Can anyone recommend a good sewing machine

[4_Legs_Good]

Feel stupid asking here, but heck.

My wife wants one for her birthday. She's kinda a novice. Any ideas on where to pick one up (internet/other).

Sorry for the off topicness...

david

Kucinich 2004

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I've always used Singers

Started out on a 1936 model, have an '89 model now. It does what's needed, though is not as sturdy as the older model-but it can do a lot more (zig-zag).

Have your wife go to the library and check out some books on basic sewing. A good project to begin with are pillows-they are straight seams, and can be finished quickly.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. White, Viking, Sears

I actually have had all of the above. I like my old Sears Kenmore the best. Make sure that the machine you buy has metal parts-a lot of them now have plastic parts which degrade over time.

[SOteric]

7. I'd second this, especially for a novice.

Don't select the most basic model possible, but for a novice, you might not want to select the one with all the bells and whistles, either.

Give her a chance to try many of the features offered on a contemporary quality machine before the two of you decide to spend a small fortune (the price of a small car) on the top of the line models.

[blondeatlast]

3. Bernina if she is serious.

They are built to last and the highest quality. A little pricey, but if she really likes to sew you'll save in the long run.

I've had mine for 25 years and it has only been in the shop for every two year tune ups.

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. I'm with you. I have my mother's and it's gone all the way from stretch n

sew to quilting to hemming. I don't use it as much as I would like though.

[Mel]

4. I just got my first one

a little while back and I love it. I had tried to use others and just couldn't get the hang of it this one....I did. I made my first set of tab curtains two weeks ago!

Here's what I have a Husqvarna and I love it, they don't just make chainsaws ;)

http://www.hobkirk.co.uk/studio/415.htm

Mine came from the fabric shop Joann's not ordered on line though. I don't think they sell them through their website but here's the link maybe you can see if there's a store near you that way you can check them out....Good Luck and for the record I think that's a cool present your getting for your wife! :)

http://www.joann.com/

[seemslikeadream]

5. Pfaff

In my opinion the best. I have been sewing for over 30 years and have had 2 machines, both Pfaff.

[Sophree]

9. I posted mine before I read yours

I've been really happy with my Pfaff. It didn't cost me a fortune and it was really easy to learn on. (I've only been sewing for about 9 months, but I just can't stop!)

[seemslikeadream]

10. They are extremely reliable

and easy to use. The only reason I got a new one is because of all the new stuff.

[Ilsa]

6. Stay away from Riccar

big mistake I made.

My mom's 50 year old singer still performs well.

You might also consider looking for a used one. Maybe someone tried and gave up sewing.

I like the other suggestions here also.

[Sophree]

8. I have a Pfaff

I'm pretty much a beginner as well and the Pfaff hobby models are great and fairly inexpensive. 1020, 1030, 1040 are the model numbers, I think.

[BiggJawn]

11. My choices...

I have 3 machines, a 1888 vintage "New Home" that was electrified and can lay down a straight seam like a molested monkey. (FAST!)

A 1919 Singer treadle machine that is my daughter's fav, and a mid-50's Japanese copy of a post-war Singer. That one's my favourite.
I sew simple stuff, like curtains and flags.

I had a late-60's Singer Zig-Zag amchine that I'm glad I only paid $5 for, becasue I had it a WEEK when all the nylon gears disintegrated! Stay away from late-model junk!

For a beginner, I say there's nothing wrong with an old Singer or White that has an electric motor.Shop around, the New Home and the Singer both cost me only $25 for the pair.