Tuesday, January 28, 2014

What sewing machine would you recommend?

A co-worker stopped me in the hall yesterday to ask me a personal question:

What sewing machine do you use?

Thirty minutes later we were still chatting away about quilting, daughters moving off to college, and the desire to find something we could be passionate about outside of work. Funny how you can pass someone in the hall ever day, sit through numerous meetings together and one little question can change everything! (I love it!(PS: Click HERE for my Grow Your Blog Give-Away.)

So here's my beloved sewing machine:
I just realized she was three years old this past Christmas.
I especially love her touch panel and array of decorative stitches as used here.
There's really nothing I don't like about her.
Note: I do not quilt on her. So this has worked perfectly for me when it comes to piecing.
My choice of purchase was also influenced by these factors:  I wanted to be able to get it easily cleaned and serviced, repaired if needed and take classes to learn more about using it. So I bought from our local sewing machine store. 

So what would you recommend to someone who is upgrading their machine to start this wonderful hobby of ours? (I've seen mention of Janome often??)
PS: I gave my co-worker my blog address so she can read your comments and guidance. 

Thanks guys!
Val:)

27 comments:

  1. Yes, Val, the Janome is a fantastic and reliable machine. I have had my little Janome for two years now. But when I was looking to get a larger machine, the price of the larger Janome had me hesitating. Turns out Elna is made by Janome and had a machine that had all the same features I was looking for at $500 savings. So, I am happy to have one of each now!

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  2. I have a Janome 7700 that I purchased about six months ago. I LURVE this machine! I still haven't used all the features. What I tell people when they ask is 1. Buy as much machine as you can afford. This was THE best advice my mom gave me (aren't quilting mom's the best?) Skills improve quickly and 'growing out of' your machine if you get a cheap starter is going to happen quickly; 2. Buy a machine at a local store so as you pointed out - you have a place to go to learn, fix and service the machine; 3. Make sure the machine inards (is that a world LOL) are made of steel, not plastic. I wish I could find the youtube video that was done on this - there are few machines made these days that have metal inner workings. They just last longer. 4. Modern machines are pretty similar if you have met the first three criteria. I love my Janome but I would tell someone who does not have a dealer close, get the brand that you have easy access to service etc.

    OK that was long winded ;) And it is amazing what one question can prompt! haha

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  3. I also agree with Lorna, I have a Janome 6600P with a long bed and love it. Have used it alot for about 5 years and have had no issues at all. They are wonderful machines with many quilter friendly features.

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  4. I also think you should get the best machine you can afford. But look at all functions. I love my Janome 6500. It is great for quilting with a walking and darning foot, plus larger throat. However, I can't hem pants on it. So I still have my older Pfaff. I actually piece on my Pfaff, because I love the dual feed.

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  5. I actually use a treadle! LOL I do have a Janome electric that I use when I sew clothes though.

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  6. I've got a Janome (but mine isn't as fancy as these ladies). I have a Sewist 500 and it works great for me and what I need!

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  7. I use a Juki TL-98Q that I absolutely love! When I realized that I was going to wear out my Singer with all the quilting I was doing (before I got my long arm), I contacted several quilt bloggers who did similar quilting and piecing, at about the same speed and quantity as me. Every one of them recommended (and used) this machine and were very complimentary of it. I bought one and used it not only as my piecing machine, but also as a mid-arm quilter on a wooden frame. She's been a workhorse and I love her - and recommend her to everyone who asks what comes after their garden variety Singer. I still have my Singer for when I want to zigzag or do some kind of specialty stitch, but since quilting is my main focus, I don't pull it out very often.

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  8. I have an a 20 year old Bernina which I adore but when it came time to buy a new machine the Bernina was out of my price range. I went with with a Janome 6600P and I LOVE it. The dealer is really a selling point. Must be close, reliable and knowledgeable. This machine has a built-in even feed system which has improved my piecing like you wouldn't believe. had it two years now with no problems.

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  9. I have only had Janome machines-I have 4 and they all work awesome!! Workhorses I might say as I do a LOT of sewing. Mine are the 7000, 5000, 6125 and the 7700-Love 'em!

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  10. I have two Janomes (6500 and 7700) and love them both although I have had some issues with my 7700 and it has been back to Janome a couple of times because my certified Janome tech couldn't fix the problem. It is great to by locally if you can and that's what I did my shop has since closed its doors. My advice is talk to lots of quilters about their machines and buy the best quality of machine you can afford. She should test the machine on one of her own projects and try out different threads. If she is just starting out it might be worthwhile talking to a local dealer that accepts trade-ins. She might be able to get a good machine from a quilter who is upgrading. That's what a friend of mine did and she got a great Janome 6500 for a song. If I were in the market for a new machine I would likely be looking at a Juki. I'm reading great things about them and they are well priced.

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  11. As a quilter, there are certain features that I simply can not live without. When I was shopping for machines last year at the time, I started asking around to see what other quilters used. I had a Pfaff, loved it. I got an Elna eXcellence 720, love it even more. I also purchased a new Janome Jem in October for traveling. Needle up/down is of utmost importance if you will be quilting and piecing. I say, figure out your budget and buy the machine with the most features that your budget allows. Amen Karen, being able to trade up is also important. I have done that with my last 3 machines. Have fun helping out your new quilting buddy!

