I am in love. OK, well, maybe not in love. But definitely enjoying my new
SEWING MACHINE!!!
If you didn't already know, I love to sew and I keep finding more and more thing to sew! I frequently am sewing Audrey dresses, nursing covers (for me, friends, and for purchase *hint hint*), burp cloths (also for purchase), and now diaper covers.
I was using my wonderful but well used Kenmore that I purchased when I was 12 from an aunt for a whopping $75. I started really sewing last year, when I found myself alone, pregnant, and bored in a new house. Because I am just starting out in what I hope is a very long sewing career I wanted to get a fresh new machine to break in.
And so I began researching. Here's what I found via the Internet, other people, and various sewing forums.
Kenmore: no longer manufactured in the US; though having a 25 year warranty Kenmore is difficult to work with when something goes wrong; they just don't make them like they used to.
Singer: STAY AWAY! Their machines haven't been up to snuff in quite a few years. If you can find an old all-metal machine that can be fixed to working condition then great, otherwise look somewhere else; minimal warranty. Not very expensive, but it's not going to last you very long.
Brother: Ok. Not great. I had a few people recommend them. Very cheap (@ Walmart <$100). The employees at most sew/vac repair shops shudder at Brother machines. One man told me he usually gets a Brother to fix after the owner had it for 3 months.
BabyLock: I've yet to find a bad review. Been around for 40 years. 25 year warranty. I had a friend (and her mom) recommend this machine to me and both of them are avid sewers. On the higher price range. The few complaints I have (and this is simply because I am used to my old machine) is there's not a drop-in bobbin (it's a hidden bobbin) and that the front panel (where you store odds and ends) doesn't rotate open, rather you have to take it off each time and slide the stuff out of the hole. Not deal-breakers, though.
My needs for a sewing machine:
Multiple types of stitches
mostly metal (to last longer)
a great warranty
simple (NOT computerized, more things to break)
around $200
Result:
Babylock Maria A-Line series!
23 stitches
mostly metal
25 year warranty
not computerized
$500 (!!!!!)
The price was a really big deal... and the Lord provided! I was able to trade in my Kenmore and buy the Maria for $250!!! Amazing! I am so blessed!
Yippee! Just wanted to share my excitement and findings ;)
I want to give a shout out to my amazing hubby who provided for me so I could get my machine!! Thank you, Michael!
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