How to Choose a Sewing Machine

Marilyn came up with the idea for this page, and I think it's wonderful.  So many of us are torn between this machine, or that machine, and I wonder if often times we don't wind up buying "more" of a machine than we really need.  Hopefully, the information here will help you when it comes time to choose!  Thanks, Marilyn!!

1.    http://sewing.about.com/library/blresult.htm 
    Sewing machine survey and article about how to shop for a new sewing machine - very good.

2.    http://ttsw.com/FAQS/SewingMachineFAQ.html
    Compilation of postings from Quiltnet about various sewing machines

3.    http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Large_Appliances-All-Sewing_Machines
    Opinions about all different models and also links to sewing machine buying guides - very helpful

MARILYN SAYS:

What I wanted:    Someday I would like to have a computerized embroidery machine, but I can't spend that kind of money right now with my limited time for sewing.  I have two young children.  Maybe in 5-10 years, I will look again and upgrade.  For now, the issue is finding a machine with good, consistent tension that will stand up to the rigors of machine quilting.  After reading and researching I came up with my list of most important features - even tension, good needle penetration, ability to sew through multiple layers.  I also had a list of things that would be nice, but weren't necessarily essential - needle up/down, speed control.

What I bought:    I ended up buying a Janome/New Home My Excel 3123.  When I first looked at this machine, it was their top-of-the-line mechanical machine, but they have now added the Designer Excel 5124 which has additional features.  I really love this machine.  It makes a beautiful even stitch and I don't have to fuss with the tension when I change thickness of fabric or use different threads.  I only have to make minor adjustments when I'm using the monofilament nylon thread.  It has a nice-sized sewing surface for machine quilting, though it's not the biggest I found.  I will be expanding this surface by adding a Sew-steady extension table.  This machine sews as well as any of the computerized models that I've looked at, but it was a fraction of the price.  Though the machine itself is mechanical, it does have some computer-assisted features including needle up/down and speed control which are very helpful.

Bottom line:    The Janome/New Home My Excel 3123 is an excellent machine if you're looking for a good machine for machine piecing and quilting.  It doesn't have a lot of fancy stitches but it does the job that I bought it to do and I didn't have to pay big bucks to get a good quality machine.

Price:    MSRP is $899 but I paid $300 for mine.
 

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