sewing machine recommendations?

[StrawberryGirl]

Hellooo all you sewing ladies...

I need some advice on buying a sewing machine. For the longest time I've used my mother's professional sewing machine which I loved using. Now, it's time for me to get my own machine. I can't afford to buy a professional one and I want one with features like zig zag anyway. I want a good sturdy machine with the basic features. I'm kind of leary of the computerized ones; I don't think I'll ever use all the extra features that they have. What are you using? Which machines should I stay away from? And what's the price range?

[CraftyMommaOf2]

nak
it really depends on what you'll be doing...materials you'll use, how much you'll sew, stitches you want. Try to avoid a real cheap machine like brother ones. Best bet is to go to s vaccum repair shop and check out some of the used machines they have. Ask what broke, how old the machine was when it broke and if they know the general history. it'll give you an idea of what the diff machines can do. i have an older kenmore that i love. for a decent machine you'll prob spend at least 150-200...at least.
hth!

[ravingcutie]

Husqvarna Viking's midrange non-computerized sewing machines last forever! They have 20 some stitches. I used to sell the at a place that did repairs (not affiliated now) & those babies never broke. We only saw them for cleanings. They're almost completely high grade metal parts internally. You should expect 20+ years of sewing out of them, and they run well on all types of fabrics! They're about $300, but should have a 20 year parts warranty and a 5 year labor warranty on them. Buy from a dealer that does thier own repairs. Viking authorized repairmen are put through the paces & have to recertify every year.

Just my two cents.

[twirlgirl]

I second going to a sew vac place and checking out their trade ins. You can usually get a great price on a discontinued Elna, Bernina, Viking yada yada.
For myself, I'm a hardcore Bernina gal. I have the lower end computerized model. The last remaining model with the full size bed in that range. I got mine for 799 on a half price off sale.
I've had it now for going on 5 years and not a single problem with it at all...its a workhorse and has sewn hundreds of diapers, not to mention kids clothes, quilts and halloween costumes!

[StrawberryGirl]

Alrighty then, I'm off to check out the vacuum stores and the Husqvarna. Thanks!