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Friday, July 23, 2010

need advice: looking for a basic backup machine

Hi everyone,

My mom is looking for a basic sewing machine to have as a backup when hers is in the shop. She just wants to be able to do basic piecing with it (straight and some zig-zag/buttonhole/applique). She found one that is on both Amazon.com and Overstock.com. It is a Brother LX 3125. She also found another Brother on Amazon.

Brother LX 3125 @ amazon

Brother LX 3125 @ Overstock

Brother XL2600I @ amazon

First question: Does anyone have any experience with either machine or Brother's in general? Good? Bad?

Second question: If you don't recommend either machine, what are other(s) you would recommend? She'd like to stay under $100.00 including tax and shipping.

Third question: Has anyone ordered off Overstock? Do you recommend (or not recommend) it? I order off Amazon.com all the time, but have no experience with Overstock.

Fourth question: Anyone have a basic machine they would like to sell (and in the Lex or Cinci area) that would be a good backup?


Thanks,
QB29

3 comments:

  1. I have to say that I ♥ Brother machines. For the price, they can't be beat. I used a Brother machine I purchased at Walmart when I first started sewing, and my daughter now uses it. My new machine is also a Brother, altho I much nicer model! They are quiet, make accurate stitches, and if your mom wants any accessories for her Brother (while the other machine is in the shop), the accessories are CHEAP. All (or almost all) the Brother machines now have snap on feet and they are totally interchangeable. I was able to use all the extra feet I bought for my cheap machine (like my ruffler foot) on my nicer machine when I upgraded.

    The drop-in bobbin feature will become a must have. It is so wonderful to be able to see exactly how much thread you have left on your bobbin before you start stitching a long seam. It is actually one of the main reasons I upgraded to another Brother instead of getting the Bernina I had been eyeing.

    I think Brother is the only brand to get at the $100 price point. At higher price points, there are a ton of machines to choose from, but at the lower price range Brother is the only one with tons of features and dependability.

    Good luck!

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  2. Ok, I can't answer any of the questions you asked above, but I do have a good backup machine and I love it - it is a Janome Jem. It is higher than your mom's price range, but I love it as much as my normal machine and it is great for classes -- maybe she could find a good demo model.

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  3. I can't answer your question about the machines, but I can tell you that I've ordered things from Overstock.com and was very pleased with the process, the merchandise, and the quick shipping. Good luck!

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