Finding the right sewing machine fit

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say how wonderful it is to have many different options available when purchasing a sewing machine.  Being new to sewing, I didn't necessarily know which machine features would be important to me.  I have been blessed with having a lot of sewing shops in my area who are staffed with employees with at least a few hundred years of experience under their belts (cumulatively, obviously).

To anybody considering a sewing machine purchase, I can't recommend highly enough to do your research.  Grab some fabric of the same type that you would like to sew and test it out on a variety of machines.  Some of the stores in my area also offer a generous trade up policy where you can get the full value that you paid towards a new machine within a year of purchase.  Many stores may also offer trade-in values for an old machine (regardless of condition) toward a new machine.  Free, unlimited classes on how to use your new machine can also be an excellent perk.

If you are interested in vintage machines, there are some excellent ones out there too.  I personally prefer the newer computerized machines because they seem more familiar to me with my affinity for gadgets, computers, and modern convenience.  There is just something magical about the old machines though.  I can't wait to get my hands on a Singer Featherweight and see if it really is as amazing as people tell me.  I hope to be able to report back on it soon.

Consumer Reports can get you on the right track as can websites such as Pattern Review have user written reviews and message boards to ask questions.

Most importantly, remember that there is no single sewing machine that will be the right fit for everybody for every type of sewing.  It just doesn't work like that, and just because a particular brand has achieved near legendary status, it doesn't mean that it is without flaw.

As of the writing of this blog entry, I own machines from Pfaff, Bernina, and Baby Lock.  I have owned Brother and Singer machines too.  All of them have good and bad aspects, and NONE are perfect.  An older machine might not have as many bells and whistles as a new, computerized model, but that in no way makes it a lower quality machine.  Figure out what you want to do, and find a machine that can do it well.

I love sewing and all of the tools that I use to create my projects.  So many sewing machines, so little time.