Recommendations for a sewing machine?

Hoping to get some advice/personal experience about sewing machines.
I'm looking to replace the old sewing machine I had that worked fine for about 15 years of not so frequent use. I think it was a Brother, but not 100% sure. I was a basic, solid machine (metal body).

My requirements:
Sturdy, long lasting quality. ie last 20 yrs +
Able to deal with a variety of fabrics, especially thougher types like denim and mtb short material, or fur for costumes.
Basic stitches, no need for any fancy quilting
Budget: up to 250$
* Basically, I need a long lasting machine that will be able to get some hems done as well as basic things like mtb shorts, jerseys, skirts, wolf costumes etc…

So far, I haven't had the chance to shop around much so I've only got 2 machines on my radar:
Brother XL-3510. (Walmart just dropped the price to 120$ from 169.98 )

http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/modeldetail.aspx?PRODUCTID=XL3510

Janome Sewist 521
Can get it at SaveOn for 169$ plus a few points. usually retails for about 250-300$

http://www.janome.ca/521s.html

So, any other machines you can recommend? Or brand you trust from personal experience? Any particular stores I should visit tha would have various brands available? Stores where I could find a good quality used machine?

Is there still a fabric store in Westview Mall? I know that they sold used machines, but it's been a few years since I looked.

For used machines, I would ask around at the smaller fabric stores.

Do you have any pics of your wolf costumes?

From last years Ripper - Super D. I think someone must have a few of the full thing.

my only recommendation is to get a machine that will take the metal bobbins… I've heard that machines that take the plastic bobbins aren't built as well (more plastic than metal…) That being said I am not sure if many of the machines sold today come with metal bobbins.

dee

OK, I definitely need one of those.

That is all.

[QUOTE=heckler's better 1/2;2130946]my only recommendation is to get a machine that will take the metal bobbins… I've heard that machines that take the plastic bobbins aren't built as well (more plastic than metal…) That being said I am not sure if many of the machines sold today come with metal bobbins.

dee

not sure where you heard that from, but it's definitely not true - but i guess it would depend on the brand. i've had a husqvarna for the past 6 years and the plastic bobbins are fine. i sew a LOT too so if anyone would know about longevity it's me :P

that westview store is gone - albee's - something about not wanting to renew their lease.

$250 isn't going to give you a heck of a lot unfortunately. a really good brand at a lower price point is White - they're made by Husqvarna. Brother is good too i think. Personally I'd steer clear of Janome, i've always felt their machines felt kind of cheap and plasticy. but that's just me. Pfaff is good but overpriced IMO.

check out:
Poco Sewing [HTML_REMOVED] Vacuum
Mason's (on main street) - i think they sell used machines, the people there are awesome. they sell babylock
Sundrop Textiles - husqvarna and white

$250 isn't going to give you a heck of a lot unfortunately. a really good brand at a lower price point is White - they're made by Husqvarna. Brother is good too i think. Personally I'd steer clear of Janome, i've always felt their machines felt kind of cheap and plasticy. but that's just me. Pfaff is good but overpriced IMO.

Thanks for all the advice…

After looking at the White website, I realized that the sewing machine I had was not a Brother, but a White "Blue jeans machine". I was happy with it for the 15 yrs I had it, so I might just see if I can find another White that I like.

could the old one be fixed?

or is it melted?

i think there will be a better response if you post this in nbr

could the old one be fixed?

or is it melted?

Melted :( or even more likely fully carbonized…

could the old one be fixed?

or is it melted?

ZIP TIES FIX EVERYTHING :)

Too bad they won't let us up into the wreckage to atleast get pictures. I want to see all the melted stuff.

get one of these badboys off craigslist, I've tried to use one, but it scares the shit out of me.

^^^hahaha those things are so f'in fast, you'd probably sew over your fingers before you'd even realized it. they can be really finicky too, threading and such. i used to have an industrial coverstitch machine, finally sold it as it just took up room, the tables are pretty big. wouldn't mind an industrial serger though. we'll see if my latest project takes off or not.

not sure where you heard that from, but it's definitely not true - but i guess it would depend on the brand. i've had a husqvarna for the past 6 years and the plastic bobbins are fine. i sew a LOT too so if anyone would know about longevity it's me :P

that westview store is gone - albee's - something about not wanting to renew their lease.

$250 isn't going to give you a heck of a lot unfortunately. a really good brand at a lower price point is White - they're made by Husqvarna. Brother is good too i think. Personally I'd steer clear of Janome, i've always felt their machines felt kind of cheap and plasticy. but that's just me. Pfaff is good but overpriced IMO.

check out:
Poco Sewing [HTML_REMOVED] Vacuum
Mason's (on main street) - i think they sell used machines, the people there are awesome. they sell babylock
Sundrop Textiles - husqvarna and white

My machine is a White "Jeans Machine" it is 22+ years old and works great! Glad to hear they still make them. It is tough, has the basic stuff…button hole, some fancy stitches. Very durable.
K.