Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 21, 2008 07:49pm | #1

   Hello!  Welcome to the forum!  We have lots of interesting conversations here.  There is lots of information shared that I hope you will enjoy.  Glad to have you join us! 

   I'm sorry that I don't know about that machine.  You can do a "search" here under "new machines" or other headings.  There may be info that will help even if it isn't the same machine. 

   http://www.sewforum.com has sewing machine reviews written by owners that may help also.

   The dealer is important.  Many offer free "know your machine classes", offer trade ups, do factory authorized repairs onsite, etc. 

   I love my Husqvarna Vikings.  I recently helped my mother in law buy a new machine and the Brother NX 450 was perfect for her needs and price range (under $500.00).  I also like the Pfaff models IDT that helps with quilting and layers.  Take your time and be sure you test drive the machines!  Like buying a car, the bells and whistles can be confusing.

   For quilting you'll want a large harp area, some features I like are:  needle up/down setting, automatic stitch securing at start up that can be turned off/on, "cruise control", needle threader, decorative and crazy quilting stitches, a quilting stitch that looks hand qulted, automatic tensions that you can override.

   Best wishes in your search!  I know it is confusing with all the price variations and models out there.  Just take your time and maybe keep a little notebook for comparison.  Mary

1. 
   Barb968 | Mar 23, 2008 12:23am | #5

   Dear Mary,

   Thank you so much for your reply.  This was very helpful.  When I got my current machine 23 years ago, we just went out and bought the simplest Singer I could find.  I will follow your suggestions, and keep a notebook.

    

   Thanks again

   Barb

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 23, 2008 04:11am | #8

   It was much easier to make a purchase when everything was mechanical and we could pretty much understand what we were looking at, there were more honest/eithical business owners I think, and customer service had to be excellent.  But, there was not so many things to choose from.  I do love the new computerized machines for speed and accuracy and ease of use.  They've been around long enough now to have the kinks worked out.  I do think it would be cool to have a career like DamascusAnnie using treadle machines too though!   

   The salespeople will tell you that thier brand is the "best" and will probably try to sell you the "top of the line".   That's why it is so important to really consider what your personal needs and preferences are.  I'm thrilled with my machines.  My dil went the other route and bought one for embroidery only and one for sewing and now wants to upgrade her embroidery machine after a year, they will give her a great deal on her trade up.  She'd love to get a serger too, but that is in the future when thier budget allows.  She got the sewing bug when she lived with me for awhile while my son was stationed overseas.  Don't you love it when good things are contagious?  Mary

2. 
   damascusannie | Mar 21, 2008 08:26pm | #2

   Is your Singer not working well? If it's still working just fine there's absolutely no reason for you to buy another machine just to start quilting. I'm a professional machine quilter and I do all my sewing on treadle machines! My machine quilting head is over 50 years old. Check out what can be done with just a basic straight stitch machine in my webshots albums via the link in my signature line.

1. 
   soupdaloup | Mar 22, 2008 02:59am | #3

   If your interested in quilting maybe look at the Janome 1600p. I've seen it go for as low as $600. Now it only does straight stitch but it does it well.

2. 
   Barb968 | Mar 23, 2008 12:25am | #6

   Dear Annie,

   Unfortunately, my Singer keeps breaking and that's why I want a new machine.  I appreciate the information and I will definitely check out your pictures.

   Thanks,

   BArb

3. 
   Palady | Mar 22, 2008 04:35am | #4

   In answer to your question -

   >> ... Is this considered a chat room?  ... <<

   Possibly symantics to some, but Gatherings, MO, would be considered a Message Board.  Also known as Forums.  A place on the Interent where one posts and then receives replies.  

   Chat rooms are more immediate exchanges of commentary between people on the Interenet.

   Again MO, Message Boards are less risky than Chat Rooms, because on most one has to "join" and it's more likely posts are monitored. 

   Members have offered you timely suggestion to your inquiry.  Please post and let us know your deicision.

   Me

1. 
   Barb968 | Mar 23, 2008 12:26am | #7

   Thanks everyone-I'm still getting the hang of this.  I'm going to go to the other sewing store in my area, hopefully with more intelligent questions this time.  I will let you all know.

   Barb

4. 
   Betakin | Mar 23, 2008 08:30am | #9

   Barb, the LE at the end of the model number stands for Limited Edition. You might wish to check on line reviews by owners of this model at PatternReview.com. Most Janomes and the Sears (Janome made) Kenmore brands get very favorable reviews.

   Janome also makes Elna machines and has for years and Janome is now the mother company of Elna USA. Janome also makes machines for other companys including the Pfaff Grand Quilter and Viking Mega Quilter. If you are interested in quilting you might wish to check these models out also. The Pfaff GQ and Viking MQ are large bed straight stitch only models and will be more expensive than the Janome model you have been deciding on. Janome also has 3 large bed straight stitch only quilter models with the Janome name.  

   I own several machines of different makes and several Janome products and feel Janome machines are of excellent quality and techs say they need little repairs compared to many brands.  

    

1. 
   Barb968 | Mar 26, 2008 12:48am | #10

   Thanks so much for your input.  I ended up buying a machine today.  I got a Janome and the salesperson was terrific.  This will be my first computerized machine and I can't wait to start using it.  I am having a class at the stores in two weeks which will simplify everything.  I got a great price-not the machine I originally looked at, but this one is more in keeping with what I have in mind.

    

   Thanks again everyone.

   BArb

1. 
   Betakin | Mar 26, 2008 01:37am | #11

   Congrats on your new Janome. You are going to love the large smooth stitches and the 7 piece feed. I hope you get back with us and let us know what you think of it. Have fun.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 26, 2008 07:53pm | #12

   Hooray!!!  Great news!  I'm so glad to hear that you have your new machine!  Happy stitching!!!  Be sure to practice a bit and read the manual so you know what questions to ask at your class.  It's so exciting to have a new machine.  Mary

1. 
   Barb968 | Mar 27, 2008 12:34am | #13

   Believe it or not, I just got the manual in the mail from the store-I'm picking up the machine at the class.  the saleswoman asked me to read it before the class!  I'm really excited.

    

   Thanks everyone

   Barb

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Mar 27, 2008 01:12am | #14

   Maybe you can try some different threads in the needle and bobbin to see how the tensions are and such, maybe some decorative stitches with a stabilizer or tissue paper underneath, buttonholes come to mind...things that people typically have questions about with different machines. 

   I bet you can't wait for your class!  Let us know how it goes! It sounds as if you have a good dealer!  Hope so!  Hope you love it, love it, love it!!! 

3. 
   VKStitcher | Apr 07, 2008 10:40pm | #16

   Congratulations on your purchase!  Which model did you buy?  I have a Janome 4800, and I love it.  I also have the 300e embroidery-only machine.  I think Janomes are a lot of machine for the money, and they stitch beautifully.  Have fun with your new machine!

1. 
   Barb968 | Apr 07, 2008 10:51pm | #17

   Thanks for the congrats.  It's called "The Heart Truth Machine", model HY2008LE.  It's pretty simple from what I saw of the others I looked at, but just what I need.  There are 40 someodd stiches (I'm used to 3!).  This should keep  me busy!

    

   Thanks again for all your good wishes and your assistance.

    

   Barb

1. 
   VKStitcher | Apr 08, 2008 12:08am | #18

   Your machine has a lot of the same features that mine has.  You'll love the automatic buttonholer--just place a button in the buttonhole foot, and the machine will stitch the perfect size buttonhole every time!  Happy sewing!  :-)

2. 
   Barb968 | Apr 09, 2008 02:37am | #20

   I was so excited when I saw the automatic buttonholer-I have to make something just to use it.  My old Singer just had a zig-zag stich and the buttonholes were awful-I had to do them by hand.  I'm really looking forward to this.

    

   Barb

5. 
   alliemagoo | Apr 02, 2008 04:17am | #15

   I too am in the market for a new machine.Which Janome model did you decide on? How do you like your new machine & how did you decide on that model? I'm hoping to be exiced as you soon. Thanks...

6. 
   sltboop | Apr 09, 2008 01:52am | #19

   could some one any one help me i have a chance to buy a babylock ellageo bll it is 2 yrs old i have a phaff 2144 &genome 8000 would it be as good a machine as my phaff .thank.s from canada .