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What sewing machine?
I'm a dressmaker whose 20 year old Bernina machine has given up the ghost after sewing hundreds of garments. The part needed is obsolete, so I'm having to look at a new machine. There are so many on the market, and I'm wondering what serious sewers are buying these days. Also, what not to buy.
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I have two VERY old Singers (treadle and early electric) and I wanted something new because I thought I would enjoy sewing if I had a modern machine. (Frankly, I'm terrified of these two machines, but they're heirlooms and pretty.)
I took a sewing class and my teacher recommended Janome.
I'd never heard of this brand, but apparently they make most of the modern machines these days.
I love it. It has a built in needle threader (worth the entire price of the machine), a clear face plate for a drop in bobbin (so you can tell you have thread on the bobbin), very easy threading, presser feet that snap on an off easily (no screws), and lots of neat presser feet that don't cost very much. It also only weighs 12 lbs and has a handle on the top that makes it very easy to carry. It came with lots of nice attachments and a place to store them.
I'm very pleased with this machine, and it only cost about $400.00. It's computerized model and has about 30 built in stitches, including 4 one-step buttonholes, and it even mimics a serger using only one needle.
They make so many models, less and more expensive than mine, that I recommend that you seek out a Janome dealer and take a look at the features.
Berna
Edited 6/20/2007 4:51 pm ET by BernaWeaves
Ah, a fellow Janome lover, I almost started to think that I was the only one lol!!
You're not alone! I'm another member of the Janome Fan Club. I have a Memory Craft 4800 and a 300e and love them!
I learned to sew on Mom's Singer 401A, so when I purchased my own, I thought Singers were the best. Not! My first was a mechanical Singer (an OK basic machine), then I upgraded to a newer computerized Singer around 2001. That one was quirky and the dealer was hard to work with when I wanted to buy accessories for it (a walking foot and a 1/4-inch foot--nothing unusual). A couple of years later, after researching several brands, I decided on a new Janome. It sews like a dream, and has lots of nice features (and the walking foot & 1/4" foot came with it!)
Vickie
VK;
Yay!!! We should start a club. I get a lot of flack for loving Janome as much as I do because of their previous track record, but how can you not love such a solid, well planned machine.
Happy sewing,
T.
I haven't paid much attention in the past, but don't I remember hearing of a connection between Janome and New Home? I may be confused.
Yes, the two names are often synonymous now, but the New Home machines are the "low end" machines that Janome manufactures. I know that they still make the Kenmore line. I know that at least until recently they even manufactured machines like the HuskyStar, and the lower end Bernina and Pfaff machines. This is why they have so many features in common with all of the machines out there. They have adapted many of the really good features of the Pfaff, Bernina, and Viking into their own models.
*I did a little bit of research ;)*
New Home is a very old American brand that Janome bought years and years ago.
Janome makes most of the other brands that are out there, so I figured I'd just go to the source.
Plus, I sought out a Janome dealer that will give me good local service and free lessons for life.
My Janome is so different from my old Singers. All the features that used to drive me up the wall on the Singer are incredibly easy to use on the Janome.
Singer actually hasn't been in the sewing machine business since the 1970's. They are in the defense business now. Anything with the Singer name on it now is made by someone else, not the original Singer company.
Berna
Good info Berna, thank you.
Janome gave me major grief and nearly ruined a couple of projects, the first time while still in warranty. Husqvarna Viking never ceases to amaze me. Many of the brand names now are not different companies. Find a reputable dealer, look for classes, trunk shows and other special events, our city runs 'people's choice awards every year' - look for that kind of recommendation. I thought I could do anything with a sewing machine (okay, the Singer long bobbin wouldn't zig zag but you get the idea) but I've learned tons from my Husqvarna dealer. The new machines do so much more than my 70's vintage Singer so I think the dealer support thing is really important now.
Feismom;
Is this information for me? I have several machines and am happy with all of them, have a great dealer, and extensively research all of the machines that I buy. I am glad that you love Husq, and hope that you get many years of sewing enjoyment from it.
T.
No, for the original poster.
Feismom;
Ok, you had me a little confused for a moment there. You may select the person whom you are posting to from the list of persons in the arrow box above your text when you respond to a post. This way, the original poster will be informed that you have added your valuable opinion to his/her question.
Sew on!!
T.
sorry
No apology needed at all hon. In fact, I like to get messages here. Just wanted to help get the info to the people it was intended for. Please keep posting.
Even though my newest and newly loved machines are Designer SEs I do have two Janome machines........great sewing machines. My biggest reason for change was to have a dealership that would teach me how to use the machine and do embroidery. If not for that, I probably would have gotten a Janome high end machine. The 11000 looks awesome......however, my petty cash fund is miserably low........no more machines for me at least in this lifetime!
I sewed tons of things with my Janomes and never had a lick of trouble. Great little machines. That's what I got the granddaughter that is into sewing.......both the machine and a serger. Elaborate birthday and Christmas gifts last year!! But hey.......she's doing sewing and loving it. We MUST keep the tradition alive.
Crazy K
Wow!!! Can I be your grand daughter next Christmas?? Lol. It is wonderful that you have shared your enthusiasm of sewing with your grand daughter. I am sure she will benefit greatly from your years of knowledge.
Yes, she could benefit from my years of experience except that she lives in Texas and me in Minnesota! Not an easy afternoon drive for a visit!! We have been there and she here but not often and not for very long..............not long enough to really get into the sewing thing. When here there are too many other relatives to see so it was just a quick lesson on her new Christmas gift, the serger. Good that she's a fast learner as we didn't have much time. From Texas they're talking Alaska again. She's an Army 'brat' and her daddy is a career man due to retire soon. So far, Jess is doing great on her own and with a couple of girlfriends. They are sewing for the drama club at school and making some of their own clothes. They're learn as I did.........by trial and error!! I do send her mags (Sew Sylish) and I will be soon forwarding some books and CD's that I bought.
K
Aww, it is sad that you get so little time with your grandchildren, perhaps their travels will bring them closer to you in the future. It is obvious to me, however, that your love and support spans the distance between you all and brings you closer in spirit.
T.
I love my Janome also, but what is the 300 you talked about?
Hi Minnie,
The Janome 300e is an embroidery-only machine. The newer version is 350e; here is a link to it on the Janome website: http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Embroidery/MC350E It is pretty much the same machine, but does have a few more bells & whistles than my 300e.
I had my Janome 4800 for a couple of years and really liked it, so when I decided to get an embroidery machine, I got the 300e. It's nice to have separate machines--you can sew on one while the other embroiders. In researching several brands, I liked the Janome features, and the dealer included the Customizer software and the Clothsetter (it helps align the fabric in the hoop) in the package price.
Which Janome machine do you have? I see on your profile that you're a new member. Welcome aboard!
Vickie
I have the Janome Quilters Choice, 4800 series. I love it! It sews such a nice stitch but there are a few things I would change. Like being able to do words and designs continually without having to reprogram everything. I had a ceramic kiln that I traded for a Brother embroidery machine and it worked well. Then I saw a Disney, by Brother, sewing and embroidery machine for $300. I got it but wonder if I made a mistake. It has the cassette threading system, it works but I worry about the future. It is also choosy about what thread it takes. I still love my Janome and use it most.
M
Thanks Berna. I'll add that to my research. There is something special about those old Singers! I'm borrowing a Viking Husquavarna from a friend in the meantime and this has the clear bobbin window which is a plus feature.
I love my Vikings! I have the Rose, Designer1, and Huskylock 936. They are sturdy, no vibrations, so many features.
I suggest you go to the websites for the major brands and see what all they have. Test drive as much as possible. Compare machines, warranty, free classes, support.
Check out www.patternreview.com they have alot of machine reviews by owners.
