Machine Recommendation Request
#1
Help! I'm a brand new quilter. I just made my first quilt for my baby granddaughter (Tumbling Blocks) on my Jem Gold. I'd like to do more quilting and want a machine that will let me get fancier with the actual quilting (knee lift, drop feed dog, needle down, etc). I want something with room to grow but without a bunch of things that I'll never use. I also don't want to spend more than $500 (less is better :!: ). Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Carolyn
Thanks,
Carolyn
#3
Thanks! I copied it from a picture in a quilt book, so I didn't really use a pattern. A friend of mine told me how to piece it together with parallelograms and triangles in top to bottom strips. I appliqued it to the backing to avoid piecing into all of the ends. The trick was to figure out which fabrics were light medium and dark.
#5
Find a janome dealer or bernina dealer or any dealer and look at their trade ins and used machines. A machine that cost 6000 last year might only be 2500 this year. same goes for cheaper ones. Also if your just starting out check out Hancocks or Joann. I got a janome at hancocks for cheap. And it is smooth and quiet and has needle up down.
#9
Gosh, you're a natural. Great job on the quilt and I can't wait to see what you do next.
As far as the machine, do lots of research and look at the trade-ins dealers have to offer. That can really lower the price. Good luck and let us know what you end up with! :D :D
As far as the machine, do lots of research and look at the trade-ins dealers have to offer. That can really lower the price. Good luck and let us know what you end up with! :D :D
#10
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 25
When you go to test sew machines, take several pairs (about 8 inch square will do) of your own fabric to test with, that are the type you plan to sew. A lot of dealers show sewing on a stiff piece of buchram-type material that does nothing to show what you really want to sew.
Take several pairs into each shop. On the squares, sew a few rows of stitches, straight and decorative stitches you think you will use. Then sew a pair together using the machine's 1/4 inch seam foot or mark on the baseplate.
As soon as you are back in your car, mark on your test patches with a permanent marker, the brand/model of machine, and any other info you liked or disliked about the machine, and the price.
When you get home, press and measure your piece to check the (accurate) 1/4 inch seam.
Take several pairs into each shop. On the squares, sew a few rows of stitches, straight and decorative stitches you think you will use. Then sew a pair together using the machine's 1/4 inch seam foot or mark on the baseplate.
As soon as you are back in your car, mark on your test patches with a permanent marker, the brand/model of machine, and any other info you liked or disliked about the machine, and the price.
When you get home, press and measure your piece to check the (accurate) 1/4 inch seam.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nickylsf
Main
75
06-12-2011 09:24 AM