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My vote, if you want a new machine, is a Juki 98Q. It's all metal, straight stitch with a 9 inch throat and a thread cutter. If I could afford it, I would have two of them. She will live forever, as long as you oil her. She is speedy and has the thread cutter, and self threading feature (though not a low bobbin warning). And is the closest thing i have found to the old workhorses of the past, like a Singer 15-91.
I think online you can find one in the neighborhood of $800. I will NEVER trade mine in for anything. I may get a long arm, but the Juki stays. (along with the 15-91, BTW). |
Originally Posted by IrishNY
I have a Bernina that I love but want to buy a backup machine. I want to spend under $1000, so not top of the line but good quality (remember, I am used to a Bernina ;-) ).
Here's the catch - I don't care about lots of stitches, embroidery, etc. I want a great straight stitch, automatic tension, knee lift, needle up/down, feed dogs that can be dropped. I would love to have a warning about low bobbin thread, automatic thread cutter and self-threading but can live without one or all of these if I have to. And a wide throat space would be wonderful! I've looked at the Janome 6600 but it seems like more machine than I want. The 6500 doesn't have the dual feed and I think I would like that. I don't want a old machine - I know they are basic and well-built. I have a FW and love it but want a backup that stands up to sewing really fast because that's the way I sew. I kind of want to trade off having a zillion extras on the machine for high quality basics. Does such a machine exist? As you can tell, I am really confused about what's out there and I don't have time to check out every type of machine. If I could get a few suggestions from you experts, it would help tremendously. Thanks in advance! ;) ;-) Other than that you pretty much need to go test drive and see what there is. Sort of like buying a car. |
Have you talked to your local Bernina dealer?
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I love Janomes but hate their dual feed system so would suggest the Pfaff with IDT. It is much easier to engage. However, don't know about the auto cut as to what Pfaff has to offer in that regard. Another important consideration is dealer support. That is always a huge factor in my decision!
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I have a Janome QC 5250 that's an amazing workhorse. It has some extra stitches but I don't use them much. The ability to move the needle from extreme left to right ensures I can adjust the 1/4" perfectly. It does not have a built in walking foot but I use an after market one. I like the flexibility that if I don't want to use the walking foot that I can take it completely off. It's an electronic machine but not a 'computerized' machine. Sorry, no thread cutter or bobbin alarm, but you can see the bobbin because it's under a clear top plate.
I have the Horizon too, but with it's computerized brain, it refuses when I ask it to go through too thick seams. Go figure! The QC also has the extension table and tons to special feet that store "on board." For a $1000 budget, you can get a nice Janome machine. |
My friend has several sewing machines, including the Elna Quilter (if that is the name, the one made for quilters) and got a Juki 98Q and it is her favorite machine.
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I thought the same thing as another poster- your Bernina dealer.
Let us know if you find what you're looking for! |
I think the brother pq1500 is what might interest you it even has a knee lift.
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The Brother Nouvelle 1500 has pin feed, everything else 9.5 throat but no bobbin warning. I adore mine.
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I would say look for a gently used Bernina at your Bernina dealer. The new 380 has some of what you want, but is more than what you want to spend.
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