Opinions on BabyLock Jane
 

I am thinking about getting a BabyLock Jane for Christmas. Does anyone have one and what do you think about it? My friend is a BabyLock dealer and is close geographically to me. (5 minutes by car) So the service is not an issue. I know you all love your Juki machines. But, in the name of preserving friendship and shopping local, that is not an option for me at this time. I already have a Viking I love so the Jane would be my at-home piecing machine- and maybe I would do some FMQ with it. What do you Jane owners think about your machines?

Have you tried it out?? I always believe you need to test drive the machine like a car before considering purchasing it. I still am quilting on my old Bernina 1530. I knew I was buying a quality machine back then and no regrets. We should compare between you and me who has the most UFOs. :)

there are 3 user reviews on Sewing Pattern Review, if interested.

Thank you slbram for the "heads up" about Sewing Pattern Review. I went to the site and read the reviews.
Maniac Quilter.. I have tried it out. I liked sewing with it. I realize there is a learning curve with new machines. I think the information I am looking for is about its longevity/reliability and are you glad you purchased it. Were you able to get used to it and did the Jane live up to expectations.

If you plan to free motion quilt on it, then take a quilt sandwich and try it out on it.

I love my Jane! Great for piecing and FMQ. I've had it 2 years - no issues with it at all.

I purchased my Jane in July from my dealer. I love the machine. I have no FMQ skills yet, but I've quilted 3 baby and 2 twin quilts straight line (with and without a walking foot) and I'm very happy with the stitch quality. The bobbin winder is terrific; the noise level is fine, not loud, but she doesn't purr because she's a heavier-duty mechanical girl. Here's what I wish was a little better (but I'm not really complaining just laying out my observations):
You'll struggle a bit loading the bobbin unless you have skinny fingers - it's awkward to get in there.
The needle plate is not completely flat on the bed which causes issues when I'm piecing. So I cut up an old credit card and taped it between the needle plate and the edge of the bed and now the whole surface is the same level.
I cannot figure out the needle threader, and I'm not the only one who says this.

I purchased my machine for $680 which to me is a great price. And oh yes, Jane will sew with any thread I feed her.

I have the Baby lock Elizabeth and the Crescendo, love them both!!!
Haven't tried the Jane but I wouldn't hesitate to buy Babylock again.
Previously I owned 2 Berninas and sold one to buy the Elizabeth. I know several ladies that have bought the Babylock and have never been sorry. Jmho.

Thank you all for your helpful responses about the Jane. I ordered mine today.

I love my Jane! No regrets whatsoever! I had tried out a few machines at a Sewing expo & just loved everything about the Babylock Jane.
Maureen