newestnana

I like to make Vera Bradley style handbags, often with prequilted material, but sometimes with fabrics I layer and quilt myself. By the time I've added the outside pocket, inside pocket, handles (which can end up being four layers of batting and 8 layers of fabric), my machine has trouble with the thickness and likes to skip stitches. For some reason, it's not consistent -- some bags go together without a hitch and others are a nightmare, and I can't really figure out why this is the case.

I have a Janome 6600p and have also gotten out my 35-year old Kenmore. Even using heavy needles (like size 16 denim), trying the Acufeed (walking) foot or standard foot, the problems recur.

Is it possible I should get a simple (no fancy stitches or features needed) but heavy duty machine? I know they work well on tough fabrics like canvas, but am not sure whether they would also be best for my purpose.

I'd much appreciate your comments and suggestions!

Am attaching pictures of a bag I completed last night...but am not satisfied with the look of the topstitching since I had to go over it so many times that it doesn't have a neat look. By the time I finished it I was so frustrated that I was maybe a little sloppy with the finishing details :-(