craftgrrl | Sewing machine? (x-posted)

Hi there,

I am very interested in starting/taking up sewing and am currently in the process of choosing a sewing machine to purchase. My mom was a seamstress (as her first career), and I'm particular to the Singer brand because of her. I just need some advice on which models I could invest my money in. (Right now, I'm kind of stuck on 301 or 401... but I'm open minded. I think I'd like to stick with the all-metal/pre-1965-ish models, though.) I'm not interested in anything electronic or made with a lot of plastic.

Do you have a particular Singer brand that you swear by?
And, What are some red flags to look for which purchasing a used sewing machine?

:) I would really appreciate your input! Thank you, all.