other possible machines

For what it's worth... I did just buy this one from walmart in the last month (now putting on my flame retardant gear) and I absolutely love it... and let's face it... thier return policy if it's a lemon is so much more liberal than the local dealer who gives you 3 business days. ;-) And Jessica absolutely loves the customized purses and t-shirts... she wakes up first thing and yells "let's make a mickey!" lol.. I haven't even bought another card yet.

Sews like a dream, and has extra lift to the pressure foot so you can get an embroidery hoop in there which works to a quilter's advantage... and I love the thread clip... the only thing I wish it had was pressure foot adjustment.. it seems to do that on it's own?? I don't know... but I do like the machine...very much... and for the price... I can buy several and go thru several for what I paid for my last name brand machine. ;-)

Jan

CNYstitcher wrote in news:I9C_d.97596$ snipped-for-privacy@twister.nyroc.rr.com:

How can we argue if Jess is happy?

I think the biggest problem that the low end machines have is that they tend to lose tension. As long as you know what you are getting into it is your choice.

I'm not really environmentally crazy but I am trying to buy less disposable stuff. It seems so much that we buy is Chinese import stuff I really have tried to buy less. Just a whole 'nother angle.

Taria

Jan wrote:

I agree, less in landfills, but... I paid $$$$ for the last machine and it lasted 5 years before it was broken beyond repair... and it didn't do nearly as much as this machine... so, if that helps explain my change in tactics. ;-)

Jan

Taria wrote in news:9rC_d.11792$oa6.792@trnddc07:

ohmigawsh!! This has so many more functions than my Bernina that I paid 7x the price of this one. I don't even like my Bernina as much as I like my Athena 2000.

I would not trust ANY machine sold by Walmart as being deserving of someone who loves to sew. Have you checked out your local sewing machine stores to see if they have nice used machines at low prices? I bought this GREAT 30-stitch, 20- or 30-year-old New Home machine for $129.

Find a well-made machine from the 70s that is still in good condition, and don't get a computerized model. Then you will have a machine that will last you a looooong time.

I bought a Brother-----not from Walmart, and it is upscale a bit from theirs, but I found it to be the best value for not a lot of money.....I gave $400 for it and it sews up a storm!!

I disagree - my computerized Singer Athena 2000 was bought in 1976 and is still running smooth and does a wonderful job. I love it and I really put it to a test because I made all my children's clothing right down to their underwear on it. i made my own drapery and furniture covers on it. I quilted on it. I like my old Athena a lot more than I do the Bernina QE 151 that I paid way too much for. Don't discredit brand names just because it sits on a Wal-mart shelf either. Wal-mart carries some really nice stuff for a lot less $$. Go try it out. That's just my humble opinion ...

The mid-range Brothers are fine. Their low-end ones are "made by the cheapest bidder" machines. Ditto for Sears low-end machines, Singer machines, Bernette machines, Viking's low-end machines, etc.

Getting a noncomputerized machine is a safer bet than getting a computerized machine -- and if the electronics of a computerized machine break down 20 years from now you're sunk.

I didn't say that every mach> I disagree - my computerized Singer Athena 2000 was bought in 1976 and is

"Melinda Meahan

Just what is it that happens to sewing machines when the pass through the Walmart system?

Can you state specifics about the difference between a Brother sold at Walmart and the equivalent but much more expensive Brother sold across the street?

Not just genaralities but facts... specs and model numbers please.

I bought a Brother XL6562 for $150 at Walmart and am delighted with it. My wife's Singer broke its gears for the third time and we decided to have a look before getting it fixed again. She also loves the new one and has no interest in getting the Singer fixed.

Just what is going to happen to change our minds about this because it came from Walmart?

js

-- PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

For one thing, you do not get dealer support. If you buy from a dealer, you get lessons and other help. Walmarts record on warranty issues isn't so hot either.

You get what you pay for.

small change

However, those machines don't do embroidery designs.

Actually, the Athena isn't computerized. It was Singer's first "electronic" machine. It has a circuit board, not a computer, inside.

I have one, too, it sews like a dream. If you'd like to see my machine collection, check out my webshots album:

you make a good point.

i have never returned anything to wal-mart that they didn't give me an immediate refund & no sass or back talk either.

but Wal-mart does have ones that do!

But with WalMart, you take the product back and they either replace it or refund your money. They don't fix it, they don't teach you how to use it, but they do take it back for a full refund.

Some of the machines at WalMart are great and well priced. They are never the TOL machines, but if they do what you want, then you could do worse. The problem I see is that some buyers will outgrow the machine rather quickly. That's ok, too, but the low end machines don't give you many options for growth. However, if they have enough that "comes with" that may never be a problem for some buyers.

The embroidery news group and email lists are full of posters who have a low-end embroidery/sewing machine that was their "starter" machine.

Well i learn something new every day! i drew that conclusion based on my machine repairman who told me that because I had the first one made that the "mother board" was guaranteed for life or as long as I owned the machine. I reckon "mother board" doesn't only apply to computers. Thanks for the info.