Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
I got sucked in . . . :(  UPDATED - >

I got sucked in . . . :( UPDATED -

I got sucked in . . . :( UPDATED -

Old 04-04-2008, 12:28 PM
  #21  
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 56
Default

That sounds about right to me for a good tune-up. I think it's worth it if you think of it like this; changing the oil in your car is, say, $30...replacing the engine is $3000.

You buy a really good machine, but if you don't take GOOD care of it, it's not worth all the money you paid for it.

And I agree with you about letting go of your machine...just the thought puts me on the verge of panic. So my solution is to take her (the machine) to the dealer for her preventive maintainence while I'm out of state on vacation, and make sure I get back home early enough to pick her up before I go back to the apartment.
QUILTNUT is offline  
Old 04-04-2008, 12:33 PM
  #22  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,962
Default

I took my Janome MC 7000 in for servicing, the first time in 23 years and it cost me 60 dollars. The guy oiled the sponges in the motor, adjusted my feed dogs and re calibrated it.

I have a small compressor for upholstery work and once a month I used it to blow the lint out of all the nooks and crannies, other than that I didn't do anything special to it and I didn't get loops on the back when doing free motion. My Janome now enjoying retirement, watching my Pfaff sew. :)
Shadow Dancer is offline  
Old 04-04-2008, 01:13 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Oh.
Posts: 781
Default

Dancer, you didn't! You did not retire that machine. I have loved mine from day one and recently found one exactly like it. I plan to use the new one and give the much used one to a daughter. The newer one shows very little sign of usage. Mine is work worn, but not tired! I have read that they are one of the most reliable macines New Home/Janome ever made. I believe it!

June
june6995 is offline  
Old 04-06-2008, 08:11 PM
  #24  
Super Member
 
wraez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Adelanto, CA
Posts: 4,044
Default

Hi,

I also have a Janome 6500 and love it but I agree about the thread, Coats and Clark just isn't the best quilting thread. Use a good one in bobbin and on top. My favorite bobbin thread is Superior's Bottom Line....very thin, durable and a filled bobbin seems to last forever. It can also be used on the top.

For the top thread I like Superior's King Tut, but my favorite cuz the price is wonderful and the thread is awesome... Connecting Threads Essential. There are 1200yds to a spool and you can buy it in 'sets' of 10-15 spools and they are less than $2 each! Egyptian Long Staple Cotton, does not knot up, no fuzzing lint. Check it out online. Not available in stores. http://www.connectingthreads.com/essential+quilting+thread+sets_EL600901.html

Hope this is helpful.

let us know what you end up using. Some machines don't like certain threads. Since we both have a Janome, you might consider my recommendations.

sue
wraez is offline  
Old 04-07-2008, 02:25 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 616
Default

sue - i will consider your recommendations. will check out the on-line options as soon as i finish this post. so far i've only looked at the gutterman at jo-anns. haven't had a chance to do further research.

thanks a bunch!

*i just looked. i have a horizontal spool pin on my machine. how do i change it? or can i? this thread looks WONDERFUL!
fabricluvr is offline  
Old 04-07-2008, 03:07 AM
  #26  
Super Member
 
Quilting Aggi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Posts: 2,605
Default

Originally Posted by june6995
Aggi, I read somewhere not to use compressed air on a computer key board because it forces dust and dirt into crevices where it should not go. I have applied that same rule to the sewing machine. What do you think about this idea? Is it possible it could be driving the dust and fuzz someplace where it could cause damage? I am not sure about it myself, but decided to take the precaution. I have never had a repair on my machine that is close to 25 years old. We all follow our own rules and that is OK..Whatever works!

June
you point the nozzle away from the main computer components, so to the left of the machine where it wouldnt' cause the damage. I asked that same question to the woman who offered the class. She services machines for a living. I figured she would have the right answers. By pointing the nozzle that way the lint will keep away from where we don't want it.
Quilting Aggi is offline  
Old 04-07-2008, 06:38 AM
  #27  
Super Member
 
Bill'sBonBon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Okeechobee, Florida
Posts: 1,076
Default

Hi Patty,
I know what you are talking about the cost of cleaning a machine. The nicks on your plate is somethng you can take care of yourself. There is a very fine sand paper you can use and it smooths out the nicks and burs you get from learning to use your machine. I ordered mine form Clotilda's catalog not to expensive and it does the job. I use a set of craft paint brushes to clean my machine. they are really small and some are flat so you can get in places otherwise you couldnt. Long handles help a lot too. good luck Bonnie
Bill'sBonBon is offline  
Old 04-07-2008, 07:19 AM
  #28  
Super Member
 
wraez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Adelanto, CA
Posts: 4,044
Default

Gee, great question and unfortunately I don't know the answer, my Janome has 2 vertical spool pins! Do you have those plastic round things that push onto the pin to hold the thread on, wouldn't that work? Or isn't there room on the pin for a large spool? I've seen those metal stands that people use for the really big spools.

My best suggestion is to call your closest Janome dealer or maybe ask at JoAnn's but in the sewing machine center there if they have one. That is where I buy my Superior thread, at JoAnn's in the sewing machine center, not in the normal thread area of JoAnn's. I've gotten better prices of Superior Threads when they are at the big quilt shows, they offer better deals and you can ask questions in person, see a whole wall of sample stitches of all their threads.

I think you will be so pleased with the Connecting Threads Essential, the price is wonderful and so is the thread. I got the 'bright' collection and planning on getting either the neutral or the spring set.

best of luck!

PS, I'm originally from the Canton/Akron Ohio area, I see you are in NW OH

sue
wraez is offline  
Old 04-07-2008, 07:42 AM
  #29  
Super Member
 
wraez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Adelanto, CA
Posts: 4,044
Default

Hi Again,

Thought you might like this link to Cindy Needham, she does all her own quilting and uses Superior Thread. Her specialty is quilting vintage linens. she was our guild's guest speaker 2 wks ago and her work is phenomenal, unfortunately the photos in her website just don't do her work justice. She was the featured artist at Road to California Quilt Show in January and I walked right past her and her exhibit...duh, a lost opportunity!

http://www.cindyneedham.com When you look at her gallery of photos, click on a photo and there will be a series of photos to look at. I missed that the 1st time I looked, I thought it was only 1 photo.

Ladies, if you have vintage linens in drawers with no idea what to do with them, Cindy's website will give you an idea. It doesn't matter if they are stained, have holes or in anyway damaged. she recommends instead of tossing them to somehow use them even if it is on the back as the hanging sleeve or label. I don't think there any photos of her sleeves but she uses the lace ends of old pillowcases for her sleeves and they look stunning.

sue
wraez is offline  
Old 04-08-2008, 06:38 AM
  #30  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 616
Default

well, i picked up my machine yesterday (monday). WHAT A DIFFERENCE! i free-motion quilted my name as practice (just like before) and it was beautiful! I guess the $90 is worth it! but may try to stretch it to every other year. now that my kenmore is working nicely, i can switch out!

i'm off to my free-motion quilting class tonight! got some fancy-schmancy machine quilting thread (one spool, just enough until i can order some of the 'essential thread').
fabricluvr is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
picture09
Main
65
03-12-2011 08:04 AM
ButtercreamCakeArtist
Pictures
86
02-26-2010 02:53 AM
pam1966
Main
99
10-25-2009 01:43 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter