Help me pick a new machine!
07-27-2020, 06:16 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,910
Sewing machines
I have six different Janome ranging from class machines to the 15000. None of them have been in the shop for service. I have been sewing for 50 years. Started on a Kenmore in 1970.
the price on the Janome are very reasonable compared to all others. The 6600 is a workhorse.....been around for more than a decade. Still selling strong..now that they have a 6700, the 6600 should be much less...but with lots of features. I would stay away from Pfaff for issues and Bernina due to cost of the machines and repair costs. If you are quilting, take a quilt sandwich to a Janome dealer and try it out. Do not buy from a discount store, no matter what the brand. Determine your budget, determine feature use, test drive at dealer. Best wishes in your quest. Enjoy sewing/quilting.
the price on the Janome are very reasonable compared to all others. The 6600 is a workhorse.....been around for more than a decade. Still selling strong..now that they have a 6700, the 6600 should be much less...but with lots of features. I would stay away from Pfaff for issues and Bernina due to cost of the machines and repair costs. If you are quilting, take a quilt sandwich to a Janome dealer and try it out. Do not buy from a discount store, no matter what the brand. Determine your budget, determine feature use, test drive at dealer. Best wishes in your quest. Enjoy sewing/quilting.
07-27-2020, 10:59 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 937
I currently have 3 Pfaff machines; a Select 3.0. Passport 2.0 and a Performance 5.0 and love all of them for different reasons. The thing I love most is the IDT built in walking foot. The Select 3.0 was my first Pfaff and it is mechanical so it is mainly backup, I use the Passport 2.0 for classes and even use it for ruler work and the Performance 5.0 is my primary machine that I have set up in my sewing room it has a throat opening of 9 1/2 inches. I have not have any problems with any of my machines and take for yearly maintenance. One of the biggest reasons I chose Pfaff is I my sewing dealer is only 15 miles from my home and is where I bought my machines from. Your choice of a machine should be based on what your budget is, features you know that you want and need and service of your machine if you have any problems. Test drive machines you are interested in to make sure it is the right fit and you can't go wrong.
07-27-2020, 02:52 PM
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 2
Wow, thank you all for all these great comments… I felt like I was getting the hard-sell from the dealer. They also service all the machines. (Pfaff, janome, Bernina, husqvarna)
He thinks the Bernina bobbin system is not good so steered me away from those... but I sewed on a friends bernina years ago and loved it. All the machines have changed so much since I started sewing, I’m a little bit in the weeds!
He thinks the Bernina bobbin system is not good so steered me away from those... but I sewed on a friends bernina years ago and loved it. All the machines have changed so much since I started sewing, I’m a little bit in the weeds!
07-30-2020, 08:17 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: IN
Posts: 1,807
Welcome to the quiltingboard! I just purchased a Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. It's a lower end machine for that brand. I've heard good things about the Sapphire. Right now it's a bit difficult to get parts as shops are closing and delays due to closings for Covid. I think that may be the case regardless of brand unless you have a well stocked dealer nearby. The other brand I considered was Bernina. In any case, I hope you find the best fit for you and you enjoy it for years to come.