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    1. She reported that she couldn't sleep last night as she is soooo excited!! :) YAH!!! THANKS to everyone for your support and guidance.

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  12. Lots of good advice here! I have a Viking Sapphire that is a wonderful quilting machine! I bought it when I first started quilting and thought it might be a little "too much" but now I have definitely grown into it and I love all the special features for quilters. The pedal control of the needle up and down is really very helpful.

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  13. I have a Pfaff Ambition 1.5 it replaced my 1972 Bernina 830. I could not afford to replace the Bernina with another one. I sewed on lots of Pfaffs and Vikings at my local dealer for days and days before I settled on this one and I am quite please with it!

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  14. I have a Janome (my second) and I really like but I agree that having a sales and service place close by is very important.

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  15. Sew I have 3 sewing machine. Berneenee my Berrnina with a stitch regulator for kwilting, Jenny Janome, lightweight for classes and retreats and Feenie my the Featherweight, a stitchin workhorse who whispers stories from 1942. All stitching sisters. Bernina by far my fav!!!

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  16. I have the Husqvarna Viking Opal 670. Totally loving this machine. Bought the FMQ foot recently so I can begin to learn that. Before this one, I had a plain old BabyLock. Been working great for the last 20 or so years.

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  17. I upgraded from my mom's 20 year old, very basic Janome to the Janome 6300. I love the brand, the machines and it met the requirements for a new machine: larger harp space for quilting, an on/off switch (my mom's machine has to be plugged in/unplugged), a knee lifter, extension table, needle up/down, simple to use, and reliable. I bought it locally (from the same shop my mom bought hers from, ha!) and have it serviced there about once a year. The only thing it doesn't have is a free-arm, but I've managed without it pretty well so far!

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  18. Piecing I love my old gals. Either one of my singer featherweights, a 301, 99k, or 500A. But if I am quilting I use my Viking Sapphire 855 which is about 6 years old.

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  19. I got a very basic Janome (also a Sewist - 525S) many years ago, and at the time I didn't value the needle up\down button as much as I should have. Definitely look at a model with that feature, not having it is a constant source of irritation. Aside from that my basic Janome gets the job done, for now. :)

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  20. That looks much like my Sapphire but I don't like it at all for quilting. I love using old vintage machines and have been using a Singer 15-91 for twenty years. Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  21. My workhorse machine for piecing and quilting in a Singer Scholastic 6510. Not a very common machine among quilters, I know but man, can she sew miles and miles. No, the throat is not as large as I would like but I have quilted queen size quilts on her. I also have two Singer Featherweights that I piece and quilt on too. I am negotiating taking possession of a friend's Singer 66 Redeye treadle machine. Are my machines right for you? Probably not. But the best thing you can do is go to the local sewing machine store(s) and try out some different models, looking for the features you want/need and the service & support they offer. Also, if you can get to a large quilt show, most manufacturers are represented, usually with local or nearby shops. The best advice is to buy the most machine you can comfortably afford that fills your needs.

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  22. My first sewing machine was a Janome 1008, very basic, but good quality, and the best I could afford. I took it apart a couple of years ago to clean it, but I must have lost a piece, or done something wrong, and made it unusable. I'm sure it could probably be easily fixed but at the time I couldn't get to the sewing store and there was a cheap sewing machine (a Brother LS 2150) being sold at my local post office, so I bought it instead of getting my janome fixed. It is loud, jerky, and the light bulb blew not long after getting it, but that has been what I have been sewing and quilting on. The last quilt I made pushed the machine to its limits. It is currently not in working order, but probably just needs a good cleaning and oiling. Until I get around to doing that, I have swapped sewing for crocheting.
    I also own an Elna 664 Serger PRO, that I am a little scared of using, but I'm sure it will be handy in the future. I was scared of using my first sewing machine for the first couple of years, too.

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    1. P.S. The Elna Serger was the best I could afford, and I'm sure I will grow into one day. I do agree that you should always buy the best that you can afford.

      By the way, the strangest thing happened the other day - as my little cheapo sewing machine was chugga-chugga-chugging away, struggling with the quilting I was forcing it to do, my husband said I should really buy a new, good-quality sewing machine. MY HUSBAND said I should spend money on a GOOD sewing machine. And he knows they're expensive! Well, I didn't rush off to buy a new one, and I'm sure he's forgotten by now, but I took that as a big compliment.

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    2. That's a good man for ya! I actually take my husband with me when I'm looking at machines as I'm always very practical and budget minded and every single time HE has upgraded my choices!!! He goes for longevity and investment...we are lucky girls for sure!!!

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  23. Wow...I'm so happy to see all these comments mom..and not only on this post but on most all of your others as well!! I'm proud of you :) this blog is taking off like mad!! I'm curious to hear about who asked you the question, what a great compliment and i'm glad you have something to share with a coworker.
    xo

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  24. Hi Val! I already commented earlier but visiting everyone on Let's Bee Social so thought I would just say howdy. Have a great day!

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I have to admit, your comments make me smile! Thanks for sharing and for letting me know you stopped by. I Hope your day is awesome!

Val:)

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