Sewing Machine - Hoven,SD

I have owned many over the years and in that price range I'd reccommend a Kenmore. Look at Sear's website and you'll see reviews.

The old vintage machines are usually pretty sturdy, you would just probably need to get it serviced. They are much nice sewing wise then the cheap machines you can buy new. I had an inexpensive Brother and so did my sister and neither of them worked very well, always jamming, tangling the thread.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=sewin...

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1...

Do not buy a singer! I am a home seemstress of alsmost 30 yrs. My Singer of 26 yrs kicked the bucket and I bought another Singer, Bad mistake as used it once then had it in the repair shop- the guy told me singer sold out to another company & the quality of their Name went out the window- I have heard good things about elna & bernina- Goood luck !

I have a Brother sewing machine I got at costco and I love it. And if you get it there and you dont like it (even online) you can return to store for full refund. Here is link.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11307832... machine&Mo=5&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=sewing machine&Ntt=sewing machine&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

I bought a White Quilters' Star about 6? years ago and still love it. My husband sewed patches onto thick leather with it and it worked wonderfully (using a leather needle-- they are comparable in price to regular needles). My aunt, who is a master quilter, uses an, I quote "inexpensive White" (her words lol) machine as well. And the previous poster is misinformed-- Singer DID sell their name, but they bought it back a few years ago, though I'm not sure of the details. My first Singer was horrible (bought it during that name-sold fiasco). But, the new Singers (released in the last 2-3 years) are much better-- I've played with them and they 'feel' so much better. They recently released a new line too, including a really cute one called the Talent. :) (I will say this: I work at a fabric store part time and we DO sell Singers, just to let you know for the sake of full disclosure). But, really, a lot of the better brands run the gamut-- you'll find good ones and bad ones within each brand. So I agree with the poster who said try it if you can before buying (but don't necessarily refuse to buy something just because you can't try it-- although, if you're persistent and ask really nicely, a good sales associate will open up the box and let you try it out at the store if they're not a dealer! :P). Do your research. Every brand has its low points and its high. And honestly, the trick to sewing through thick fabric is your needle and stitch length and how slowly you sew, not necessarily how powerful a motor your machine has.

Just my .02... hope it helped a little. :)

My daughter has a Babylock. We paid about $375 for it BUT, we we bought a higher end model. They had one in your price range.

We bought this particular model because it is the model used in the school system and I figured if they hold up well enough for students to not destroy them then it should be good.

She got it in January and likes it a lot.

I have a Brother from Walmart and I love it. I've been using it for more than 5 years and made my wedding dress with it as well as multiple halloween costumes and ren fest costumes

I would check with some of the sewing machine dealers and see if they have a booth at the State Fair. Several years ago, I worked at Creative Sewing Centers and I know they always have a booth in the grandstand. (In fact, there was a large ad in the newspaper this morning.) You will find the lowest prices of the year during the Fair. I would recommend taking a pair of jeans or a scrap of thick fabric with you and have the salesperson demonstrate what the machines in your price range can do. Nearly all sewing machines can sew denim, with the correct needle installed. That being said, some definitely have stronger motors than others (metal vs. plastic parts) and the ease of use varies widely between machines. I would recommend purchasing through a dealer, as you usually get perks such as lessons, possibly tune-ups, etc. thrown in. Also, buying at the Fair will allow you to possibly purchase "more machine" for your dollar. Good luck! I teach sewing classes and am a professional seamstress, so feel free to email me if you have any questions.