Ask the lazyweb: Sewing machines?

[dianec42]

So I'm thinking of getting a new sewing machine. (This business of moving to different countries and selling off all our electrical stuff has really got to stop.)

I did some poking around on joann.com and I think I want the Singer 7462 (amusing and overwhelmingly positive reviews on joann.com here).

I don't mind buying it on-line if the price is right; but I would really like to play with one in-person first and make sure it doesn't feel horribly wrong. Sadly, it's been about 20 years since I shopped for a sewing machine in the US, and I can't actually remember where the heck you buy sewing machines other than Sears. (I checked sears.com and target.com -- I'm not THAT lazy -- and neither of them carries the 7462.)

So, um, help? Does anyone have any amusing anecdotes about Singer sewing machines and/or useful suggestions on where to go play with one?

Thanks in advance, O mighty group mind.

Comments

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

Was the Sears brand one a Kenmore, by any chance? My old old one was a Kenmore, and it was all right, but none too studly. (My insane husband wants a wool pirate coat, so I'm thinking studliness is a requirement this time around.)

[anneb.livejournal.com]

My Kenmore handled a wool Kinsale cloak (with fleece lining) and some very heavy insulated bedroom drapes.

I dunno who was making them the year I got mine.

[madbodger.livejournal.com]

There are lists on the web that let you look up the actual manufacturer from a Sears part number. The recent Singers have a bad rep in the reliability department. Apparently there is still decent stuff to be had from Viking, Pfaff, and Bernina. If you want an old Singer (1951-1952), I have a spare.

[usqueba.livejournal.com]

Was the Sears brand one a Kenmore, by any chance
Yes. It was the low-budget one. I don't know anything about them. Maybe we just got a lemon and Kenmore is fine ::shrug::