Good luck in your search and take your time deciding! Mary
I bought my Viking after reading this article, and picking which machine had the most features of what I was looking for and in my price ranged. I have been totally satisfied. I also "test drove" it several times at the dealers, and visited it a couple of times. I have had not one moment of regret.
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00133.asp
Most responses from members will be about the brand they use. Same for me, because that is the only hands-on experience I have. I would recommend Bernina, Baby Lock and Brother in that order.
Hopefully, there may be response from someone who has sales experience and is familiar with several brands. Many machines are made by the same company and have the same general features.
I have found that the best thing to do, is make a list of things you would like in a new machine. Include price if it is a factor..
Use this list when you visit dealers. Ask them which machines will do what you want and ask to test drive the machine.
Once you have made a decision, choose the dealer that gave you the best service.
Dealers should give "new owner lessons" on the use of the machine.
The new beauties have some features that have not changed over the years, and some of the new features are so great you will wonder how you managed all these years without them!
Good luck and happy shopping!
Edited 6/20/2007 9:43 pm ET by spicegirl1
I have 3 Brother embroidery machines and I love them. Brother and Baby lock machines are made by the same company, and are basicly the same machine. I teach classes in both a brother store and a Bernina store, and I like the Brother better. But I think its all what your use to.
Pam
Whoa! Thanks for all your replies! I suppose a lot of it comes down to personal preference, and I have to admit I'm leaning towards Bernina again as I loved my machine. But there's clearly not a cut-and-dried answer and I appreciate hearing what you look for, and find, in different brands.
There's one consideration I haven't't seen mentioned. Really get to know your local sewing store. Which one seems to offer what you feel you might need. Things like classes to learn interesting things about your sewing machine. Also service is something to consider. A new sewing machine is something your going to want to learn more about. You want a local store to have informed staff for answering both the small and the large questions. Plus, hopefully the repair guy has been on the staff for a good long time.
Best Wishes, Toria
I didn't have to replace my 18 year old Bernina, but I chose to because there were some features I knew newer machines had that I wanted (wider zigzag being one - I use it for elastic as I make my daughter a lof of her underwear). I've been lucky to work in a shop that sells many different machines & had a chance to sew with them. There are some low end Brother's that I like, but I am truely addicted to the Viking Designer machines. Having sewen at home with Bernina's for 30 years I really want the EUropean quality & standards that I don't see in Oriental made machines. (I'm also picky about my needles, my litchen knives & the kind of cars that I drive) For the features I want it seems I always have to go top of the line & Bernina didn't do it for me anymore. Because I knew what I was after I shopped second hand on ebay & got a great deal on a Husqvarna VIking designer (non embroidery). They seem so much simpler than Bernina for stitch set up & I was lucky to get more accesories than I will ever use.
Good luck - it's never easy choosing between so many good choices
Hi......I think I must 'jump in' here.... I started sewing with a 1950's version Pfaff. It was a wonderful machine but it didn't have the stretch stitches. It did have cams that I never did figure out!! ha ha (that was operator error!) I put sewing on the back burner for a few years and then decided that a new machine was in order if I was going to sew all these cute little knit things when grandkids came along. I got a Janome 3000. It was grand and I sewed for many hours with it for several years. Then I got a 'bug'....the bug to do machine embroidery. I bought a Janome 9000........great sewing machine but I didn't get the software (was told I didn't need it!) and refused to pay for the memory cards.......very expensive and collections that just didn't turn my crank! Anyway..........I stopped in (bad move!!) at our local Husqvarna dealership and inquired about a 'good, easy to operate embroidery machine'. I came home with a Designer I.....took the classes and was hooked. Then when the one year rolled around, I traded up for the Designer SE...........and then bought a second one!! I do love the Designer SEs..........the lights are like runway lights and it has more power than the D-1. I love them. I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the things those machines can do...............now, if they would only cook and do laundry........
O.K............there you have my nickel's worth!!
Crazy K