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Hi Skylady,

LoveisJoy sews and has done some sewing machine reviews. You might visit her profile page and leave a message for her.

I sew just a little and have an old sewing machine, so I'm not any help on the new, fancy ones. The new ones do sound neat though.

Happy sewing!

   It's very expensive, but I'm saving up for the Viking Designer II. This sewing machine has computerized capabilities, with the ability to download additional patterns from their online site. But it does depend on what you are going to be doing with the machine. If you wish to sew and embroider, the Designer may be for you. If you just want to sew only, then perhaps another machine. I do recommend a Viking, though. Many models in this brand can be upgraded and/or traded in for a newer model. Their new top of the line machine is the Diamond, which I'd love to have, but it's $10,000. Might I suggest going to a JoAnn's Superstore and asking their sewing machine salesperson to show you what's available. She/he will ask you some questions to figure out what machine is right for what you want to use it for and they'll match you with what's best for your needs. Just be careful, because they are salesman and they may try to sell you on something you don't really need. If they're a good salesman, they will show you what suits you, first, then they might show you what's new and advanced in the sewing machine world. Have fun shopping around!

skylady said…
I'm new to Viewpoints so I hope this posting is appropriate.  I have been shopping around for a computerized sewing machine with embroidery capabilities. Every dealer has the absolute "best" machine.....and I haven't found any specs with comparisons. I already own a Singer Quantum XL 1000, but don't have capabilities of interfacing it with my computer. Singers' newest machine has these capabilities but I just found out Singer has phased out this machine and is out of the high end machines. If I purchase another sewing machine I don't want to be left at a dead end road....which is where I think I am now with Singer. Any opinions about brands? With this kind of investment I would like a machine that comes with basic programs and the ability to add on more features in the future. Thanks for any help available. 

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Welcome to Viewpoints, Skylady.

If you haven't already, I would first suggest reading through the Sewing Machine Buying Guide that I wrote for Viewpoints.  In it, I offer ideas that worked for me and helped me find the best machine for my needs.  Online forums are great places to get consumer information from actual users and I've included some websites in the guide to get you started

Good luck to you. I think you're already well on your way because you are committed to researching the topic before making a purchase.

I've been thinking of getting back into sewing and have been glancing at a few different machines. I'll be sure to take a look at your guide. Thanks.

Learning to sew is a great way to save some $$$ on alternations and even turning some old items into some new items!

cmohr80 said…
Learning to sew is a great way to save some $$$ on alternations and even turning some old items into some new items!

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It's a great way to save on curtains and special pillows too!

LadyMagic said...   

It's a great way to save on curtains and special pillows too!

   So true, and if you're not a sewing pro (everyone has to start somewhere, including me), JoAnn's has free mini guides to make the said items, furniture cover sewing guides, too!

The best embroidery machine is my Janome 300E.I found that it's cheaper and sews better if you get them seprate.Which I mean I have Pfaff Quilt Expression4.0 for sewing and quilting.Then my Janome 300E is for my embroidery.I have been sewing with both machines at once.Which I got my project done faster.Love my machines.....

I got rid of my old horse sewing machine (I couldn't even lift it HA) I bought a Brother for regular sewing and quilting...I am still learning and getting the guts to sew clothes (mental block).  I am so shocked at how light they make these machines now WOW. I can pick it up and carry it with one hand :)

I have to look up embroidery machines...they sound neat!

Good luck on your quest and happy sewing!