Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions

Comment: I love this sewing machine! I hadn't sewn in nearly 20 years and recently my husband purchased this machine for my daughters and I. I love it. It is so incredibly simple to use, even after so many years of not using a sewing machine. I started out simple making myself some valance curtains for my family room. They turned out great. I recommend this machine - at the price here on amazon it cannot be beat!

Comment: We ordered two of these machines and while the one is great, the other has a stuck pedal. I phoned brother who told me I would have to take it to a local service center. I asked could I buy a pedal and they said they had no interest in anything but warranty work. It ends up that is 2.5 hours away. I phoned them and they told us to ship the entire machine. I told them the machine works great because I can use the other pedal on it, but the pedal sticks. They said it doesn't matter, to ship the whole machine. I said could I not buy a different pedal, but they said no way can they work on a pedal without the machine. I could buy another machine for the cost of shipping this there and back. Very rude to work with and I was not happy! Don't know why brother doesn't have centers more places.
Heather

Comment: This machine is a great buy. We bought a sewing machine for $80 a year ago, and it fell apart already. It was really loud, moved while sewing, got tangled regularly, etc. But, we started getting serious about constructing garments, and knew we needed a new, better machine. This was my final choice. It was between this one and a Singer model for $500. This machine had more accessories included, and better ratings, and a better price. Since we received it, we have used it a ton! We love the one step buttonhole option. This is a great product for anyone looking for something with a wide selection of options without a large price tag. Really great value for the dollors spent! Recommend it to anyone!

Comment: I am an inexperienced sewer, so had to go by the manual for just about everything including winding the bobbin, threading the machine etc. (Not sure if other sewers would have the same experience as I did.) I did get some sewing experience when I was 12 years old and my grandmother bought me a small sewing machine, but most of what I learned then I have forgotten these days, and it only comes back in bits and pieces.
However I am an intelligent tech-savvy woman working in the IT industry, and usually find my way fairly quickly with new electronic devices, with or without manual. This is why it surprised and frustrated me to no end that I struggled with it so much!
The main reason for that was:
1 - The instruction manual did not contain nearly enough pictures to guide me through the entire process.
2 - The manual was made generic to suit several model ranges, and there was no way of knowing which set of instructions matched my machine. Especially given the lack of pictures. I hate when it goes "If your model contains this feature, please refer to the instructions on page x." How am I supposed to know if I have "automatic needle threading"?
3 - There is no decent reference to a website containing more (or more specific!) information.
While I can understand that printing a 30 page manual specifically for the machine you're selling must be expensive - ahem - I still think a little slip of paper with a web address on it containing *machine-specific* information should be doable. Help your customers find their own way! The best service is no service. (i.e. the best services is when the customer doesn't need any interaction with the company at all.)

That said, once I made several errors and spent some frustrated evenings figuring out the specificities of the machine (thank you, internet and YouTube tutorials!) I have now learned to use some basic stitches and have sewn some simple projects. While I have no experience with other machines to compare this one to, I like the feel of the machine. Also, given the lack of instructions in the manual on oiling the machine, I assume oiling isn't necessary unlike with other machines - so it's maintenance-free, I like that!

Overall not sure if given the choice between a lesser machine with better instructions, or this machine with only the bare basics, I would opt for this one again. However I'm not unhappy and bear in mind I was very inexperienced when I started sewing with this machine.

Comment: I have had my machine for just a few weeks now but so far I am pleasantly surprised! I was afraid because the price was so good that you know the saying you get what you pay for... Well I feel I got a very good deal. I love the option of no foot. I love the needle up, needle down feature as well. I guess the one thing that I think would be most helpful would be a how to DVD along with the manual that does come with it. I am a little concerned with some of the plastic parts especially the window you put the bobbin in. And the bobbin winder. I would change the design on that so you didn't have to twist it if it were possible. But other then that I am so happy with my new machine. Sewing relieves stress for me and I can't wait to get sewing! I love the bright light, all the stitches you can use, the extra feet you get, the table etc.. I would recommend this machine to others, especially beginners. My mom got one too and it was nice for us to figure it out on the phone together because we live in different states, the price was so helpful to make that possible. Again a DVD would have been nice.