Considering a new sewing machine/ recommendations appreciated.

[3catwoman3]

I have an ancient Kenmore machine that my mother gave me in my early 20s - I'm now 73. It still works well enough, but has one major drawback. To go in reverse, there is just a little lever that does not lock into place so must be held down continuously by the right hand, leaving only the left hand to guide the fabric. The lever isn't broken, this is a design flaw.

The other problem with my current machine is that it weighs a freakin' ton and is hard to get out of its carrying case and up onto my kitchen island. Something lighter would be very nice.

I'm not by any means an accomplished seamstress. My mother was quite capable, and her mother was very skilled - she could and did make everything from coats with linings to tiny doll clothes, and got her own labels made that said "Grandma's Creation." Their skills were not inherited. I don't make clothes. I don't quilt. I mend and do minor/simple alterations. So, I don't need a pricey, ultra-sophisticated machine.

My local Joann Fabrics has a Brother ST531HD Strong and Tough model on sale, $199 down from $329. 4.5 stars in 96 customer reviews.

Any thoughts from those more experienced and accomplished than I?

[samplegirl]

1. I am by no means the seamstress.

If you are considering getting a new machine, I would strongly suggest that you keep your old machine somewhere. These new machines are all junk. I had a brother and the parts inside of it are all plastic and they do not hold up.
I bought a brand new portable Janome Even though the body of it is plastic, I was shocked that all of the
Working parts were metal. So I'm sure it will last me. I don't sell all the time.

[fierywoman]

2. My favorite machine is a Singer portable, which my mother gave me to use

at the end of the 1950s when I was 8 and sewing Barbie doll clothes, which had belonged to her mother and had been bought 2nd hand -- it's very old -- forward and backward stitches, that's it.

I had a Brother in the 80s -- it failed (wasn't so old).

Don't get a machine with all the embroidery stuff -- too much to break down.

Now I have a Husquevarna, which I like, but still prefer the tiny Singer...

[Ilsa]

3. My only offering is "stick with best known brands"

for replacement parts, after-market accessories, ease of getting professional repairs.

BTW, my mother's 1950s or 60s Singer lasted forever.

[KarenS]

4. I am not a seamstress by any means,,,,

and while I made some clothes for my young daughters and a garment or two for myself, my passion was quiltmaking. I did that for many years had a fancy Bernina for the piecing/quilting. A few years ago I dismantled my sewing/quiltmaking room,,,, got rid of it all,,,, but I needed/wanted a sewing machine and purchased a small lightweight portable Singer I believe from Joann's. I used it to sew masks during the beginning of the pandemic and did repairs to clothing,,,, now I am 74 and I doubt that I'll ever use it again,,,, instead opting for crocheting,,, I think you're looking at the right thing good luck

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. My sister is a serious quilter and knows sewing machines.

I've sent her a quick text asking what she has right now, but it's late enough I might not hear back from her too soon.

I know there are lightweight machines out there, and my sister has one of those that she totes around to various sewing/quilting things.

I suspect that you are correct in thinking you want some kind of a very basic machine. Hope you find what works for you.

[3catwoman3]

6. That's very kind of you. Thanks.

Definitely not an urgent matter, so no rush.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. How much do you want to spend? I like Pfaff a d Bernina machines for

all the near features like needle threaders and cutters. Bit they're expensive.

[Srkdqltr]

8. I like Janome machines. They have several models that are reasonably priced, light weight and new technology

Is smother running. I make quilts and use a machine a lot.
Brother is good also. And the machine you mentioned sounds like what you need if you don't sew much.
If you can test the machine in the store,or have it demonstrated that would be good.
Good luck and happy sewing.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

9. Heard from my sister.

She has loved Brother and Viking Machines for decades, and actually has three or four machines that she uses currently. Yes, she's a quilter, but almost never does any quilting on her home machines, but can go to a quilting store where they have very large quilting machines and she rents time on them.

She also agreed about needing a lighter machine to take with her when she goes to classes. The lighter machines are out there.

She also said the Brother you could get at the Joann Fabrics would be an excellent buy.

If you have any stores where you are that mainly sell and service sewing machines, check them out. And test-drive as many as you can.

Hoping for the best for you.

[surrealAmerican]

10. If your old Kenmore is from sometime before about 1970 ...

... prepare to be underwhelmed by a new machine. They may have more features, but are nowhere near as durable or dependable.

I wouldn't want to mend jeans on a newer machine.

[dem in texas]

11. Still using an old Singer 503 from the 1960s

My daughter gave me a new Viking -too slow Have to wait on it to shift the gears. I am back to using my 1960s Singer 503. Can sew faster on it. I mostly make quilts. Trying to get up my nerve to make textile art. Probably a landscape picture.