Replies

1. 
   Lilith1951 | Oct 18, 2008 03:24am | #1

   Ummm, could I cautiously ask.....if you hate sewing, why do you sew?  And why would you want to purchase a new machine.  There are a lot of things to spend money on for enjoyment.  I don't know anyone personally who hates sewing, but still does it.  People who hate it send their mending out to be done by other people and they certainly don't do creative sewing.  I'm confused.

   Now, hating your sewing machine....THAT I'd understand.  A clunker machine can certainly take the fun out of sewing.

2. 
   starzoe | Oct 18, 2008 05:45am | #2

   If the thread keeps breaking it could be that you are using inferior threads. Buy the good stuff, Mettler or Gutermann. Also, you say you like to sew really fast - that could be the cause of thread breaking as well.

3. 
   damascusannie | Oct 18, 2008 06:17am | #3

   If speed is your thing, you might need to consider an industrial machine. Home use machines are not made to work well at extremely high speeds and the faster you go, the quicker you will wear out your machine, in addition to the problems of thread breakage that you are having.

   Good, used industrial machines can be found, but be sure that the machine you are looking at is a true industrial. Go to reputable dealer and do your homework. There are scammers out there who are selling older home-use machines, especially vintage Singers, as "industrial strength" machines. They are not--they are good, reliable vintage machines, but not made to work at tremendously high speeds.

4. 
   meg | Oct 18, 2008 01:35pm | #4

   I suggest that you visit several reputable machine dealers and test drive everything you can sit in front of. Inquire if you may take a sewing class with one of their machines to see if you like using it for extended periods of time. Also, you might find an older, top of the line, sewing machine someone has traded in which suits you as well. I suspect that your clunker of a machine is causing you to dislike sewing, and if I may repeat what poster already wrote: use top quality thread!

5. 
   JunkQueen | Oct 20, 2008 09:05pm | #5

   The operative word here is likely "cheap", unless, of course, it's "hate". So when you are shopping for a new machine, stay out of the cheap models and look for something that actually meets your needs. Talk to a reputable dealer -- or three. I'll have to say I long for my White machine on which I sewed everything from ripstop nylon on parachutes to 4 layers of heavy duty canvas sandwiched with 3 layers of kapok (life vest material I salvaged). It would handle anything I threw at it.

   I do hope you are able to resolve your sewing angst, one way or another.

6. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 21, 2008 12:53am | #6

   http://www.patternreview.com has sewing machine reviews which may help you pick out a new machine.  Be careful if you purchase a low end machine, even the so called "best brands" lowest end machines are usually made by a different manufacturer in a different country than the rest of their machines.  They are still supposedly made to their "specs" but may be made of cheaper materials, lower quality control, and in sweat shops where speed and "slave labor" might be their priority. 

   Instead of purchasing a low end machine these days, you can often get great deals and an extended warranty on a previously loved reconditioned machine or "teaching/class/demo models".  The right machine makes all the difference in the world.  Imagine the difference between a ringer washer and clotheslines vs. the new washer and dryers and irons that had to be heated on the stove.  But at least those worked.  The tensions on alot of the lower end machines from discount big box stores don't work right from what I've been told so please go to a reputable dealer where they have classes and preferably local repair.  Some places make you ship the machine across the country for repair. 

   Good luck!  I hope you get a machine that will give you pleasure when sewing.  Mary

1. 
   Ceeayche | Oct 26, 2008 10:30pm | #7

   Your sewing machine is your partner.  I might suggest that you've got the wrong team member.  Maybe if you get the right one, your affection for sewing may increase?

   My old favorite is a electro-mechanical Singer that I received when I turned 16-- my mom wanted me OFF her machine!  It was inexpensive when my mother bouth it.  But it's proven to be a trusty friend. 

   Since then I've bought three more machines (and I'm lusting after a top of the line embroidery model that will cost almost three month's mortgage).  But I have a relationship with each them--- each one saw me through a memorable late night project; a beautiful result; a tearful meltdown.  Yet, I do keep the Singer.  It works when

   I bid you well on your quest for a new machine.  I share the other advice that a good dealer makes a difference.  However, a good machine will see you through, long after the dealer closes up shop!  Good luck for the perfect fit!

    

7. 
   Pattiann42 | Oct 27, 2008 10:10pm | #8

   Make a list of what type of stitching you want to be able to do.  To that, add your price limit.

   Visit as many dealers as you can, list in hand.

   Test the machines within your budget.

   Test the dealer.

   Buy the machine you like best from the dealer you like best.

   I had my heart set on a new Bernina, but the dealer didn't cut the muster, so I ended up with a Babylock (great machine) from a dealer that is super!

   You will enjoy sewing more when you have a machine that works well.