eagan@druxp.UUCP (EaganMS) (10/18/85)
I am interested in buying a sewing machine. However since I don't know much about the features that are a must, brands, etc, I thought I'd ask around first. I DO know that Singer has a good reputation. However I was thinking of buying it through our consumer club and they only carry Brother and Universal. Has anyone heard of these? Also, are the types that have 17+ built in stitches worth the price? Thanks alot. M.Eagan ihnp4!druxp!eagan
place@uiucdcs.CS.UIUC.EDU (10/21/85)
It all depends on what kind of sewing you'll be doing. If you are only going to do minor repairs, replace zippers, repair hems and seams, then you don't need a machine with 17+ built-in stitches. If you are going to construct clothes from patterns, intend to make buttonholes, and machine finish hems, then you probably don't need a machine with 17+ built-in stitches. Straight stitch plus zigzag is probably adequate. If you are going to decorative finishing or edging on clothing you construct, make monograms, professionally finish seams, you'll need those 17+ stitches. In my sewing career, I have used two Brothers, two Singers, and one Sears sewing machine. Here is a brief description of each: 1. Brother Sewing Machine, circa 1958, my mother's, had straight and zigzag stitch, unknown price, worked well. 2. Singer Sewing Machine, circa 1969, bought for me in high school, top-of-the-line or near top-of-the-line with drop-in disk stitch selection plus other built-in stitches, around $700 w/cabinet, worked well, but too complicated for my sewing needs and most features were unused. 3. Brother Sewing Machine, circa 1976, bought for myself, cheaper model with straight and zigzag stitch, around $125, worked okay if it was taken to the repairman once a year for a complete cleaning (around $30), somewhat simple for my sewing needs and had a tendency to make uneven or skipped stitches. 4. Sears Sewing Machine, circa 1983, next to top-of-the-line model with about 16? built-in stitches, around $400 (on sale), works well and Sears offers free sewing lessons (how to use the machine you buy and its features). Take whatever conclusions you want from the above, but my suggestion is to buy a Sears Sewing Machine (they have a full-line to choose from to meet your needs) and be sure to buy it on sale! They all go on sale sometime or other and there's no point in paying full price when it will probably go on sale in the next few weeks. Sorry, I've never heard of Universal. I have friends (who can do unbelievable things with a sewing machine and they swear by White and Necchi, but I can't afford something like that. Denise University of Illinois The Super Computing Illini .
polak@brl-sem.ARPA (Helen R. Polak ) (10/25/85)
I've heard good reports about the italian machine, but only hearsay. My mom has an Elna. Ten years (probably more) -it's been in for repairs twice. She uses it a moderate amount. My sister just bought a Bernina. She plans to make her work outfits and is taking her second intermediate level sewing class, so she's pretty good behind the pedal. The Bernina is tops by her. She also liked the elna, but couldn't locate one used. The Bernina was used, but $500 still...:-). She made me a skirt, the stitches are straight, even, great tension what more could anyone want... We recommend either of these machines (even used!).. Helen herself Polak <polak@BRL> Disclaimer: I work for the government. We don't make sewing machines.
faigin@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Daniel P Faigin) (10/25/85)
There seems to be a lot of discussion about the Brother, Singer,
and Sears (Kenmore) sewing machines. From what my wife tells me,
all of these are not the best machines to get.
What she is currently looking at are the Bernina, Viking, and
Elna machines. I have used the Viking (the one with the cams) and
found it extremely powerful and easy to use. The new Vikings have
computerized controls and stich selection.
Recently, we tried the Elna. Very nice machine, and it still uses
cams, which gives you quite a lot of stiches to choose from. It
has a low gear motor for heavy sewing, and it can handle just
about any weight fabric.
I guest what one has to consider is the question of price. The
machines I am talking about cost around $1000. You rarely find
them used, because (a) they last forever, and (b) owners don't
want to give them up.
Daniel
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