Mary asked about my recent sewing machine purchase. It would not have occurred to me to buy a sewing machine at Target, but that's what my husband suggested. If I had planned in advance to buy a new sewing machine, I would probably have taken a lot more time over the decision. When I needed to replace my sewing machine in time to make a Halloween costume, I went to Target. They had three models in stock, all Singers. The cheapest one was only $90; it was a little too stripped down for me. I paid $130 for this cream/green one (not $120 as I originally posted).
I suppose I don't really know what I might be missing, since this is the same kind of sewing machine I've always had. The bottom-line model would sew a straight seam, zigzag edges, and blind-hem. I wanted a one-step buttonholer, though, and the cheaper machine requires a four-step process. In addition to a buttonhole foot, I needed a zipper foot and a button foot -- both of which came with the machine I bought. Mine also has an automatic needle-threader, which is a nice bonus for aging eyes.
I didn't really want a machine with any avoidable electronics, because electronics obsolesce. I am more than happy to select stitches and set their length/width with nice old-fashioned analog wheels. A control panel just seems like extra breakdown potential. My new machine is lightweight, which is pleasant, on the one hand, since my sewing machine lives in the back stairway and needs to be lugged downstairs whenever I sew anything. I wonder, on the other hand, if lighter weight = plastic gears = shorter lifespan. I suppose we'll see.
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