Off-Topic If you sew, help!

suzannaerin · 03-20-20, 06:13 AM

Could you experienced sewers (sow-era not sue-era) give me recommendations
for a good machine for the almost absolute beginner (last sewed in 1980, and not well). I want to make masks for the health care workers. I'm considering this one, opinions please!! https://www.amazon.com/Brother-XM270...ts&sr=1-1&th=1

MsThistlebottom · 03-20-20, 08:00 AM

I sew regularly (mostly quilting) and am a huge fan of Janome sewing machines. This one is suited for beginners.

sheepla · 03-20-20, 08:20 AM

As soon as I saw your question, I was also going to recommend Janome. I've had MUCH more success with Janome than Brother (though Brother has an awesome serger).

owltx · 03-20-20, 09:00 AM

I think I would go with the Janome over the Brother. I have to say, though, you will find both MAJOR improvements over your old one. I was astounded at the difference when I got a new one, and that was ten years ago!

sillygirl · 03-20-20, 12:14 PM

Check out www.patternreview.com. There’s a forum just about sewing machines. But beware you may end up with more than one and spending more than you first anticipated.

Being a fellow vidiot - reading this forum and Pattern Review is how I ended up with several sewing machines and hundreds of workout DVDs.

Hattie · 03-20-20, 03:07 PM

I was almost in your situation when my old Kenmore ceased up. Fortunately, my husband got it working again. I also have an old Brother I got for my summer place. I know the quality of machines has changed a lot since I purchased them. Still, I would not get another Brother if you paid me. The Brother's speed is slow as compared to my Kenmore. Also, the machine won't take a needle size larger than 14, even then it is tough to maneuver a 14 into the slot.

I was told by Sears that my Kenmore was actually manufactured by the Janome company. If I should get another machine, I would definitely look at Janome. Also, if at all possible, I would try to find a place where I could try it.

bzar · 03-20-20, 03:32 PM

thank you for volunteering to do this.

is there someone who could loan you a machine?

cataddict · 03-20-20, 03:33 PM

I don't have a recommendation, as I have an ancient Kenmore that I haven't used regularly since maybe the 90s. I dragged it out about 2 years ago to do some repair sewing and was so proud that I could load the thread and the bobbin from memory!!

suzannaerin, I want to give you props for doing this valuable work! I saw a news report that NOVA was looking for people to do this with the right material. Good for you!!

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03-20-20, 06:13 AM
suzannaerin Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington, VA	If you sew, help! Could you experienced sewers (sow-era not sue-era) give me recommendations for a good machine for the almost absolute beginner (last sewed in 1980, and not well). I want to make masks for the health care workers. I'm considering this one, opinions please!! https://www.amazon.com/Brother-XM270...ts&sr=1-1&th=1

03-20-20, 08:00 AM
MsThistlebottom Join Date: Apr 2009	I sew regularly (mostly quilting) and am a huge fan of Janome sewing machines. This one is suited for beginners. __________________ Joan "When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people." -- Abraham Joshua Heschel

03-20-20, 08:20 AM
sheepla VF Supporter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: OK	As soon as I saw your question, I was also going to recommend Janome. I've had MUCH more success with Janome than Brother (though Brother has an awesome serger). __________________ Shelia

03-20-20, 09:00 AM
owltx Join Date: Dec 2011	I think I would go with the Janome over the Brother. I have to say, though, you will find both MAJOR improvements over your old one. I was astounded at the difference when I got a new one, and that was ten years ago! __________________ Stephanie

03-20-20, 12:14 PM
sillygirl Join Date: Mar 2013	Check out www.patternreview.com. There’s a forum just about sewing machines. But beware you may end up with more than one and spending more than you first anticipated. Being a fellow vidiot - reading this forum and Pattern Review is how I ended up with several sewing machines and hundreds of workout DVDs.

03-20-20, 03:07 PM
Hattie VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: USA	I was almost in your situation when my old Kenmore ceased up. Fortunately, my husband got it working again. I also have an old Brother I got for my summer place. I know the quality of machines has changed a lot since I purchased them. Still, I would not get another Brother if you paid me. The Brother's speed is slow as compared to my Kenmore. Also, the machine won't take a needle size larger than 14, even then it is tough to maneuver a 14 into the slot. I was told by Sears that my Kenmore was actually manufactured by the Janome company. If I should get another machine, I would definitely look at Janome. Also, if at all possible, I would try to find a place where I could try it. __________________ Bea

03-20-20, 03:32 PM
bzar Exchange Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: PalmTreeVille	thank you for volunteering to do this. is there someone who could loan you a machine? __________________ ~jeannine Miyagi: Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don't forget to breathe, very important. [walks away, still making circular motions with hands] ~ Pat Morita, The Karate Kid, 1984 disclosure: in the years 2002-2004 i had a professional relationship with a distributor of fitness videos; see profile.

03-20-20, 03:33 PM
cataddict VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Eastern VA	I don't have a recommendation, as I have an ancient Kenmore that I haven't used regularly since maybe the 90s. I dragged it out about 2 years ago to do some repair sewing and was so proud that I could load the thread and the bobbin from memory!! suzannaerin, I want to give you props for doing this valuable work! I saw a news report that NOVA was looking for people to do this with the right material. Good for you!!