NEW Elna Lotus 2012
 

Does anyone have one of these?

I test drove one today, and while $1200 seems steep to me (none of my other machines is younger than 40, let alone computerized), I really loved the way it sewed. So, I did some due diligence and searched online for reviews.

I found a lot of people who didn't like it, but only one of those had ever actually used one. Dislike of those who hadn't used it based on reported features and looks. I did find two who had it and liked it, but as this is a really new machine with a new design, and because I have learned so much from everyone on QB, I thought I would ask the question here.

Anyone have any experience with this machine?

I would love to try the new Elna Lotus machine. I say go for it.

Be sure you try the new Brother Lauren Ashley 2000, the new Janome Horizon, etc. Then you can compare them to the Elna Lotus, especially since you don't regularly sew on a computerized machine.

There may be some additional reviews at http://www.patternreview.com you could check out.

In general, I am not a big Elna fan and, in general, I don't like to get the latest model of anything (such as a car) as it seems there are often bugs that need to be worked out.

I've not tried the machine but I did look it up. I can see some pro's and con's. I do like the needle being centered but at the same time it cuts tremendous into the throat space.

I have no idea why they moved the needle over and made the throat space smaller. Sorry, but that was just DUMB. We want larger throat areas, not smaller. I suspect this model will not do well.

Ditto what Candace said. I have an original Lotus I would never give up but I am not attracted to this one (even tho my favorite color is blue!). Bear in mind that Elna is not the same Swiss built machine. I think they are owned by Janome so I would expect some similarities.

Interestingly, one of the reviewers (who likes it) has an Original and a New Lotus. She reports that the throat space on the New is actually a hair larger than on the Original! The New is bigger, and the head is enlarged to the left for the recessed spool holder.

I would be doing piecing and general sewing on this, and taking it to class. I don,t need all the bells and whistles, and am looking at my first computerized machine. This has a limited number of built it stitches, and no option to add more. They seem sufficient to me now, but would I want more as my skill level with this type of machine builds?

I looked on line at other machines as suggested by Kathleen, and the ones suggested are way ouside of what I can afford. I am very taken with the new Lotus, but don't want to end up frustrated by the limitations or quirks of a cute-but-maybe-impractical machine!

Trene, as a piecing only machine it may get you by. But I would not want to have it as my main machine for quilting or free motion work, that's for sure! I own 5 vintage Elnas and although this machine is cute, it wouldn't fit my quilting needs.

I do have to agree I would not want this machine as a free motion machine because of the throat space. As you get more experienced with quilting you will find you will NOT use the decorative stitches as much as you think. For one, they take time to stitch out and most quilters don't want to use their time for decorative stitching. Also, they use up A TON of thread, i.e. you will go thru bobbins like water.
As far as a "computerized machine" goes, IMO, the more mechanical machine the better! If you need to "fudge" a bit on those last two stitches in the seam to really HIT THE MARK, a mechanical machine is much more forgiving. Also, if you happen to come to a really thick seam, some of the computerized machines can get out of time trying to sew them. Most mechanical machines have a much stronger motor as well.
I do have the Janome 6600P that has some computerized functions but is forgiving like a mechanical. Here is a list of features I find important for a machine:
Strong, durable motor, knee lift, thread cutter, separate bobbin winding motor, adjustable presser foot pressure, good lighting, ease of use, common bobbin size. What I really DO NOT LIKE about my 6600 is the bobbin. I cannot find bobbins at JoAnn's or Walmart and am forced to buy genuine Janome bobbins.

This is just MY OPINION.