patchythepirate

I sew on a Janome Memory Craft 3500 that I've had for around 9 years. It has been an good machine and more than capable with any task I've thrown at it. I've been thinking about buying a new machine and while I was in the store I saw a really cute new Janome machine called The Threadbanger. It seems like a great machine for anyone starting out and is geared towards the home crafter as opposed to a garment maker. It retailed at the store for 699.00 but I thought it was overpriced so I'll bet you can find one elsewhere for a lot less. Good Luck and bless you for supporting your lucky wife in her new hobby!

retrogirl02

ThomasR,

My wonderful husband purchased a machine as a surprise for me also. I was not quite ready to give up my old Kenmore but it was in for servicing and I was without machine over my birthday a couple years ago. It was a very sweet idea and I probably never would have spent the money on it for myself. That being said, I wish that I had more info about the machine and classes to learn how to use it. Now that some time has passed, I am able to use more of the functions but not all I'm sure.

I imagine the budget was about the same as yours for your wife. Please make sure that you purchase a walking foot if she's interested in machine quilting & not just piecing. I hand quilt and machine piece so I'm ok without one but for smaller projects wish I had one. Also, it should have a quarter inch foot which also didn't come with mine. He was told it was a "quilters machine" but it's a standard machine by "Kenmore" who no longer makes their own machines. I had an old Janome embroidery machine and think my "Kenmore" is actually a Janome also. Several pieces from my old Janome are interchangeable with this one.

I would make quite sure that it is exactly what she wants or let her pick it out. And Kudos to you for being such a great guy trying to make such a thoughtful purchase & encouraging your wife's talents.

retrogirl02

Just read that you purchased the Kenmore for her. How fantastic for her. It will take a while, don't fret in learning the machine. I have a slightly older model and am not sure if they're made by Janome this year (I heard that Kenmore purchases from several companies). Assuming yours came with a video, be sure that you hang on to it....I just watched it again and picked up SO much I missed when I first bought it. Best of luck with the machine. Happy Sewing!!

GailG

Well, welcome Birdie. How could you keep silent for so long? I thought that I would do the same, but sometimes I just can't help getting in on the action. I have learned so much already.

GailG

OK, can anyone tell me why my posts always have the box "Edit" next to the "quote" box? I don't notice that on anyone else's posts. I'm such a duck when it comes to the 'puter.

quiltingcarol

I have 2 Elnas - Quilter's Dream and Pro Quilter's Dream - LOVE both of them. They are very friendly user - very little maintenance and can be serviced easily. Not overpriced for the product you are getting. They were endorsed by Eleanor Burns who now endorses Baby Locke who is owned by the same co. WHAT an endorsement. Need any other advice or questions contact me [email protected] MY next machine will also be an Elna - I'm just waiting now for a larger throat area.

k9colliedog

Hello Mr. Tom. Greetings from England. Since my hands no longer can do my quilting, I invested earlier this year in a Janome QC (quilters companion) and it does everything except the washing up. I got a very good deal from my supplier who gave me extra feet including the 1/4inch and walking foot. I did a lot of research before I settled on this one, and I paid £289 for it. Sorry I can't convert in dollars. Hope this is useful, put together with all the other advice you are getting. Sylvia

christina bennett

For sewing blocks,I love my White brand machine. It was bought in 1992.
The sales person told my husband that it was a true basic model that would run and run like a timex. I did not know that these things needed service and in 2005 I had it cleaned and checked. NO PROBLEMS.
I sew every day for a few hours. Trying to sew a straight Line :wink:
It helps my mind to be busy.
This is not a fancy machine with all the bells and whistles ,just a machine that keeps running no matter what I have tried to sew. I am self taught and that can be hard on a machine too.
Good Luck,Find one that makes you feel comfortable,and most sales places offer some help on how it works.
chrissy b

KayBee

JANOME! Currently have 5 machines and if I could have only one in your price range I would select a Janome. BUT, go to an authorized dealer for purchase. The deal will almost always be better than anywhere else, they can explain all machine options, you can test drive machine, many offer free to very inexpensive classes, and and repair service is always available.

fktsewing

Although I now have a Husqvarna Viking which I love, for the price range you want--I do recommend Sears Kenmore machines. My husband bought me one when our daughter was 6 months old and I still have it & it works just fine. My grandaughter is now learning on it. It is sturdy, easy to use and does both piecing and quilting wonderfully. Just make sure to get the quilting needles to do the quilting and use the regular ones for piecing.