Help with Picking a Brother machine

[Belindi]

I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:

Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770


Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770

I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.

If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
directly.

Thanks.

Belindi

[Pat]

Get the better machine........you will find lots of things you can use the
"extras" on..............

"Belindi" > wrote in message
om...
> I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
>
> Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
> Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
> I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
> don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
> my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
> is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
> reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
> function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.
>
> If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
> directly.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Belindi

[Ron Anderson]

Forget both of them. Check your local sewing machine shops for good used
machines in your price range. you will get more machine and at least some
quality, those brother machines should be outlawed.


--
Ron Anderson
A1 Sewing Machine
PO Box 60
Sand Lake, NY 12153
518-674-8491
http://www.a1sewingmachine.com
"Belindi" > wrote in message
om...
> I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
>
> Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
> Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
> I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
> don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
> my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
> is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
> reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
> function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.
>
> If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
> directly.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Belindi

[Mike Behrent]

Always better to get more than you think you'll need. Can save alot of money
in upgrading :)

"Belindi" > wrote in message
om...
> I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
>
> Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
> Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
> I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
> don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
> my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
> is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
> reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
> function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.
>
> If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
> directly.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Belindi

[Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply]

I have bought new machines in that price range and been sorely
disappointed. Is there any way that you can find a used machine in good
condition from your newspaper classifieds or maybe a thrift store (I
find them there all the time -- gorgeous machines -- you have to test
them first to be sure they work, and any thrift store worth its salt
will let you)? That way you will only be out $5-50 and you will have a
machine that will last you for years.

The problem with the newer el cheapo machines is that they don't hold
their tension, they don't stitch well, and they are not built to be
durable machines.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area I have a few rescues who would
be happy to go to a new home for the price I paid for them.

Melinda, who dumped her newer machines in favor of 60s and 70s vintage
machines

Belindi wrote:
> I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
>
> Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
> http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
> Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
> http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770



--
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa

[Belindi]

Thanks all. The problem is that I know nothing about machines
generally and the sewing instructor I worked with insisted on new
machines and Bernina came highly recommended (and $1500 no wonder).
So if I tested a used machine, I'd have no idea if it was doing what
it was supposed to be doing.

I think I'm going to gamble w/ the "should be outlawed" Brother and if
it can't handle my kids hemming needs, then I'll ship it back to
Walmart. Thanks for letting me know what to watch out for.

Belindi



"Mike Behrent" > wrote in message >...
> Always better to get more than you think you'll need. Can save alot of money
> in upgrading :)
>
> "Belindi" > wrote in message
> om...
> > I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
> >
> > Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
> >
> http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
> >
> >
> > Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
> >
> http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
> >
> > I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
> > don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
> > my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
> > is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
> > reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
> > function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.
> >
> > If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
> > directly.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Belindi

[Byron Kindig]

I got a Brother from Walmart a couple of years ago for Christmas. It is now
worn out because the gears are plastic. My deceased mother's old machine
from 1953 (a Singer) still runs great (like a sewing machine) because it has
all metal gears. I agree with the person who recommended a used older
machine with metal gears. It will outlast any of the new machines with
plastic gears, if it is in good condition. Check E-Bay and at your local
Sewing machine repair shops.
Byron
"Belindi" > wrote in message
om...
> I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
>
> Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
> Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
>
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
> I'm looking for something for alterations, maybe kids crafts, and
> don't know if I'll ever use it to sew clothes and doubt quilting is in
> my future. I'm leaning towards the cheaper (XL-6562) one but Walmart
> is the only distributor of the product and I can't find reviews. 4/5
> reviews for the CS-8072 are favorable. It has a lot more stitches and
> function, but I don't know if any are "necessary" for my life.
>
> If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me
> directly.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Belindi

[joy beeson]

On 26 Sep 2003 11:45:46 -0700,
(Belindi) wrote:

> So if I tested a used machine, I'd have no idea if it was doing what
> it was supposed to be doing.

If it's from 1960 or earlier and still sews when you turn
the handwheel, you've got a good one. You should also plug
it in and make sure the motor runs and the controller works.
But if the motor is bolted onto the back, odds are that you
can buy a new one pretty cheap. (A fitted-in motor that has
to have been made for that specific model can be expensive
or unobtainable.)

A thrift-shop machine is probably full of dirt and ossified
oil, unless the previous owner dropped dead while still
using it. If you didn't get the machine from someone who
repairs machines, take it to a mechanic and have it cleaned
and oiled, and have the mechanic show you where all the oil
holes are and tell you how often to drip in how much oil.

It's hard to abuse a good, practical sewing machine to the
point where a cleaning and oiling won't fix it right up. A
modern expensive-toy sewing machine can go wrong without you
even look at it cross-eyed, unless it's a REALLY-expensive
toy. Or an industrial machine.

All you absolutely have to have is a good straight stitch.
I use my zig-zag a lot, but I've forgotten how to turn on my
fancy stitches. (I looked it up a few years ago to make a
fringe on a tablecloth.)

A free arm is really, really nice if you make garments,
particularly children's garments.

