wiggles all over the place and the tech said it would break for good very soon. I've got, and am quite happy with, her rather old Singer 242C.
Have any of you used the new singer CR-500 series? Does it seem like a good machine? Do you have any other recommendations for something that will handle clothes making, mending, and the occasional horse blanket?
Thanks in advance,
Elizabeth