Have you tried changing the needle on your mother's machine. All ball point needle might work better with the knits. I personally recomend old machines. I bought a brother at wal-mart one time just to do button holes with and if literally fell apart after 2 years and I didn't do that many button holes. I have a more expensive brother and the quality of it is far better than the one from Walmart. I do all of my top stitching on a 1964 singer. It makes a great stitch. just my 2 cents worth.
Susan

It depends on how much you want to spend.But if you sew mainly clothes,i think you'd probably like one that has all your basic stitches,does buttonholes,needle up/down position and maybe a few decorative stitches.
Personally i steer clear of wal mart,joann's and those kinds of places.I prefer to get mine from a sewing machine dealer,who will be there if you need help and if you buy a new one,it comes with lessons.

Also check into buying a used one from a reputable dealer,those of us that sew a lot are always upgrading and trading in perfectly good machines for the latest bells and whistles.

Also when you go to try them out take some pieces of fabrics that you will be sewing on to test the machine with.
HTH
Kathi

If you are going to buy a machine, get the best one that you can afford. It is good to buy from a sewing machine dealer because they will usually give you free lessons. Go to a dealer and try out some of their machines. If you are going to sew clothes you will need a machine that does basic stitches and makes button holes. You might also want a couple of decorative stitches. Colleen

also, go to www.patternreview.com They give reviews on sewing machines sergers patterns etc. You can compare the many different kinds and read the pros and cons to each machine. That is how I decided on my new machine. I purchased a Designer I from husqvarna. I do more than just simple things...embroidery is so much fun...Good luck to you. That site also gives prices..
Susan

I want to thank everyone for the great advice. I am going to see if I can find a dealer around here and take a look at what they have. I can always save some more money if I find one that I really like.

Thank you Susan for the tip about changing the needle. My mom doesn't do a lot of sewing and when she does it's only on cotton so she didn't bother to tell me that I should use different needles :( I'm sure that will make a world of difference.

Be sure to inquire about good, used sewing machines that have been traded in. I traded my Bernina artista 165 in on an artista 200 after three months (had to have that color embroidery screen, y'know!). On the computerized ones, your dealer (or his/her technician) can most likely tell you how many hours the trade-in has on it (unless it has had a mother board replaced, which will then show it with zero hours, like new). You can really get some good deals on gently used machines. Be sure to sit down and sew with it on material YOU bring from home, types of fabric you are likely to use regularly. Needle up/down feature is really nice, and it's important to get one that does nice buttonholes. I believe in buying the best you can possibly afford b/c you will definitely grow into it, especially if you take advantage of the free lessons most dealers offer.

Mary

Here's another vote for buying through a dealer. Buy a good quality used machine if you need to save money.

As an experienced electronics geek ... BUY MECHANICAL! I wouldn't trade my Pfaff 1209 for the most expensive computer-controlled whatever on the market. The Pfaff is 25 years old and still runs like purring kitten.

The basic stitches you need are straight, zig-zag and a couple of stretch stitches. That will handle almost anything the typical home sewer does.

I've been off the computer for a few days trying to get some things done around here but thought I would check the forum.

I finally found a sewing machine place that's not too far from me. I actually found it by accident on my way to Hancocks for material :) I have been taking notes from everyone and will definitely take some of my own material with me for practice. Lazygardens it's funny that you say that because I was just telling dh that even though I would love to get a computerized machine I will probably stick to one that isn't.

I want to thank you all for your help. I really have taken a liking to sewing my own clothes so I want something that will last :)

Venessa

I am not sure what I need in a sewing machine but I was wondering if anyone could help me,,, I am new to this sewing thing and my husban found me a Kenmore Mod 158.19411 and he didn't get a manual with it. Would anyone happen to have a manual they could share with me please. My email address is eagle54@usa.com. Thanks, Jen

Sew USA has quite a selection of Kenmore manuals for $10 each.

Scroll way down the page and you'll see model 158.1941, which may just be what you're looking for. At another website (www.sew4less.com) they didn't seem to have your manual, but they listed 3 Kenmore models in their search database with that basic number: 158.19410, 158.19411, and 158.19412. I'll bet these are variations on the same machine (good, better, best) and all 3 have the same manual, although their features differ slightly.

A few of the model numbers on the Sew USA page have links that display the covers of the manuals. See anything that looks like your machine?

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore sewing machine manuals