I’ve been on the hunt for a few months… since I finished my beginner’s sewing class and now can sew more than just straight lines!
Our class used Janome sewing machines (no idea what model) but now I want a Janome and have been searching high and low for something that is affordable and easy to use.
Too bad Costco doesn’t carry this brand (only Brother and Singer and some of them haven’t gotten good reviews on Amazon so I’m hesitant to try them out) so it limits where I can get my machine. I’ve searched on Craigslist, the one sewing store near my house (it’s $500! Yikes!) and the studio where I took my sewing classes. No luck. Well they’re available but just not in my price range.
I did notice that Overstock.com now ships to Canada — YAY!!! — but am afraid of what will happen once it crosses the border — will I be slapped with customs/duty charges which will drive up the final purchase price? Does anyone know where to get an affordable machine in Canada?
My budget is $200 – 250 but I’m not sure if I am asking for too much here or what. I know that machines are an investment and will last me hopefully forever but I’m hesitant to take the plunge. Anyone have a good recommendation for something other than a Janome? The one thing it has to have is the one step button hole feature. I tried using the button hole foot in class and it didn’t turn out so well. HAHAHA… the button holes for a little pouch I made weren’t lined up properly and one hole was about 2 inches lower than the other one.
What sewing machine do you use? Would you recommend it to a beginner sewist like me? I am only planning to start off with a few blankets and maybe some simple toys for the Pink Panda. Oh and some pillow covers for decorative pillows on the sofa. Once I have a few projects under my belt then maybe I’ll get a little adventurous and sew myself a top or dress!
i use the pfaff smart 200 and i love it!
I bought the Singer Precision from costco. definitely in your pricerange. it will never be as amazing as the bernina machines that I use at the workroom, but I’m actually quite happy with it as a beginner sewer.
My first machine was a Janome that was under $200 and it worked fine for a long time…until I upgraded to a wonderful Pfaff. I recommend buying at a local shop where you can get good service – sewing machines can be a bit finicky and good service/instruction makes all the difference. Happy shopping!
My first and only machine is a Janome DC3050. I paid close to 500$ a few years ago, and I’m very happy with it. I’ve pieced about 15 quilts on it with no problems. Very smooth and easy to use. My only issue is that you have a buy a lot of the other feet (quilting, darning, etc), but it comes with the basic foot, zipper foot and another one. I bought my machine in Ottawa (the store has since closed). The quilting stores in Kingston are also great, especially if you want to buy a Pfaff. Not sure about Quebec…
If you want to see a discussion about sewing machines there was a thread about it in the Amazon forums. Go to the book Material Obsessions Two and scroll to the bottom of the page for the link “Best sewing machine for free-motion machine quilting”
Good luck with your shopping.
How about a repurposed Janome? One that was returned under warantee, repaired and sold again. A friend bought one at a shop here in Calgary and it was less expensive than the repairs needed to her existing machine. (I forget the name of the shop but I’ll drive by today and note it if you’re interested).
Janome really is the best!
On October 19th, the Singer ‘Curvy’ will be only $299 ($100 off) at Costco so my friends and I have marked our calendars!! It’s available online only, but shipping and taxes are included in the price. We’re are all long-time sewers, but I think it’d be great for a new sewer because it threads the needle and the bobbin for you! Costco has great return policies and the Curvy has a great warrantie, so it’s pretty safe. Good luck!
I actually just bought a new sewing machine myself last night. My old sewing machine, also my first, purchased for $50 on sale at Canadian Tire, finally broke after 2 months. I did quite a lot of research… and settled on a Husqvarna Viking. It’s an older model (from maybe 2006-ish), but so far it has been amazing (I made curtains for my bathroom in an hour last night after I got home with the new sewing machine).
I would also recommend buying from a local and specialized store where you can get advice, tips, and have your machine serviced.
Good luck with your search!
well, i know this is a little late, but … i was reading a canadian’s blog: patchwork pottery by Laurraine Yuyama and about half way down the comments, she replies to someone asking what machine she uses (this is canadian, not american):
Sooz- My main machine is an Elna 6005. I bought the used demo a few years back. Recently, I bought a Brother ES2000 from London Drugs for $189 to use as my back up machine and it works great! It has all the stitches I use and it even has a flat worktop attachment (can’t think of what it’s called right now) and I bought a freehand quilting foot. I have used it and it goes through4 layers of quilting like butter. The buttonholes beat my expensive machine too
) Hope that helps.
hope this helps, but, again, i know this is late and you have probably already purchased a machine …