NWR: Know anything about sewing machines?

Brother and Singer are both good brands. But as for a used model, I would find one first on craigslist or something, then research the specific machine they are selling.

Ever heard of Riccar Sewing Machines?? Im looking on craigslist and that one came up... but i dont know anything about it... I guess here goes the research!

I have a singer and got a great deal at Joanne fabrics.

I figured I'd end up at joanns for some research & to talk to the ppl there... i'll probably take a trip there soon...

I haven't...and I can't find much about them online. A thing to look into before buying is replacement parts for the specific model--- if it's hard or expensive to get replacements, you might not want to deal with the hassle.

I think I'd stick with a brand I know though.

Yea thats good to know... I'll look into replacement parts. I think I'll stick with a singer, there usually pretty good / simple machines. and I've worked with them before so i know they are easy to work with. Thanks ladies!

Don't buy used! Sewing machines can have so many different complications and if you are not familiar with the make/model you will end up getting is serviced over and over!

Here's my suggestion... Buy from Joanne Fabrics using one of their 50% coupons and you will be able to buy new and maybe even save money!

Are you looking for a serger or just a regular machine? Try a Brother, they are very easy to use and there are so many video manual out there for this brand that you will be able to sew anything once you get used to the machine.

Good Luck! Sewing is so much fun

Here is a link for the coupon.

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/joann.com

Not looking for a serger yet... myabe down the road i will get one, but for now i just want a simple easy to use machine for soem light sewing.

Yep. I have a Morse from the 19050's which I LOVE. All metal gears, none of the plastic crap that all the machines today are made with. It really depends on what you want to spend. Check on ebay, I got mine from a guy that rebuilds the machines and sells them on ebay. I might be able to go through my history and find him, but it was 5-6 years ago. I've done a lot of sewing in my day, I used to be a sailmaker so I sewed on the real heavy duty machines, and others with 6 foot arms. Pfaff and Singer were the big ones that we used in the lofts. And at one of the lofts I worked at, the canvas guy had a Singer that was from the around the 1930's that was hands down the best machine in the loft.

Here is a brief synopsis of the Morse machines, and a link to buy a new one. I didn't know that the company was even still around!

http://www.sewingmachinereviewer.com/morse-sewing-machine.html

I think the decision to buy new or used depends on a few things. How serious do you think you are about sewing? How much money do you want to spend right now? A used machine will be good if you are not sure it's something you'll stick to. I started out looking for a used machine on craigs list but ended up ordering a sewing/embroidery machine. I have a brother and I love it. When I was researching the Singers just didn't get very good reviews. My mom always had Singers but I guess the quality has declined? Not sure but I did buy the Brother. Usually the coupons at Joann's are not good for sewing machines. Read the fine print before you get your hopes up. What I ended up doing was ordering mine from HSN. I found a coupon for first-time customers which saved me $75 and it also had flexpay so I didn't have to come out of $400 all at once. That's another option b/c they had several sewing machines as well as sewing/embroidery combo machines. I want a serger next.

I'd be very weary buying a used machine if it hasn't been rebuilt. Especially if it is your first machine and you don't know the problem areas to look for. You could easily buy a used machine and end up spending more after you take it in for a tune-up.

Thanks for all the advice & tips! I'll let you know how it comes out... I'll for sure ask the ppl at Joanns & see if they have any specials going... also, the 50% off mailers done usually for on machines, but the 40% ones sometimes do... thanks again!!

When I was searching on Craigs list I saw several listings for folks who got machines as gifts and didn't wnat them the machines were new still in the box or thought they would like sewing and the machines have only been used a few times. I certainly wouldn't recommend buying a 15-20 year old machine but one that's been barely used should be okay.

Ok I just tried on Joann's website. You cannot use the coupon codes on sewing machines.

Check this one out: http://sites.google.com/site/morseint/morse118

Shell, you might also try to find a non-chain sewing machine store. there is a quilting store in my area that sells sewing/quilting machines and they also have a pretty extensive offering of classes.

Shell - I will keep an eye out for the coupon that can be used for machines. I recently purchased a machine from them and was able to use a 50% off coupon. Another thing to remember is they will take competitors coupons as well.

I have a Whites, I think that may be a cheaper brand but I have put that thing through the wringer for years and it is a work horse. I also have a Huskvarna serger and bought both from Joanns refurbished. No problems here and at least I know where I can get advice on it or take it for servicing.