If you want to do garment sewing, you don't need the top of the line machine, but a machine with a nice assortment of about a dozen stitches will allow you sew just about anything. Below is a link to an article at Threads Magazine. You can download a PDF that compares a number of basic machines. Although this list may be out of date (new models have come on the market), it gives you a good idea of the types of features that you might want to look for. A machine with straight stitch, zig-zag, 3-stitch zig-zag, hem stitches, triple strength knit stitches (straight and overlock) and a button hole stitch will give you a lot of versatility. As an example, here's a Janome at AllBrands that has the bare minimum basic features I would consider: http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp08019-0847.html#Click%20for%20More%20Images Note that this machine has a metal body, so it won't be very light-weight; other machines have plastic bodies, which make them lighter and more portable. Some other features to consider are: adjustable needle position (left, middle, right) and automatic needle down, which this particular Janome does not seem to have; it's very basic. Testing the machine yourself is a good idea, to find out if there are features that you don't like. For instance, do you have to hold down the reverse button to lock stitches? If so, where is that button located? Is it in an inconvenient place? Only you can determine that for yourself by testing. Hope this gives you some more ideas of what to look for. CMC Also, check http://sewing.patternreview.com/ for a large assortment of sewing machine reviews. Here is a link that might be useful: Threads magazine - How to Buy a Sewing Machine

I've sewn on both a White portable that died last year from the 40's and my grandmother's rotary in mahogany cabinet with no reverse on it that got sold when she had a house sale I didn't know about. I think your machine either needs a good tune up or a new bobbin case (case is relatively inexpensive). You could also have a bit of thread in the case track..try running non-waxed dental floss through it and through the threading path pulling downward from the spool pin. My other thought is are you using a different brand thread than you normally use, and I hope you are not using glazed hand quilting thread in the machine. You should look at other brands and try the machines out like you are doing now. Janome and Kenmore made by Janome are decent machines...I have a Kenmore 19365 I love to sew with. I went from a flatbed to a portable with the same adjustment you face without much of a problem and older like you with wind in place bobbin that took me a while to learn. With any new machine, read the manual from page 1 to find out what's going on. Some manufacturers have manuals you can download to read beforehand to get a better idea of what the machine will do. The nice thing with new machines is the free arm you have available for doing cuffs and small areas with storage in the bed that is on the machine. The new meachines also have an automatic needle threader that's wonderful for "mature eyes" and a plexiglass table surround to give you more area should you need it. I also used the top of the old Kenmore cabinet to sew on until the Kenmore and blonde cabinet went in the dumpster, then it was on the dining room table. You can still keep your well-loved cabinet to sew on and use underneath for storage like I did.

Thanks zone 8grandma! That site is fun! Thanks Teresa, I have always cleaned out under the bobbin area, however, I've never had my machines given a yearly checkup. Never knew to. I forget which Janome I test drove now, but I've noticed that the Huskystar C20 is VERY similar, except for price. The Huskystar is $500 and the Janome is $1400. Can anyone tell me if they are a good machine? I read somewhere not to get the Huskystars because they're a cheap imitation of Viking. Viking machines are made in Sweden and the Huskystars are made in the Orient. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated. I tried calling Carol's Viking Sewing Center on Saturday. I spoke with one of her employees who thought the machine I was talking about was the Emerald 118, but would have Carol call me. She hasn't yet and I've checked out that machine and it cannot be the right one. The one my husband's work uses must do the alphabet because I know he had his name "embroidered" on his clothes. So I'll have to wait to see if she calls me in the next few days. I'm very curious to see if that machine is the C20. As for getting a machine for Christmas it looks like it won't happen just yet. Still don't have all the info DH (dear husband, right?) needs before we take the plunge ($$). And with him working 12+ hours a day right now, he can't really devote the time to check out the machines. I'm guessing that this'll be my last machine and I don't want to rush into it just because there's a deadline for a present! Anyhow, I have somewhat decided that the Huskystar C20 does what I want, I just need to make sure it's a good machine. So, I'll be off today to try to find a sewing foot pedal for my Necchi so I can at least use my machine. I jumped the gun in offering my mom's old sewing cabinet to my sister because I had mine in the shop to get tuned up and have them put a foot pedal on (my dad removed my foot pedal years ago to hardwire into the cabinet). Now I have a nicer cabinet and need a foot pedal back on it so it'll fit in the cabinet AND be portable. Thanks for all the info! Susan

I'm familiar with the Husqvarna Viking line which should be accommodate much of your wishes. The latest issue of the HV Epic or its sister Pfaff machine (don't know the model name) both have larger throats, but they won't be taller. They're large and aren't the kind you put away each time you use it. Also,be prepared for sticker shock. Best idea is to visit local major sewing machine brand dealers to test drive machines and sometimes they have good promotions or decent prices on 2nd hand machines. I would stay out of Walmart if you want a sturdy, dependable machine.