I've probably got a much longer rant posted at
http://home.earthlink.net/~joybeeson/ROUGHSEW/ROUGH.HTM

Joy Beeson
--
http://home.earthlink.net/~joybeeson/ -- needlework
http://home.earthlink.net/~beeson_n3f/ -- Writers' Exchange
joy beeson at earthlink dot net

[[email protected]]

Re: Help with Picking a Brother machine

(joy=A0beeson)
<mucho snippo>
<A thrift-shop machine is probably full of dirt and ossified oil, unless
the previous owner dropped dead while still using it.
---
<<Cea adds:
<< My plan, Exactly!! Drop in the traces, let someone else dispose of
the stash!
Oh, I buy machines from thrift shops all of the time, and have found
some fairly clean, usable models. Got a serger from a yard sale, $5.00,
and when I opened it, a half dollar fell out.
---
If you didn't get the machine from someone who repairs machines, take
it to a mechanic and have it cleaned and oiled, and have the mechanic
show you where all the oil holes are and tell you how often to drip in
how much oil.
---
<<Or, better yet, if the machine runs well, learn to clean and oil it
yourself, and pocket the $50--$60 cleaning charge.
Cea

[Wandalala]

Hi Melinda, I live in the Bay Area and am looking for a serger, used is fine
with me. Do you know where I can get a good used serger, for a good price?

Wanda


"Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply" > wrote in
message ...
> I have bought new machines in that price range and been sorely
> disappointed. Is there any way that you can find a used machine in good
> condition from your newspaper classifieds or maybe a thrift store (I
> find them there all the time -- gorgeous machines -- you have to test
> them first to be sure they work, and any thrift store worth its salt
> will let you)? That way you will only be out $5-50 and you will have a
> machine that will last you for years.
>
> The problem with the newer el cheapo machines is that they don't hold
> their tension, they don't stitch well, and they are not built to be
> durable machines.
>
> If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area I have a few rescues who would
> be happy to go to a new home for the price I paid for them.
>
> Melinda, who dumped her newer machines in favor of 60s and 70s vintage
> machines
>
> Belindi wrote:
> > I've got machines narrowed down (given price and function) to these:
> >
> > Brother Computerized Sewing Machine, Model CS-8072 for $289
> >
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951286&cat=4770&type=
1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
> >
> >
> > Brother Sewing Machine, Model XL-6562 for $198 on clearance
> >
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1744745&cat=4770&type=
1&dept=4044&path=0%3A4044%3A4064%3A90433%3A4770
>
>
>
> --
> I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
> I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.522 / Virus Database: 320 - Release Date: 9/29/03

[Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply]

Wandalala wrote:
> Hi Melinda, I live in the Bay Area and am looking for a serger, used is fine
> with me. Do you know where I can get a good used serger, for a good price?

I have gotten a good deal on a sewing machine from The Sewing Machine
Shop in Walnut Creek. If you are closer to Palo Alto there's some
sewing machine store down there that is really good, but I can't
remember the name of it.

--
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa

[Ron Anderson]

Used to be "the Place the sells sewing machines" But that was 25 years ago.


--
Ron Anderson
A1 Sewing Machine
PO Box 60
Sand Lake, NY 12153
518-674-8491
http://www.a1sewingmachine.com
"Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply" > wrote in
message ...
> Wandalala wrote:
> > Hi Melinda, I live in the Bay Area and am looking for a serger, used is
fine
> > with me. Do you know where I can get a good used serger, for a good
price?
>
> I have gotten a good deal on a sewing machine from The Sewing Machine
> Shop in Walnut Creek. If you are closer to Palo Alto there's some
> sewing machine store down there that is really good, but I can't
> remember the name of it.
>
> --
> I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
> I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa
>

[SNIGDIBBLY]

Ron - I have a Bernina Virtuosa 150 Quilters Edition that i want to sell. How much should I ask for
it?
http://www.ebay.stores/nanasneedlenook/
SNIGDIBBLY
~e~
<">
/ \
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/snigdibbly/
SHIPPING IS ALWAYS FREE IN THE US AT NANA'S NEEDLE NOOK.
"Ron Anderson" > wrote in message ...
> Used to be "the Place the sells sewing machines" But that was 25 years ago.
>
>
> --
> Ron Anderson
> A1 Sewing Machine
> PO Box 60
> Sand Lake, NY 12153
> 518-674-8491
> http://www.a1sewingmachine.com
> "Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply" > wrote in
> message ...
> > Wandalala wrote:
> > > Hi Melinda, I live in the Bay Area and am looking for a serger, used is
> fine
> > > with me. Do you know where I can get a good used serger, for a good
> price?
> >
> > I have gotten a good deal on a sewing machine from The Sewing Machine
> > Shop in Walnut Creek. If you are closer to Palo Alto there's some
> > sewing machine store down there that is really good, but I can't
> > remember the name of it.
> >
> > --
> > I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
> > I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa
> >
>
>

[Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply]

SNIGDIBBLY wrote:

> Ron - I have a Bernina Virtuosa 150 Quilters Edition that i want to sell. How much should I ask for
> it?

As I have read on sewing groups, any sewing machine is worth what the
buyer is willing to pay for it. If you are selling on Ebay, you should
look at similar machines and what they were sold for and use that as a
guideline.


--
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa