What is the best simple Singer Sewing Machine with a drop-in bobbin? And where's best place to buy?
My grandmother and I are looking to buy a new machine. She loves Singers, and we both think a drop-in bobbin is very important! We pretty much do very simple straight sewing, and don't need a bunch of different types of stitching. Looking to spend less than $200. Any suggestions?
Singer is not the company it used to be... I highly suggest checking any machine you intend to buy out over at the machine reviews at http://www.patternreview.com You may have to join (it's a free basic membership) to read older reviews. They don't spam you.
In that price range, I'd be thinking good used machine or new Janome or Kenmore (which is made by Janome). Janome (tell your grandmother they used to be New Home) has, imo, the best of the inexpensive machines, and they're pretty solid right up the line. The Magnolia group, the Jem group or their school machine may be just the ticket for you.
Many of the newer machines don't have adjustments that I think are critical for good stitching, like presser foot pressure, so try before you buy if at all possible.
If truly all you're doing is straight stitching, and you can live with a bobbin case and you love Singers, then consider picking up one of those old, unfashionable straight stitchers like the Singer 15, 66 or 99 that haven't had their values inflated all out of proportion. In my area (PNW), I could probably find you a working 15 or 66 for $10-20 -- as a matter of fact, I've pulled them off curbs the night before garbage pickup. Then join the yahoo group "wefixit" and learn how to fix whatever minor problem it's got (old age, lack of oil, too much lint, needs to be timed) for free. It's a skillset that will be helpful to you later as you continue to sew.
Oh, and about those new Singers... my aunt bought one after her beloved old 501 was sewn to bits -- and a fairly expensive one at that. Could never get it to work properly. She's now sewing on a 66 I found for her at an estate sale for $2. Just needed oil and a new tire on the bobbin winder.
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