Sewing Machines - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**javim121** · #1 10-23-09, 11:25 pm

Not exactly sure where to post this, so i shall try here. Today i went and got all the supplies i need to make fleece liners with the plan to use the sewimg machine my sister owns. Well apparantly it has not worked for a long time. So i would like to invest in an inexpensive machine to start making liners for the guinea pigs i plan to get soon. Can anyone recomend one for me. I look at them and am not sure what i need. I see the small ones and then the big ones. Since i plan to only use it for liners what do you all recomend. Thanks

**koco46** · #2 10-23-09, 11:29 pm

I'm not sure what you consider cheap,I have a basic Kenmore and it seems to sew everything I throw at it,piggie bedding included.I have broken/bent quite a few needles but the machine keeps on going and going.........(knock on wood....)

**javim121** · #3 10-23-09, 11:31 pm

I would say that under $40 would be best.

**angiekay** · #4 10-23-09, 11:53 pm

I've seen quite a few Singer sewing machines (the older models, made completely out of steel, very heavy, with the covers) that would most likely be great machines at my local thrift store for 45 bucks, I keep passing it by, as I have absolutely NO experience sewing, but really would like to get it to try it out on some piggie stuff.

**princesspoppy** · #5 10-24-09, 02:15 am

I got a machine called handy stitch. It's small,light weight and cost me 40 euro. I'm sure you can find them in the u.s. Comes with 4 extra bobbins,pins,needles,and 2 different threads.

**javim121** · #6 10-24-09, 07:04 am

Ok. I was looking on ebay and I think I found one. Is there any way someone can comment on this one so i know if i should or not.
Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine Look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - eBay (item 360192570739 end time Oct-24-09 19:05:26 PDT)
Oh and thanks for moving the thread to the correct spot.

**vicky2** · #7 10-24-09, 08:38 am

I've never heard of Janome but a good investment is the Singer Esteem II. It's easy for beginners, and handy for experienced sewers. Good luck!

**Holly&Fred** · #8 10-24-09, 09:56 am

Do NOT buy the Janome Sew Mini if you intend to do more than the occasional hem or repair (or pig project). You get what you pay for with that one, and they don't last long. For most people buying a more expensive machine is a better alternative than using that one for the three months or so that it usually lasts people. I work at a fabric store and pretty much every time we sell one of those the person who bought it is back two months later, either hoping we can fix it or looking for a new one and lamenting spending the money on it.

The machine is meant to teach little kids how to sew. It'll handle simple projects -- cotton pillows, hems, and the like -- without much trouble. When you start using heavier fabrics you'll run into trouble though. Fleece doesn't cause too many problems because as a thicker fabric goes, it's pretty light weight. But just keep in mind that they wear out really quickly.

Look for a used machine. Finding a good quality new machine is most definitely not going to be in your price range. I have a very basic Brother sewing machine that was a gift and probably went for around $100, and that lasted a good two years, and then I have Kennmore that I got a few years ago for $250 and it's still going strong.

Standard Sewing Machines - Brother Free Arm Sewing Machine Model LS-590

Amazon.com: Brother LS2125I 10-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Automatic 4-Step Buttonholer: Kitchen & Dining There's the same machine refurbished for $65

Standard Sewing Machines - Janome 3128 Sewing Machine

For your price range, those are the two that I would recommend trying to find used at a discount. They're good machines and they last, so even if you pay over $40 you know you're not wasting your money. Unfortunately it's very difficult to find a quality sewing machine for under $40, but those are my recommendations and best of luck to you.

**MissFormosa** · #9 10-24-09, 02:09 pm

A lot of people buy sewing machines thinking they are going to do all sorts of cool projects with them, then end up not using them like they had imagined.

Here are some resources I thought of to find used sewing machines:

Check your local sewing machine repair shop. Oftentimes, they have used machines for sale and have the expertise to help you find what will suit your needs.

Sew Used - This is a great resource for used sewing machines and accessories.

Craigslist - I believe they even have a section called "Wanted to Buy". You could list your specifics for a machine there and see what sort of replies you receive.

Recycler.com - They also have a wanted section, but you should be able to find plenty of listings for a sewing machine

Freecycle - Check to see if you have a local Freecycle group. You never know!

Or check listings for local garage or stoop sales.

**javim121** · #10 10-24-09, 02:17 pm

Thanks all. I posted an ad in craigslist to try to find one. i hope to find one soon but not in too much of a hurry since i have no piggies yet.

**Tessa Bea** · #11 10-24-09, 07:01 pm

My favorite brands are Janome and White. Singer's old ones are good, but the newer ones are pretty shoddy.

**javim121** · #12 10-24-09, 07:04 pm

What about the brand, Brother? I see them everywhere that sells sewing machines.
Can ya tell me what ya like about the janome and white brands?

**vicky2** · #13 10-24-09, 07:06 pm

Brother is a pretty reliable brand. Their machines last a long time and can't get a wide variety of projects done.

**Tessa Bea** · #14 10-24-09, 07:13 pm

Janome's tend to last a long time as well, my grandmother has one and it's lasted forever.

My last machine was a White, they're pretty advanced and median price range, mine was $200.

My must have feature- I'm a sucker for drop in bobbins, they make your life waaaay easier.

**javim121** · #15 10-25-09, 12:28 pm

http://www.walmart.com/Brother-14-Sewing-Machine-LX3125/ip/105433
Ok just ordered this sewing machine, was lucky to get it off od ebay for $51. I saw it at the store and thought it seemed to be nice with extra functions and all the reviews were great. So i ordered it. Hopefully i will be making liners next weekend.