Sewing Machines?!

[ashley00]

I have wanted to buy a good and inexpensive sewing machine for sometime, and now I also want one to make fleece things for my chinchillas. I don't know much about sewing machines, so I thought I'd ask which might be better. On Black Friday at Walmart they are selling the Brother LS2300PRW for $49.95, which is probably identical to this one http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=15126418&sourceid=02053829623980426716&wmlspartner=59JLB7sBj1c
Amazon and JoAnns are also having the Brother XL2610 on sale for $99 and this is it http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2097&PRODID=prd55683
I'm not looking for anything fancy, as this will be my first sewing machine, but I'd like something that can sew fleece and maybe even allow me to quilt (but I may need a different machine for quilting I think?!). I'd love to hear what you say. I think $50 for the sewing machine is a good price, but if the machine not good, then please tell me so if you know!

 

[summerdays]

to be honest, i have two, one is a cheap brother from walmarts, and one is an expensive one, like over $300. and ya know what, i prefer the brother. i can sew easier with it... maybe cuz i'm not the best sewer, i don't know... but..... just my 2 cents worth

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

If your just looking at light sewing, as in things for yourself, stick to the Brother. That's what I have, and it's easy to use, cheap, and does what I need it to do!

 

[3CsMommy]

I'd recommend the Brother as well. I have a model very similar and it does exactly what it needs to, no fuss.

A bigger help than the right machine is knowing how to use the one you have. Check with a local quilting group or craft store for lessons. Our town's sewing machine repair shop offers classes 3-4 times a year in basic care and use.

 

[AZChins]

You could probably find a really nice used one for pretty cheap. I have two older sewing machines that I really like. They are much sturdier than the newer ones. I bought a cheapie machine from Walmart years ago and completely wore it out in maybe 10 months. The one I have now is one I really splurged on about six years ago, it's a wonderful machine and it was worth every penny. If I were to do it again, I would look around for a used older one...and the classes on sewing machine care are a great idea!

The worst thing about me saying this is that I never have made anything fleece for the chins here. I just never seem to have the time!

 

[Annieo]

Ashley, the Walmart Brother machine is a great starter. Sewing fleece tends to wear out the less sophisticated machines, but if you buy some decent needles you should be fine for some time.

Good luck!

 

[ashley00]

Thanks for the input! They are both Brothers, so I am not sure which Brother you may be referring to? I have looked on craigslist, so I will just have to research ones that are used to see if they fit my needs. I would really like one that I can quilt on, but I don't want to spend too too much either.

 

[ashley00]

Ashley, the Walmart Brother machine is a great starter. Sewing fleece tends to wear out the less sophisticated machines, but if you buy some decent needles you should be fine for some time.

Good luck!

I didn't see your reply!! I may check into that then on Black Friday. I'm not looking for something all sophisticated, just something that can sew. If I ever really got into it and wanted to sew like crazy then I'd check into those really nice ones at that time.

 

[Annieo]

Totally Ashley. Buy it online with free shipping. You won't be disappointed!

 

[javachin]

Too funny! I bought the first Brother you posted on Black Friday last year. It works very well with fleece and I haven't had many problems with it at all. And for $50, you can't beat it. It comes with an instructional DVD that explains a lot. The only problem you'll have is sewing thicker things, like a few layers of fleece. I had a difficult time learning how to sew loops onto hammocks properly at first, but with practice, you'll figure it out. Good luck!

 

[3CsMommy]

I meant the first Brother @ Walmart. You'll also want to pick up some heavy duty needles. They help immensely with multiple layers of fleece (3-5).

 

[Dewdrop]

I have a slightly more expensive brother, but I love it!

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Affordable-60-Stitch-Computerized-Free-Arm/dp/B000JQM1DE

 

[ashley00]

I ordered a sewing machine today!! I am so excited to finally sew anything! But I am scared to touch it because I don't know what I'm doing!! :O I am taking a sewing class next week... phew! I can't wait to sew chin things and all sorts of things! I went to JoAnns today because of their sale and picked up some fleece. I am really excited, but I am going to need to practice practice practice!! I was thinking of all the possibilities with sewing.. pretty cool. Next winter I will hopefully have a nice quilt on my bed I got heavy duty needles too! Thank you everyone for all your help too!

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

You'll be a pro before you know it! I took basic sewing oh 23 years ago, and can make hammocks, and pillows, so imagine you'll do quite a bit better! If I can sew anyone can! lol

 

[Caroline]

Thanks for the input! They are both Brothers, so I am not sure which Brother you may be referring to? I have looked on craigslist, so I will just have to research ones that are used to see if they fit my needs. I would really like one that I can quilt on, but I don't want to spend too too much either.

Hi Ashley, just saw that you are in Auburn. My friend Kathy teaches sewing at the Joanns in Kent on Benson (or whatever it is called down in Kent). She is one of the sweetest, kindest most wonderful people I know and an excellent seamstress too. She has helped me with several sewing projects including a gorgeous silk dress for homecoming and pioneer clothes for a church activity for the youth at church.
You can pm me if you want, I am in Renton

 

[Tillygizmo]

You will be surprised. I just started a few months ago and when I was recently making treats for my secret santa I was really surprised at how well I did. Its pretty easy. Learning the machine is the hardest part