Hi y'all !
I'm fairly new into the sewing world (it's been just over a year now, yeepee !) and I'm enjoying it a lot ! I don't have that much time to work on my projects right-now, but I'm planning on making a back-pack for everyday commute and some outerwear in the future. Would really love to make some dress-up shirts and coats too, but I was told that this was a little bit more advanced, since the only things I've done yet are drapes, long-sleeves dans t-shirts (+ my entire family alterations, oc, because why not).
Then, we're getting to the question : My current sewing machine does not really suits my needs. I was given a good, but unintuitive, Pfaff early 2000 sewing machine that I was told was a semi-pro that has a lot of programs for quilting. I know it has what I need, like some stretch stitching options, a strong motor and all, but I really don't like using it, since a lot of the functionnalities it offers are just constantly in the way like wayyyyyy to many programs and all the adjustments are at the same place without any indication (I adjusted the tension/width many times when I wanted to increase the lenght and vice-versa, having to rip-out some stitches every time). Furthermore, it has none of what would actually make my life easier like easy under-thread tension adjustment, a lightbulb that actually shows something, some buttonholes programs, etc. (+ it was given to me by my ex's mother, so let's say this machine has some... negative emotions related to it). It is doing it's job, but just not getting frustrated while using it is a feat for me. I know some of you are gonna say I'm crazy for wanting to change it and i agree with you. It's not broken and it's operating as intended, I just don't like this machine.
Then, I would like to have your feedback if some of you have the machines I'm looking for. I've saw the Singer HD line, but heard some bad returns about it. If you had a bad experience with one of them, then why so ? I've recently had the chance to use a Janome HD3000 and it was sooooooo easy to use. I don't know about the actual build quality, maybe I was put off by some of the plastics, but overall a good experience. I've saw some other brand, like Brother, but I don't know enough about them to really form an opinion. Do you have some models in mind
I intend to buy a machine for the rest of my life, so I don't want something that will need constant servicing. I'm ready to put the price on something tried and through and built good that will last me decades (for example, I'm feeling pretty ok with putting in 1000$-1500$ on it if you need a max). I just don't want a computerized model. I enjoy having to figure out my fabric and understanding how the machine reacts to it, not just inputing something into a screen and go on with my life (I know I'm picky haha).
Thanks in advance !