Any recommendations for a new sewing machine? Nothing fancy

[likesmountains 52]

I have a serger and a 15 year old Singer which I want to replcae..I don't need anything fancy, just something that makes seams and buttonholes. I sew mostly for fun, but have started a small home business and just want an upgrade...thanks for any hints. I live about 200 miles form any sewing store where I could go try a machine out...

[NMDemDist2]

1. my old Brother works well n/t

[likesmountains 52]

3. Thanks, I need to at least get some brands narrowed down..

[lavenderdiva]

2. I have had the same Bernina for almost 20 years, and it still sews

beautifully! Its easy to operate, and has everything I could want in a machine. It doesn't do any of the monogramming, or embroidery that a lot of these new-fangled machines do, but I don't really need any of that. I just want it to sew straight seams, zigzag, buttonholes, etc easily. And it comes through on all counts...

[likesmountains 52]

4. Thanks for the info...most of the new machines seem to offer way

more than I really need! Maybe I'll have to make a trip to a city and try some out..

[Warpy]

5. I have a 10 year old Brother "Quilter's Friend" that I got

so I could sew heavier fabrics easily. It's still going strong. It sews forwards, backwards, and zig zag. The tension can be hard to get right, though.

My ancient Singer Featherweight (40 pounds of feathers!) is also still going strong, but those things are indestructible. My $30 machine is now over $500 on the antiques circuit and there is no way I'll sell it.

[eleny]

6. consumer reports rated them in january 2005

mechanical best buy was Kenmore (Sears) 15218(Note: Discontinued) and 152-12.
electronic best buy was Brother Pacesetter NX-200 NX-400, NX-600.

from consumer reports on their testing:
" Mechanical machines. The Kenmore, a CR Best Buy at $180, sewed very capably on a variety of fabrics in single and multiple layers, and it was good on denim. It’s also relatively lightweight, and it includes an automatic buttonholer, needle threader, and five presser feet. The Brother, $325, was slightly better on corduroy and zippers. It also has a longer warranty than the Kenmore (1 year vs. 90 days).

Electronic machines. These typically have pushbutton controls, an LED screen, the ability to make many decorative stitches, and other features. The most affordable ones are the Brother, a CR Best Buy at $500, and the Singer, also $500. The Brother is quite impressive. It includes a superb automatic needle threader and 49 selectable stitches. The Singer doesn’t sew as expertly but lets you program in letters. If price is no object, consider the Husqvarna or Bernina. These excellent electronic machines sell for $2,800 and $1,400, respectively."

[tammywammy]

7. My mom has a Bernina

She's had it for as long as I can remember. I'm 26 and I clearly remember her making my She-ra halloween costume on it when I was 5.

I used her machine a few years ago to make a duvet, bed skirt & pillows and it was superb.

I have a Singer. My grandmother bought if a couple of years before she died, so maybe in 2000ish and when she passed on, I got it. It's a little more fancy than what I need, but it's an excellent machine.