Looking at sewing machines

I've decided to get a sewing machine that will probably only last until December. By then, I should be able to afford an industrial strength machine.

I'm looking at a Brother CS-6000i, a Brother XL-2610, Juni HZL 27z, and a Singer 4423. All look pretty decent and I'm not entirely sure what to go with. Given that, I'm reading a LOT of reviews. There is one that I found particularly funny -

http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Review/1/3657

I'm kind of leaning towards the Brother XL-2610 only because the amazon reviews all read like something I would say/write. "I got it it because it was pink but I then threw three yards of denim at it and it works!" type reviews. I'm also trying to avoid, in general, reviews that start with "I'm a beginner" and look more for "I'm a fashion student" or "I've been sewing for a 100 years and thought I should get a better machine". Almost all the XL-2610 reviews seem to be by intermediate to advanced seamstress' and quilters which is a good thing. But, I also like the all metal construction of the Singer...so...I need to sew...grrr...

What I wore last night

Photo courtesy of padawansguide I wore my embroidered Regency again since I couldn't finish the 1810's gown. Grr. However, I did get to wear my brand new tiara! It's sparkly and has pearls! I canz join tiara club now?

The new sewing machine

Singer Heavy Duty 4423.

I looked at a LOT of sewing machines over the past couple of days. It came down to two: the Singer I'm getting and a Brother CS6000i. I read all the reviews and tried to push my preconceived ideas about both companies out the window. I've had problems with Brothers in the past. (3 months and the machine DIED!) And Mom has had problems with Singers...

I tried to find a bad review for the Singer and that was about it. I found one. With the Brother -there were a lot of bad reviews as well as a whole heck of a lot of good reviews. What it came down to was that the Singer, despite not being fancy, is said to be able to sew any type of material you throw at it -within reason- and many of the reviewers had the machine for at least 6 months or longer. Any machine will work three days out of the box, I'm more curious if it will work 3 years out of the box. Based on the Singer reviews, it sounds like just a better machine over all.

So, come Tuesday, I can sew! Hmm...maybe I can make that cute knit dress on the new machine for Jury Duty on Wednesday....