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From: slb@drutx.UUCP (Sue Brezden)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: sewing machines
Message-ID: <309@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 18-Oct-85 14:46:01 EDT
Article-I.D.: drutx.309
Posted: Fri Oct 18 14:46:01 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 19-Oct-85 08:12:57 EDT
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 45

>eagan@druxp.UUCP (EaganMS) writes:
>I am interested in buying a sewing machine...
>I DO know that Singer has a good reputation.
>However I was thinking of buying it through our consumer club and they
>only carry Brother and Universal. Has anyone heard of these?
>Also, are the types that have 17+ built in stitches worth the price?

I haven't heard of those brands.  Consumer reports may have something
on them, though.

I do know what I would look for in any machine I purchased to replace
my (now aging) Sears.

        1.  A "sleeve arm" for sewing tight corners.  You know,
            where part of the base drops away.
        2.  A zig-zag stitch for mending.
        3.  A good motor, that can sew heavy duty stuff if needed.
        4.  A buttonholer (but I think they all have those.)
        5.  A good guarentee, and possibly a maintenance and 
            repair contract.

I would *not* push for the following:

        1.  Lots of stitches (except for zig-zag).  I have them
            and never use them.
        2.  Ability to hem or sew on buttons.  I prefer to do
            those by hand, anyway.

Do not buy one without sitting down and using it for a bit.  Look for
even stitches (properly tensioned), easy adjustability of stitch length
and tension, ability to sew thick material, and general all around "feel".
Remember, you may very well have this machine for the rest of your life,
and nothing is more frustrating than trying to sew on an uncooperative
machine.
 
Hope that helps.
-- 

                                     Sue Brezden
                                     ihnp4!drutx!slb

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I march to the beat of a different drummer, whose identity,
   location, and musical ability are as yet unknown.
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