A good sewing machine for making dolls and plushies?

Question

I found this sewing machine on BestBuy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7823297&st=sewing+machine&lp=3&type=product&cp=1&id=1142294522596

I was wondering if this was a computerized sewing machine? If so, do they plug up into the wall like the manual one's?

I don't know if this is what I'm looking for, but I wanted something that can make small items in particular. Like plushies, doll clothing, small pouches and bags..but I also want something that I can use to make my own clothing with as well.

I don't know if I should get the manual or computerized sewing machine or what features to look for. Can someone please help me with this one.

Answer 1

Many inexpensive, new machines today, are made to last maybe 1000 hours of use - and that's it.
We use nothing but Bernina's in our 16 year old dollmaking business. These are easy to use, right off the bat for students in schools as well as anyone. I suggest any model 1010 series and up. These Swiss made work horses are made of metal and stainless steel that will last many, many years. I have bought 2 models from eBay for my contracters and I own 3 different styles myself as well as an industrial serger, specifically outfitted for doll clothes production.
You can expect to pay $350-$600 for one of these used sewing machines. Following are links to eBay for ones I suggest.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bernina-1031-Sewing-Machine-Lots-of-Extras_W0QQitemZ300103629038QQcategoryZ28164QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is another good one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bernina-1120-Sewing-Machine-plus-Extras_W0QQitemZ330111054893QQihZ014QQcategoryZ28164QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
And another:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bernina-1010-SEWING-MACHINE-JUST-SERVICED-by-DEALER_W0QQitemZ270112067420QQihZ017QQcategoryZ28164QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
All the best,
Joy

Answer 2

It's not computerized, but that doesn't matter. Even computerized machine are not very high-tech. The kind of sewing machine is not important - to make the items you describe, no special features are needed.

I recommend that you buy from a sewing store that will give you a couple of lessons to get you started, or find a beginner sewing class at your local adult ed, or just find someone who will sit with you for one evening the first time you use the machine. It's very frustrating to try to get started and have the thing seize up and not be able to figure out why!

Answer 3

im sure they all plug into the wall, walmart sells a brother straight stitch machine for 78dollars, computerized machines will break down so easy and it costs a lot to fix them, if you dont need fancy stitches i suggest that brother machine, but walmart does sell one a step up with some fancy stitches. ive never had a problem with my little el cheapo. dont buy anything off line, you cant take it back or get it fixed easily. you need something from a store near you. straight stitch, zig zag and reverse stitch to lock your seam ends is what most of us use.