No plastic to break and no computer to glitch are my main two reasons. I don’t use any fancy stitches and can do buttonholes and zippers just fine with them all. They sew through thick layers with no trouble. I’ve seen many a broken plastic gear in newer machines that can’t be replaced and the machine is trash. It’s a preference and they do the job they were made for - sew reliably.
The very vast majority of people don’t sew squat, so plastic cheap computerised machines are fine for them. A solid machine that can cope with hefty fabric and actually sew nicely is better than any cute stitches. I have a serger, my solid machine with a walking foot, and the husky set up along side each other. I would really like to get a coverstitch machine too. My serger is the cheapo brother and that has done great duty for a cheap machine, I made diapers for 3 kids on it and it has been a great bonus, most home sewers can benefit from a basic serger IMO. If I was the OP I would buy a serger with part on that budget and service the old machine, It makes anything you sew just that bit better (unless you are a french seam fan or hong kong finish etc)
I’m om a few quilting boards and old machines with a good stitch and a way to measure a 1/4" seam reliably are hot commodities. Featherweights and treadles are especially popular. Some folks are into servicing their machines themselves. I’m not that talented, but I appreciate a good, simple machine. I miss my old Singer, which I could flip on its side and clean out all the lint with a small brush and be done in five minutes. My Viking can’t be opened up to deep clean, so it’s a $189 trip and three weeks at the shop for basic servicing. Makes me annoyed every time I take it in.
I disagree that new machines are not well made, are all made of plastic rather than metal, and can’t be serviced. None of that is true of my Pfaff. I’ve got a Singer Featherweight, a Bernina and the new Pfaff. My go to is the Pfaff.
The Featherweight was my mother’s. When I told her some years ago how much they were going for on eBay she said, “Sold!” and I was like, “Not so fast I’ve got first dibs.” Actually I’ve got two Featherweights. I found one at an estate sale. I’m going to sell it one of these days, maybe after I get it cleaned.
I think people should use whatever machine they want but I’m puzzled by the belief that all new machines are bad. I mean, why would they be? Are all new products bad or just sewing machines?
I didn’t say the new ones are bad, but my friends always seem to be taking theirs in to the shop for something or other to be fixed or adjusted. The one I have had the longest has been “professionally” serviced twice in the 30 years I’ve had it and my mom had it for almost 30 before that and never took it it. I wasn’t happy with either service and will never take it in again. The others I do myself. I debating whether I’m brave enough to rewire some motors I have acquired.
My grandmother gave me a Kenmore for my 16th birthday. It does everything I need it to do, including handling heavy upholstery fabric. Why trade for anything new when the old isn’t broken? It weighs about 3,000 lbs, though.
I am sorry I can’t help the OP. I am not much of a seamstress!
I have my Mom’s old Husquavarna/Viking machine. Just got it back from service for first time in 20 or so years. I was a bit goggle-eyed that they had a rim of antique machines mounted on shelves on the wall… and mine was there.
It, too, weighs 2000 lbs. But still works great. Some part broke when DD was sewing her curtains over Christmas. First break in 40-45 years.
I’ve had my Bernina for 25 years with no problems. Recently I took it to the Bernina store for a tune-up and was told that my model is one of the tried and true workhorses and he regularly gets calls from people wanting to locate a used one. He would have bought it from me right then. I had been wanting a basic machine to keep at our second home so asked if there was anything in the Bernina line that was affordable/appropriate for small household projects and mending. He took me right to the Bernina B215. It has all the basic stitches plus a few extras, does buttonholes and is all metal construction. Just checked the website and it retails for $999. This particular store uses this model for their in-house sewing classes so he sold me one of the refurbished class machines for $500 and included full warranty. I haven’t used it much but can’t see how I’ll need anything more.
OP here - this is a wealth of useful info. I’m inspired to get the old machine serviced (I’ve never taken it in), will consider buying bottom of line serger (that’s what I had and it lasted 15 years) and continue to test drive new machines.
Sybylla, what are you doing with a coverstitch machine?
I sew a fair few knits, hems and finishes are really nice with a coverstitch machine and entry level looks pretty affordable. It is a whim really LOL.
Treat yourself to a Bernina! I have a series of them, one from the 70’s, one from the 80’s, and one from the early 2000’s. They all sew beautifully, and I would not give up any of them. You should be able to buy a new 215 within your budget from a dealer. If you ever consider replacing your serger, I’d recommend Baby Lock.
@motherof4pearls, love your quilt!
OP, test driving at local quilt shops is a great way to figure out what you like and the feel of the machine. Some of the retailers will also throw in free classes with a machine purchase to teach you to learn the bells and whistles.
Grits80, that’s a great deal on that machine!
When I go to quilting classes or groups, I see a lot of Janomes, Berninas and old featherweights.